Quote of the Month:

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens

Bridle Trails State Park

Parent Category: Washington Parks & Refuges
Created: 27 January 2017

 Photo taken at Bridle Trails State Park, King County, Eastside

 Address:   Bridle Trails State Park
 5300 116th Ave. N.W.
 Kirkland, WA 98033
 Phone:   425-649-4275
 Hours:   Summer: 6:30 a.m. - dusk
 Winter: 8 a.m. - dusk
 Acreage:   482
 GPS Coordinates:   N 47 39.321  W 122 11.134
 Visitor’s Information:   Discover Pass Required
 Dogs allowed on a leash


Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour along the park trails. Enjoy the beauty of wild terrain!

Photo taken at Bridle Trails State Park, King County, Eastside
Description:
        Activities:

· Hiking
· Horse riding
· Jogging
· Bird watching
· Interpretive activities
· Wildlife viewing

      Amenities / Facilities:

- Restroom
- Small picnic area (including tables and barbeques)
- Horse-show grounds (three arenas, judges stand, bleaches)
- Parking lot for horse-trailers

 

Bridle Trails State Park is 482 acres of forested territory amidst the Eastside urban area. Located between Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond this wild terrain is a real “natural haven” for the city dwellers allowing the escape from everyday hustle of an urban life.

The present day territory of the park is a part of the lands (which occupied almost 640 acres) which were granted to the State of Washington in 1889 to be used for the upkeep of local public schools. Part of the lands was used for logging and lumbering, and part of the lands was sold to various individuals. 

But the park was a place fancied by horseback-riders and in virtue of their requests and petitions the actual Bridle Trails State Park was established in 1932. Since then and until now this state park is in top list of equestrian parks located to the west of Mississippi, hosting lots of horse-shows and other events. For this purposes you can find here facilities designated for various horse related events. But it should be noted that though being ideal for horseback riding, there are no horse rentals in the park.

Photo taken at Bridle Trails State Park, King County, Eastside

Bridle Trail State Park is a beloved place not only for equestrians, but also for hikers, trail runners and those who are fond of spending time outdoors with their four legged friends as the leashed dogs are allowed at this beautiful state park. A great number of various events (among which are running festivals, art and educational programs, etc.) are held at the park annually, and 28 miles of trails meandering through a dense conifer forest of Western (or Pacific) Redcedars, Douglas firs and other conifers give a great opportunity for park visitors to relax and soak in the peacefulness and quietness of nature. 

Photo taken at Bridle Trails State Park, King County, Eastside

Among the numerous side trails of the park there are three well-maintained and well-marked trails of different length. They are one-mile long Raven Trail, the largest Coyote Trail running for 3,5 miles along the perimeter of Bridle Trail State Park, and 1,7 miles Trillium Trail, which is actually an interpretive trail having numerous stands scattered along it and telling the cultural and natural history of the state park, how biological diversity develops in the forest, and how an urban forest can be protected against the invasion of non-native plants.

Photo taken at Bridle Trails State Park, King County, Eastside

The only thing that reminds about civilization, while you are in the woods of this beautiful park, are the power towers of the Seattle City Light Power Line.

It should be also mentioned that bicycles and any motorized vehicles are prohibited in this park. The park is not designated for camping, only for a day-time use.

 

These picture were taken on September 28, 2016

Map:

In order to get directions click on the link below

 

Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Juliana Voitsikhovska

Information: Svetlana Baranova

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