Bridle Trails State Park

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Located on the outskirts of Bellevue, Wash., a few miles northeast of Seattle, Wash.
Sometimes called "the wilderness in the city," this park is a popular getaway destination for Seattle residents. The park is known for its riding trails and summer weekend horse shows.

For more up to date information, visit the Bridle Trails page on the state parks web site.
 

Park Overview

Bridle Trails State Park, a 482-acre day-use park, is well-known for its horse trails and equestrian shows. The forested park is on the northeast edge of the Seattle metropolitan area.

Marine Park: No

Park Hours

Summer: 6:30 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.

The park is open year-round for day use only.

Significant History

The park has been under state ownership since the 1880s. By the 1930s, the area was popular as a place for horseback riding, and a trail system had been developed by community riding enthusiasts. Concerned about protecting the land, citizens petitioned the state legislature to make Bridle Trails a state park. The petition was granted, and today local groups, especially those with equestrian interests, work hard to maintain and improve the facility.

The park's two largest horse shows are "C" rated hunter-jumper shows, one the third weekend in May and the other the fourth weekend in June.

Major Landmarks

The park is a lowland forest, typical of the vegetation which once covered Puget Sound. The woods abound in Douglas-fir and western hemlock, with some western red cedar, big-leaf maple, and alder mixed in.

Directions provided by the state parks department are given below the map, or you can try to have google create the directions from the coordinates we have on file.

Directions

Northbound:
Take exit #17 off of I-405. At end of off-ramp, turn right and head south on 116th Ave. NE. At four-way stop, continue straight ahead. The park entrance is located at the first opening in the trees on the left.

Southbound:
Take exit #17 off of I-405. At end of off-ramp, turn right and cross over freeway. At the first light, turn right again. Head south on 116th Ave. NE. At the four-way stop, continue straight ahead. The park entrance is located at the first opening in the trees on your left .
MammalsBirdsFish & Sea LifePlantlife
GeneralTrailsFreshwater ActivitiesSaltwater Activities
Swimming
28 mi. of Horse Trails
28 mi. of Hiking Trails
Horseback riding and horse shows are the two activities most common in the park. Horse trails double as hiking trails, though horses have the right of way. Joggers are asked to "speak up" when overtaking horses on trails. Horses must not be left unattended. The park does not provide a horse rental concession.

Picnic Notes

The park provides 30 picnic tables, two stoves, four braziers, water and a restroom. Picnic sites are first-come, first-served.

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