Bridle Trails State Park
About
What It Is
Bridle Trails State Park is a 489-acre public recreation area situated between the Eastside cities of Kirkland and Redmond in King County, Washington, with its primary entrance at 5300 116th Ave. NE, Kirkland. [2] Established in 1932 and developed in 1933 through the Civil Works Administration, the park was created largely through the advocacy of local equestrian communities and is regarded as one of the top equestrian parks west of the Mississippi. [1][2] Its forested landscape contrasts sharply with the dense suburban and urban development immediately surrounding it. [2]
Activities & Experiences
The park offers 28 miles of unpaved trails open to equestrians, hikers, walkers, and runners through a lowland forest dominated by Douglas firs and Western hemlocks. [1][2] Three signed hiking trails of varying length are available: the Raven Trail (approximately 1 mile), the Trillium Trail (approximately 1.7 miles), and the Coyote Trail (approximately 3.5 miles), which forms a loop around the park. [1][2] The Bridle Crest Trail provides bicycle and pedestrian access connecting the park to Marymoor Park and the Sammamish River Trail in Redmond, linking Bridle Trails to the broader Mountains to Sound Greenway. [2] Additional activities include bird watching, geocaching, metal detecting, and wildlife viewing, with seasonal wildflowers also present. [1]
Four outdoor equestrian arenas host frequent horse shows and organized riding events. [1][2] The park also features pull-through parking designed to accommodate horse trailers, and a picnic area with barbecue access, tables, water, and restrooms. [1]
Practical Access
The primary entry point is off 116th Avenue NE, where a parking lot requires a Discover Pass: a one-day pass costs USD 10 and an annual pass costs USD 45. [1][2] Summer hours run from 6:30 a.m. to dusk; winter hours begin at 8:00 a.m., and some areas close entirely during the off-season. [1][2] The park is day-use only and does not offer camping. [1][2] Accessible restrooms, ADA buildings, and drinking water are available on site. [1]
Restrictions
The park is day-use only; camping is not permitted. [2] Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trails within the park, though the Bridle Crest Trail does permit cycling as a connector route. [1][2] Dogs must remain on leash at all times; off-leash dogs are prohibited given the volume of horse traffic and associated safety risks. [1][2] Horses have the right-of-way on all trails, and pedestrians are required to step just off the trail and remain still to allow equestrians to pass. [1][2] A Level 2 Burn Ban was in effect as of September 2026, restricting wood fires to designated fire pits; gas and propane are permitted, and charcoal may be restricted. [1]
What Makes It Distinctive
Bridle Trails is considered one of the premier equestrian parks west of the Mississippi, a distinction unusual for an urban-edge state park. [1] Its 28-mile trail network through intact lowland forest creates a markedly different environment from the dense suburban neighborhoods immediately outside its boundaries. [2] The park's connection via the Bridle Crest Trail to Marymoor Park and the Mountains to Sound Greenway extends its reach well beyond its own 489 acres, making it a meaningful node in a regional trail network. [2] Its origins in Civil Works Administration labor and equestrian community advocacy give it a historical character that distinguishes it from more recently developed parks in the region. [2]
Sources
- Open year-round
- Typical duration: 2h
Access & fees
- day-use parking one-day pass
- discover pass annual
Things to do
- bird watching
- cycling via bridle crest trail
- geocaching
- hiking and walking
- horseback riding
- metal detecting
- wildlife viewing
Before you go
- burn ban in effect
- equestrian right-of-way
- picnic area busy on show weekends
Amenities
- accessible restrooms
- drinking water on site
- picnic area
Best time to visit
- seasonal wildflowers
Events & seasons
- horse shows
Features
- 28 miles of trails
- 489-acre forested park
- established 1932
- four equestrian arenas
- regional trail connection
Nearby
- marymoor park
Good to know
- day-use only
- discover pass required for parking
- horse trailer parking
- park address
- summer hours
- winter hours
- winter partial closures
Photos
