Bridle Trails State Park

Introduction of Bridle Trails State Park

Horse paths and equestrian competitions are popular at the 482-acre day-use Bridle Trails State Park. On the northeastern border of the Seattle metropolitan area sits the wooded park. A lowland forest characteristic of the vegetation that originally surrounded Puget Sound may be found in the park. There are many of Douglas-fir and western hemlock trees in the forest, as well as some big-leaf maple, alder, and western red cedar. This park, sometimes referred to as “the wilderness in the city,” is a favourite weekend escape spot for Seattle locals. The park is well-known for its horseback riding routes and weekend horse exhibitions in the summer. Since the 1880s, the state has owned the park. Citizens who were worried about preserving the area petitioned the state government to designate Bridle Trails as a state park. After the petition was approved, local organisations, particularly those with equestrian interests, put a lot of effort into maintaining and enhancing the facility. The two biggest horse events in the park, both “C” rated hunter-jumper competitions, take place the third and fourth weekends in May and June, respectively.

Camping at Bridle Trails State Park

Skip the noisy hotel neighbours and leaky tents. Bridle Trails State Park is a day-use only area; no RV camping is permitted there. But there are a lot of alternatives around that are easily accessible.

Tall Chief RV & Camping Facility, a prestigious camping resort, offers RV camping around Fall City, Washington. Visitors may decide whether to RV park in a woodland environment or in an open space from over 110 available spots. A dog park, laundry facilities, and a pickleball court are among the amenities available at the campsite.

As an alternative, you should think about staying in Issaquah Village RV Park. A modest campsite with around 50 sites, the wooded RV campground is close to Issaquah. Full hookups, spacious RV sites, and a playground that’s ideal for impromptu volleyball or baseball games are among the many facilities offered.

Bridle Trails State Park Activities

Picnicking

30 picnic tables, two stoves, four braziers, water, and restrooms are available at the park. It is first-come, first-served in picnic areas.

Horseback Riding

There are 28 kilometres of horse trails. The two most popular horse-related activities in the park are horseback riding and horse exhibitions. Although horses have the right of way, hiking paths share them with horses. Joggers who pass horses on paths are advised to “speak out.” It is forbidden to leave horses unattended. There is no horse rental facility offered by the park.

Hiking

28 miles of hiking.

Bridle Trails State Park History 

The native American nations’ traditional lands are where Bridle Trails State Park is located. The Duwamish bands of Washington’s Southern Coast Salish subgroup are most strongly identified with the region that encompasses the parklands.

The 640 acres designated as School Grant patent land by the 1853 Organic Act of Washington Territory include the grounds that make up the park today. Of these areas, 482 acres are still owned by the government.

As part of the New Deal initiative, Civil Works Administration staff and federal relief workers began working in state parks in 1933, beginning the first phase of park construction. Burning logging waste, removing bush, and constructing fences and paths were all part of the work.

Bridle Trails became a state park in 1932 thanks to local activism. Supporters of the park established the Lake Washington Saddle Club in 1945. The organisation has worked closely with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to create and build new amenities for the park for many years.

Directions

Driving

Situated in King County, a few miles northeast of Seattle, Washington, in the outskirts of Bellevue, Washington. Take the I-405 exit 17 to travel north. Turn right and go south on 116th Ave. NE after the off-ramp. Go straight ahead at the traffic light. The first gap in the woods to the left is where the park entrance is. Take exit 17 from I-405 southbound. At the off-end, ramp’s make a right turn and cross the highway. Turn right again at the first traffic signal. Follow 116th Ave. NE south. Straight ahead at the intersection of the roads. The first gap in the trees on your left is where you’ll find the park entrance.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.