Ride of the Month: Grand Ridge

One of King County’s 25 parks, Grand Ridge Park is definitely worth exploring.

Who would have thought that a mere 18 miles from downtown Seattle on I-90 would lead to 1,200 acres of pristine forest rising 1,100 feet in elevation above Issaquah and Lake Sammamish and home to some great cross country trails?

Established to provide natural resource preservation and passive recreation along the edge of urban and rural living, the park is located between Mitchell Hill Forest to the east and the Issaquah Highlands residential development to the west. But don’t let the words “residential development” scare you off. The trail system only borders area neighborhoods and while riding, you would never have any idea that cribs are even close by.

Something for everyone

The trails at Grand Ridge are plentiful and offer varied terrain for riders of every fitness and skill level, but plan to do some climbing. As far as distance, well, you can pick it and ride from anywhere to 1 to 3+ hours.

When linked to the trails on the southside of I-90, you can create even longer rides. And to the north, follow the 7-mile trail that was recently built with the help of Washington Trails Association volunteers to Duthie Hill Park, another King County park in development with the help of Evergreen Bike Alliance.

Eventually, these trails will also connect to Soaring Eagle/Beaver Lake to make for an epic day of riding.

TRAIL MAP

Recent Developments

Washington Trails Association volunteers have just completed the construction a 40’ bridge made of native materials across Canyon Creek on the Grand Ridge Trail, one of the largest structures that WTA has completed, and one of the remaining projects along the length of this 7-mile trail.

Access

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 for approx. 18.1 miles. Take Exit #20, turn left at bottom of ramp. Pass underneath I-90 and park in the gravel lot to the west. Hike or bike west on the Issaquah-to-High Point Trail to the backcountry trailhead. You can also access the trail from Central Park in the Issaquah Highlands.

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