Trailhead Direct Bus Service Returns To King County On June 5

ISSAQUAH, WA — King County's weekend and holiday trailhead bus service returns for the summer on Saturday, connecting hikers with some of the region's most popular destinations for just a few bucks. Trailhead Direct, a partnership between King County Metro and King County Parks, runs 14 buses with stops in Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah and North Bend.

Buses bound for the Issaquah Alps begin trips at Seattle's Mount Baker Transit Center every 30 minutes, stopping along the way at the Eastgate Freeway Station in Bellevue and the Issaquah Transit Center, before moving on to Margaret's Way, Squak Mountain, Poo Poo Point, High School Trail and East Sunset Way.

Mount Si routes begin at Seattle's Capitol Hill light rail station every 15 minutes, stopping in downtown Seattle, the Eastgate Freeway Station and North Bend Park & Ride before dropping hikers at the Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe and Little Si trailheads.

"Trailhead Direct connects everyone in King County with some of our region's most popular hikes and trails, and as we reopen this summer I'm excited to be able to bring this popular service back for another season," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. "Going from the sidewalk to the mountaintops without a car means more people have a chance to share these special places with their friends and family from all around King County."

Trailhead Direct was first envisioned to help cut down on dangerous overcrowding at trailhead parking lots while offering a cheap and environmentally friendly way to get out and explore King County. According to the county, the program served more than 17,000 hikers in 2019, which was a 75 percent increase from the year before.

"Crowded roads leading up to the trails are a hazard to not only hikers, but to the drivers using the highways surrounding them," said Christina O'Claire, mobility division director at King County Metro. "Trailhead Direct reduces traffic while ensuring people easy access to parks."

The program's 32-seat buses are equipped with a rack for two or three bikes, and passengers can pay fares with an ORCA card, Transit Go mobile ticket, or cash. Adult fares are $2.75, and youth and seniors can ride for $1.50.

Here are the bus schedules for both routes:

Issaquah Alps:

Mount Teneriffe, Mount Si & Little Si

Learn more about Trailhead Direct online.