 Summary
Break out your hiking boots and get ready to explore Mount Si and the Issaquah Alps. King County’s Trailhead Direct, the transit-to-trails service on summer weekends and holidays, returns on Saturday, May 24.
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Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, begins its eighth season on Memorial Day weekend. Trailhead Direct is operated by King County Metro in partnership with King County Parks and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), with promotional support from Amazon.
Trips to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si trails will operate on weekends and holidays, starting Saturday, May 24, and will run through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. The 2025 season includes service on Independence Day.
“Access to some of the nation’s best hiking trails is one of the greatest perks of living in King County,” said King County Executive Shannon Braddock. “What sets Trailhead Direct apart is that it brings you to incredible outdoor spaces, without the need to drive. I’m excited for people across the region to use this service and get out to enjoy these amazing trails!”
Thanks to the support of Seattle voters, SDOT will fund 50% of Trailhead Direct’s 2025 operating costs for routes connecting Seattle to eight popular hiking destinations along the I-90 corridor, through the Seattle Transit Measure (STM).
“Trailhead Direct is a powerful example of our One Seattle vision in action—connecting people to opportunity, to nature, and to each other,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Through strong regional partnerships with King County and investments like the Seattle Transit Measure, we’re making outdoor adventure more accessible, sustainable, and equitable. This service helps more people experience the beauty of our region while reducing traffic and emissions for our most popular trails.”
Departures every 30 minutes to the region’s best hikes
This season, Trailhead Direct doubled the frequency of service from Metro’s Mount Baker Transit Center to the Issaquah Alps. Trips will depart every 30 minutes to Margaret’s Way, Squak Mountain, Chirico Trail-Poo Poo Point, High School Trail, and East Sunset Way.
Service will also run every 30 minutes from Capitol Hill, stopping at the Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station and downtown Seattle, to trailheads near Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si.
New this season, hikers will be able to use the Sound Transit Link 2 Line to connect with both Trailhead Direct routes via a stop at the South Bellevue Station.
“I’m excited to welcome Trailhead Direct for its eighth year—it’s such a great way to experience the natural beauty we have here in King County,” said King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay. “It’s all about making it easier for people to step out of the city and into the outdoors, without worrying about parking or traffic. I’m looking forward to seeing even more people explore our trails thanks to this amazing program.”
“Cascade Mountain trails are a great place to take kids to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest,” said King County Councilmember and Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee Chair De’Sean Quinn. “Metro will drive your family to the best trailheads on the I-90 corridor. Take Trailhead Direct this summer and enjoy!”
“The new Trailhead Direct service connecting Sound Transit’s 2 Line South Bellevue Station to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si opens up our region's fantastic hiking trails – all without needing to drive or finding parking,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “This is transit at its best: giving our residents and visitors car-free access on weekends and holidays throughout the summer to some of King County’s most breathtaking natural treasures.”
Trailhead Direct launched in 2017 in response to overcrowding at popular trailhead parking lots, which exceeded capacity frequently over spring, summer, and holiday weekends. The service has become a popular, eco-friendly way to get out of the city and explore the trails of King County. Since launching, passengers have used Trailhead Direct to enjoy more than 88,500 hikes, including 9,971 in 2024.
“We hear from car-free hikers that they especially appreciate how easy Trailhead Direct makes it to connect directly with nature and the Issaquah Alps,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “With larger shuttles and trips every half hour on both routes, this hiking season promises to be our best yet.”
“Trailhead Direct is an excellent example of how we’re making healthy outdoor recreation accessible to more people throughout King County,” said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez. “Thanks to the strong partnership that makes this popular service possible, more people will enjoy some of the region’s best hiking trails without having to drive this summer.”
“Everyone should have the chance to enjoy our region’s incredible trails—no matter where they live or whether they own a car,” said Adiam Emery, Interim Director of SDOT. Trailhead Direct, supported by the Seattle Transit Measure, helps break down barriers to the outdoors and makes it easier for more people across Seattle to access the natural spaces that make this region so special.”
Trailhead Direct operates vehicles with 22 to 27 seats and a rack for two or three bikes. Passengers can use Trip Planner for more details about transit stops, routes, and schedules. Metro’s standard fares apply, and riders can pay with an ORCA card, ORCA with Google Pay, a Transit Go ticket, or cash with exact change. Hikers 18 and younger can ride Trailhead Direct for free and are encouraged to get a Free Youth ORCA card.
Passengers are encouraged to sign up for email or text alerts about Trailhead Direct service. For more information on preparing for your hike, visit King County’s wilderness safety web page.
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