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Contact: Karissa Braxton-Lytle, Kbraxton@kingcounty.gov, Office of the Executive
Trailhead Direct returns Memorial Day weekend with transit service to popular hiking destinations
Summary
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, hikers can once again leave the car at home and take transit to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations with Trailhead Direct, King County’s seasonal transit-to-trails service. The 2026 season begins Saturday, May 23, and operates weekends and holidays through August 30.
Story
Trailhead Direct, King County’s transit-to-trails service, returns for its ninth season beginning Memorial Day weekend, making it easier for residents and visitors to explore the region’s outdoor spaces without the stress of driving or parking. 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 23 and will run through Sunday, August 30. The 2026 season includes service on Independence Day.
“King County’s trails, forests, and mountains belong to everyone, and getting there shouldn’t depend on whether you own a car,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “Trailhead Direct opens the door to some of our region’s most incredible outdoor spaces while reducing congestion, lowering emissions, and making it easier for more people to experience King County’s natural beauty.”
Thanks to the support of Seattle voters, SDOT will fund 50% of Trailhead Direct’s 2026 operating costs for routes connecting Seattle to five popular hiking destinations along the I-90 corridor, through the Seattle Transit Measure (STM).
“Trailhead Direct shows transit connects our residents to more of the places they want to go—including our region’s incredible outdoor spaces,” said Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson. “Through the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure, we’re investing in services that give people irresistibly good options to driving, that are less polluting and creating a world-class transit system.”
Ride the bus or catch light rail and connect to the region’s best hikes
Trailhead Direct gives hikers access to some of the region’s most spectacular trails, with early service that makes it possible to spend a full day outdoors before returning home by transit.
Issaquah Alps
Trailhead Direct provides rides from Metro’s Mount Baker Transit Center every 30 minutes to Margaret’s Way and Squak Mountain. This season, construction on the Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge will limit access to the Issaquah Alps, and there will be no service to Chirico Trail–Poo Poo Point, High School Trail, and East Sunset Way.
Mount Si
Service will run every 30 minutes from Capitol Hill to trailheads near Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si.
The expansion of Link light rail gives riders more ways to connect to Trailhead Direct service. Sound Transit’s 1 and 2 Lines serve Capitol Hill Station, where riders can board service to Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si. The 1 Line also serves Mount Baker Station where riders can connect to Issaquah Alps service. Riders on the 2 Line can also connect at South Bellevue Station for access to both routes.
“Issaquah and the Upper Snoqualmie Valley are home to some of the best outdoor spaces in King County,” said King County Council Chair Sarah Perry. “I love that Trailhead Direct provides an opportunity for more people to enjoy the beautiful outdoors that make our county a wonderful place to live, work and play while reducing vehicle crowding at our trailheads. I’m thrilled this program is returning again this summer to serve our communities!”
“No car? No problem. District 8 residents and beyond can hop on in Capitol Hill and take Trailhead Direct to trailheads near Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, and Little Si,” said King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. “This service uses existing vehicles that would otherwise be sitting in a parking lot on the weekends and instead are being used to help provide access to the great outdoors for all.”
“I love the Trailhead Direct program because it widens the circle to communities who rely on public transit to enjoy the great outdoors,” said King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis. “Loading hiking boots into the trunk of a car should never be the price of admission for experiencing the mountains, forests, and trails King County has to offer. Whether you get on at Mount Baker to get to the Issaquah Alps or Capitol Hill to Mt. Si, young people, working families, seniors, and folks without access to a car can experience the evergreen beauty that defines our region"
Trailhead Direct launched in 2017 to provide an alternative to driving and parking at popular trailhead parking lots, where parking capacity is often exceeded during spring, summer, and holiday weekends. The service has become a popular way to reduce traffic and parking demand at busy trailheads while expanding access to outdoor recreation across King County. Since launching, more than 89,000 riders have used Trailhead Direct, including 12,263 riders in 2025 — a 35% increase over the previous year.
“Trailhead Direct has become a regional treasure, a way to reach some of the best hiking in the region for the cost of a bus ride,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Metro looks forward every summer to offering this equitable and eco-friendly opportunity to explore parts of the county that are literally ‘next door.’ With fuel prices being a challenge to everyone, Trailhead Direct is a way to save money while enjoying the outdoors.”
“Trailhead Direct shows how strong partnerships can expand access to outdoor recreation," said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez. "By making popular trails easier to reach without a car, we’re reducing congestion and parking pressure at busy trailheads while connecting people to the natural areas that make King County such a special place to live and explore.”
“Trailhead Direct makes it easier for people to get to some of our region’s most popular hiking destinations without needing a car,” said SDOT Acting Director Angela Brady, PE. “With an increase of more than 12,000 riders in 2025, there is strong demand for this service. Thanks to the Seattle Transit Measure, SDOT can fund 50% of the service offering an affordable sustainable travel option for people to enjoy the outdoors.”
Trailhead Direct operates vehicles with 22 to 27 seats and a rack for two or three bikes. Passengers can use Metro’s trip planner for more details about transit stops, routes, and schedules.
Metro’s standard fares apply, and riders can pay with an ORCA card. If you want to use your mobile device to pay your fare, download the Transit GO Ticket app on your mobile device prior to boarding. Your personal ORCA card can be added to your Google Wallet on Android devices so you can tap your phone to pay your fare.
Tap to Pay will not be available for Trailhead Direct. Hikers 18 and younger can ride Trailhead Direct for free and are urged to get a free Youth ORCA card.
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