Sammamish River Trail | Redmond

The Sammamish River Trail is a well-established and highly valued recreational corridor stretching approximately 10.1 miles through King County, Washington, connecting the cities of Bothell, Woodinville, and Redmond. It follows the natural course of the Sammamish River, weaving through urban, suburban, and natural landscapes, making it a versatile trail that caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Geographic Layout and Route

Starting from Blyth Park in Bothell on the northern end, the trail extends southward to Marymoor Park in Redmond. The path is primarily paved with smooth asphalt, designed to accommodate multiple users including cyclists, runners, walkers, inline skaters, and even horseback riders on designated soft-surface shoulders adjacent to the main paved trail. The trail’s flat to gently rolling terrain, with an overall elevation gain of roughly 317 feet, offers an accessible experience suitable for users of most fitness levels, including families and casual riders.

Along its length, the trail traverses diverse environments-open grassy fields, wetland areas, and forested stretches-allowing visitors to enjoy a rich natural setting while remaining close to urban amenities. The trail acts as a green spine, linking numerous parks, community facilities, and wildlife habitats.

Recreational Uses and Accessibility

The Sammamish River Trail is designed as a multi-use corridor supporting non-motorized activities:

Cycling: Its paved surface and moderate length make it ideal for recreational biking, commuting, and training rides.

Walking and Running: The trail offers a scenic route free from vehicular traffic, favored by walkers and joggers seeking a safe, uninterrupted path.

Inline Skating: Smooth pavement is conducive to rollerblading and skateboarding.

Horseback Riding: Certain sections of the trail include adjacent soft-surface shoulders where equestrians can safely ride without disrupting other users.

Birdwatching and Nature Observation: The trail passes through ecologically sensitive wetlands and riverbanks that attract a diverse range of wildlife.

The trail is largely ADA compliant, with gentle grades and accessible trailheads, although a few segments have steeper inclines that may challenge some users with mobility devices.

Natural Environment and Wildlife

The Sammamish River corridor is a vibrant ecological zone. The trail provides excellent opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Birdwatchers often spot bald eagles soaring overhead, great blue herons stalking the riverbanks, and a variety of waterfowl such as ducks and geese. The river itself supports fish species including salmon, which migrate through the waterway during spawning seasons, as well as turtles and beavers inhabiting the riparian zones.

Wetlands alongside the trail serve as critical habitat for amphibians like frogs and provide refuge for small mammals such as weasels and rabbits. The surrounding forests and open fields also allow glimpses of deer and other woodland creatures, making the trail a dynamic corridor for both recreation and wildlife viewing.

Connections to Parks and Attractions

Several prominent parks and points of interest along or near the trail enrich the user experience:

Blyth Park (Bothell): The northern trailhead is located here, offering parking, picnic facilities, and a connection to the Burke-Gilman Trail, expanding possibilities for longer rides or hikes.

Bothell Landing: This historic site near the trail offers playgrounds, picnic spots, and paddleboard rentals, making it a favored rest stop.

Wilmot Gateway Park (Woodinville): A well-maintained park with restrooms, picnic areas, and playgrounds, accessible directly from the trail.

Marymoor Park (Redmond): The southern terminus of the trail, Marymoor is a large, multifaceted park featuring sports fields, a rock climbing wall, off-leash dog areas, and a velodrome. It also connects the Sammamish River Trail with the East Lake Sammamish Trail, facilitating extended exploration.

These parks serve as ideal access points, rest stops, and destinations for users, contributing to the trail’s appeal for day trips and family outings.

Trail Access, Parking, and Amenities

Access points to the Sammamish River Trail are well distributed along its length, with designated parking lots at major trailheads including Blyth Park, Bothell Landing, Wilmot Gateway Park, and Marymoor Park. While most parking is free, Marymoor Park requires a nominal parking fee during peak times.

Amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, drinking fountains, and benches are available at various points, particularly near the park areas linked to the trail. Signage along the route offers maps, trail rules, and points of interest to guide visitors.

Maintenance and Seasonal Use

The trail is maintained year-round by King County Parks, with regular upkeep including pavement repairs, vegetation management, and trash removal. It remains open through all seasons, although users should be mindful of potential wet or icy conditions in winter months. Occasionally, sections may close temporarily for maintenance or improvements, such as pavement resurfacing projects or bridge repairs, so checking current trail status is recommended before planning an outing.

Overall Significance

The Sammamish River Trail stands out as a premier multi-use trail in the Puget Sound region due to its length, scenic value, and integration with community parks and natural habitats. It supports an active, healthy lifestyle for local residents and visitors, connecting urban areas with nature. The trail also plays a crucial role in regional efforts to provide sustainable transportation and recreation options while preserving the ecological integrity of the Sammamish River corridor.

Its blend of accessibility, diverse recreational opportunities, and natural beauty make the Sammamish River Trail a key asset for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers seeking a peaceful and engaging environment close to the Seattle metropolitan area.