Grand Ridge Trail - Issaquah Highlands

Dave Kimmett

Puget Sound Area. Adjacent to the Issaquah Highlands development is a beautiful forest. Within this forest WTA volunteers have spent portions of the last 10 years helping King County Parks construct a trail that connects from I-90's exit 20 all the way through to Duthie Hill Park. The trail can be accessed from the Highlands, and we are back to work on some trail maintenance nearby.

Since 2000, King County Parks Department has been working with WTA to develop the ridge along the north side of I-90, across from Tiger Mountain, into a residential park with trails for hikers and mountain bikes. The trail leaves from the old Northern Pacific Railroad grade and travels up through second growth trees that increase in size as the trail moves up the ridge. There is no Freeway noise after the first half mile. Upon reaching the crest of the ridge, the trail moves through some mature growth, with varied understory, and provides access to the new Issaquah Highlands development at several access points. The trail terminates at Duthie Hill Park. The last link (including 600 feet of boardwalk) was just completed by WTA volunteers in Feb 2012. This area is already a popular year-round destination for hikers and mountain bikers.

Driving directions:
Take Exit 18 off of I-90, Head up the hill on Highlands Drive. At top of hill, turn right onto NE Federal Drive, which soon becomes NE Park Dr. Follow Park Dr to the top and turn right onto 30th Ave NE. Turn left onto Harrison Drive and park near intersection with Grand Ridge Drive (on the right). (Approximate driving time from Seattle, 45 min). Google Maps address: NE Harrison & Grand Ridge Dr Issaquah, WA 98029