Trail Spotlight: The Green to Interurban Loop

If you’re looking for a good there-and-back-again loop with varied trail, low grade, not too much traffic, and ample parking access – look no further. This relatively flat 14-mile-long ride begins at Fort Dent Park (otherwise known as Starfire Sports) and continues along the Green River Trail until the Interurban Trail intersection.

Here you can decide to do the loop starting on the Interurban and returning on the Green or the other way round. Personally I enjoyed the Interurban Trail initially because my legs were fresh and I was able to really push and cruise quickly down the straight path.

Unfortunately, the Interurban is currently closed from S 212th St. to James St., but a quick detour onto 68th Ave S will put you on the Kent Puget Power Trail, and then down along the southwest side of the Green River Natural Resource Area, which puts you back on the Green River Trail. You can plan your route using King County’s TrailFinder application.

The Green River Natural Resource Area, managed by the Kent Public Works Department, provides habitat to an estimated 165 bird and 53 mammal species, and serves as a nesting, feeding, and brooding area for many species that use the Green River corridor as a travel route. Raptors including Peregrine Falcons and Kestrels and many species of ducks and shorebirds make their home here. – Mountaineers.org

From there you stay on the Green River Trail as it meanders back and forth along the banks of the river, all the way back to Fort Dent. Some highlights along the way are a variety of wetlands, train tracks, the remains of Briscoe Park, and sights of the river.

For those looking for a longer route take 68th Ave S all the way down to where it connects back up with the Green River Trail and then head north, adding almost another five miles to the full route. So there you are, one quick half day ride that enjoys two great urban trails. Get out there and explore #YourBigBackyard!