This past weekend I carpooled out to the Issaquah Transit Center with some friends to hop on Trailhead Direct; a new transit service that seeks to ease vehicle congestion, reduce safety hazards, and expand access to several popular hiking destinations in the Issaquah Alps and along I-90. Energy was high as we waited for the transit van at Bus Bay 5.

 

The transit van arrived on the dot! We all used our handy dandy ORCA cards to pay our fares.

There were some left-over gift packs from Labor Day weekend. How could we say no?!

Water bottles in hand, we got off the bus at the Poo Poo Point Trailhead and were ready to hike! We felt pretty smug walking through the FULL parking lot.

And I mean FULL – not ONE parking spot in sight!

Luckily, we left the car behind and embarked on our hike stress-free. Up we went!

Twas beautiful. Peep Rainier on the right.

YAY for Trailhead Direct! For more information on the service, read our FAQS 

Shuttles run every 30 minutes on weekends and designated holidays from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm until the hiking season ends in October.  We will resume Trailhead Direct next spring.