One of the most exciting projects happening at Parks is the development of the Eastside Rail Corridor (ERC). This trail is being developed in partnership with Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville, along with Sound Transit, Puget Sound Energy and many others.

Once completed this 42-mile recreational trail will connect the Cedar River Trail and Lake to Sound Trail (in progress) with the SR 520 Trail, the I-90 Trail, Redmond Central Connector, the Cross Kirkland Corridor, the Sammamish River Trail, and the East lake Sammamish Trail! That’s a lot of connections.

As if this wasn’t enough, the ERC will be the first example in the region of trail-oriented development where adjacent businesses in Bellevue’s Spring District will be trail-facing. This will bring vibrancy, and vitality to a hallmark of regional recreation and mobility.

Now, it will be a while before this trail is completed, but at least for now we have the existing Lake Washington Trail (also known as the Lake Washington Loop Trail) which circles Lake Washington via a collection of on-road bike paths, regional trails and some protected bike lanes.

The Lake Washington Trail going north from Renton will now take you onto a couple of the existing interim gravel sections of the Eastside Rail Corridor. While not yet paved, they’ll give you a feel for the coming trail.

So what are you waiting for?! Get outside and explore this new section of Your Big Backyard, get a flavor of the days to come, it’s going to be one awesome trail. Also, join Parks for a celebration of the new interim ERC sections on September 8 at North 43rd Street in Renton.