On November 10, KIng County Parks opened the widest trail in King County’s Leafline Trails: a new 2.5-mile-long segment of Eastrail, connecting Renton and Bellevue. The 20-foot-wide trail – featuring a 12-foot-wide center path and ample gravel shoulders — allows for more space between walkers, runners, and cyclists. It is the newest segment of the emerging Eastrail, which will ultimately offer 42 miles of uninterrupted trail from Renton to Snohomish County with a spur to Redmond.
A huge thanks to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for being such a great partner in developing this new section of Eastrail as part of the I-405 Renton to Bellevue Widening and Express Toll Lanes project.
FAQs
Where is this new trail section?
How do I get to this new section of trail?
When will the trail sections to the north, including the new bridge over I-405, open?
Will the Eastrail connect into downtown Renton?
I liked the old gravel trail, why did you pave it?
Where is this new trail section?
This new 2.5 miles of trail runs along the eastern shoreline of Lake Washington between Bellevue and Renton. The north entrance is at Coal Creek Parkway Southeast in Bellevue and the trail continues south to the Virginia Mason Athletic Center (a.k.a. Seahawks training facility) in Renton. The Eastrail then extends another 1.5 miles south on existing gravel trail. Visit our interactive map to view open sections of the Eastrail.
How do I get to this new section of trail?
By bike – This new section of trail replaces the WSDOT Lake Loop Trail which used to run right up against I-405.
- Coming from the north (I-90 trail) – cyclists will enter the Eastrail from 118th Ave SE and Coal Creek Parkway Southeast.
- Coming from the south – cyclists can access the Eastrail from Ripley Lane North right by the Seahawks training facility and ride north over the Ripley Trestle.
By car – The best place to park near the new section of Eastrail is Newcastle Beach Park. The trail is just a short walk on a sidewalk from the park. Newcastle Beach Park also has a playground and restrooms.
When will the trail section to the north, including the new bridge over I-405, open?
The Eastrail is being completed in phases as funding and scheduling allow. The segment between 118th and Wilburton Hill, which includes a new bridge over I-405 and the renovation of the Wilburton Trestle, is scheduled to open in 2024. The connection from Coal Creek Parkway over I-90, which will travel over the existing steel railroad bridge is not currently funded. View construction timeline map.
Will the Eastrail connect into downtown Renton?
King County Parks and the City of Renton are working together to extend the Eastrail south and into Renton. Currently King County Parks ownership of the former railroad line ends just north of Gene Coulon Park. Cyclists are not permitted into Gene Coulon Park so several alternatives are being evaluated regarding how the trail could be extended south.
I liked the old gravel trail, why did you pave it?
The trail is paved and offers gravel shoulders for runners and walkers. The new trail features a 12-foot-wide paved trail, plus a 2-foot-wide gravel shoulder on one side and a 6-foot-wide gravel shoulder on the other side. This mixed-surface path offers people on the trail a choice of surfaces and improves safety by allowing more space and reducing potential conflicts and congestion among trail visitors.
Eastrail is part of the Leafline, a growing network of trails connecting communities across central Puget Sound to improve health, community, quality of life, mobility, and access for all. In King County, Leafline consists of 300 miles of mostly paved regional trails. Join the Leafline movement!
Kudos to King County Parks. This trail is a true gem