Running along the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, this trail provides an outstanding example of the rails-to-trails program. Formerly a Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway corridor, this is an eleven-mile paved and graveled trail for pedestrians, equestrians, and non-motorized wheeled vehicles. There are two restroom facilities and the trail provides access to local businesses and to traffic control measures where the trail crosses roadways.
This is a popular lunchtime walk for employees of nearby businesses. It’s straight and flat and runs for miles alongside busy Lake Sammamish Parkway. There are undeveloped stretches on both the north and south ends of the trail. But walking the middle stretch, I caught just brief glimpses of the lake between the big houses crowding the shoreline. It’s a great trail for exercise. But if you want quiet beauty and soft trails, head up to the plateau where Soaring Eagle, Beaver Lake Preserve, Hazel Wolf and Grand Ridge all await you.