Take Transit to Nature All Year Long

Originally posted at the King County Parks Blog

Trailhead Direct is done for the 2024 season, but there are so many other ways that you can use transit to access nature! It’s important for all of us to have access to nature and outdoor spaces, and transportation is often mentioned as a barrier for many in our community. Thanks to the folks at King County Metro, there are actually a bunch of year-round bus routes from across the county that can connect you to a range of outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking to get to a park, trail, beach, forest, or beyond, we can get you there – no car required!  

Scroll down or use the links below to discover a route to take you on your next outdoor adventure:

• Route 60 – Capitol Hill trough Beacon Hill to White Center
• RapidRide F – Burien to Renton
• Route 255 – University of Washington to Eastside up through Kirkland
• RapidRide H – Downtown Seattle through West Seattle to Burien

King County Metro Route 60

Yesler Terrace Park and Community Center, Jefferson Park and Community Center, Westcrest Park 

Back to top

Route overview: King County Metro’s Route 60 bus winds north to southeast from Capitol Hill through First Hill passing by the Capitol Hill Link Light Rail Station, multiple South Lake Union Streetcar transfer points, the Beacon Hill Link Light Rail Station, the Olsen Place and Myers Way Park and Ride in South Park, and Westcrest Park, before making its last stop at Westwood Village in the West Seattle/White Center area and repeating the trip in reverse. 

Park, trail, and recreation points: 

• Yesler Terrace Park and Community Center: Take the 60 or make a connection from the South Lake Union Streetcar and disembark at either the Yesler Way and Broadway Ave. or 12^th Ave S. and S. Jackson St. stops right on the doorstep of an urban gem. Completed in 2018 as part of the Yesler neighborhood redevelopment with land from Seattle Housing Authority, this park boasts sweeping downtown, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier views. Youth and adults alike will love the splash pad, picnicking areas, wide range of recreation opportunities offered at the community center, playground, and sports courts. 

• Jefferson Park and Community Center: Continue south on the 60, passing the Beacon Hill Link Light Rail Station, and disembark at either the 15^th Ave S. and S. Spokane St. or 15^th Ave S. and S. Dakota St. stops to enjoy the 6^th largest park in the city. Take in views of the city, the Duwamish River, and the Olympic Mountains while choosing from a wide array of recreational activities – including the oldest golf course in Seattle, the Jefferson Community Center, lawn bowling, a skatepark, a spraypark, and more. Enjoy a walk around the ¾ mile walking trail or rent one of the spacious picnic shelters for a celebration. The park is also located next to the Beacon Food Forest, a 7-acre, volunteer-driven, open harvest forest garden that is the largest public food forest in the nation.  

• Westcrest Park: Continue even further south as the 60 curves through Georgetown, over the Duwamish River, and through South Park, stopping at the Olsen Place and Myers Park and Ride. Disembark at the SW Roxbury St. and 8^th Ave. SW stop to access Westcrest Park. An 8.4-acre stretch set above and off to the west of Boeing Field, it features a lot of open spaces and forested, shaded walking trails. You can also enjoy picnicking areas and a playground, and this park features special enjoyments for four-legged friends: An off-leash dog area, including a special, separated area for shy dogs, as well as a doggie drinking fountain. 
   

King County Metro RapidRide F Line

Moshier Park and Community Arts Center, Tukwila Park, Green River Trail, Interurban Trail, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park 

Back to top

Route overview: King County Metro’s RapidRide F Line provides an express route west to east from Burien to Renton. Originating at the Burien Transit Center, it cruises through Burien by Moshier Park and on through Tukwila by the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Light Rail Station and the Tukwila Transfer Center. The F Line bisects the Green River Trail, makes a stop at the Tukwila Sounder Train Station, and also bisects the Interurban Trail. The F Line continues on into Renton, swinging by the Renton Park and Ride and the Renton Transfer Center, before making its last stop at The Landing in Renton and repeating the trip in reverse.  

Park, trail, and recreation points:  

• Moshier Park and Community Art Center: Take the F Line east and disembark at the S. 156^th St. and 4^th Ave S. or S 156^th St. and 2^nd Ave S. stops to access Moshier Park and Community Art Center. A 15.2-acre park, Moshier Park is home to soccer, baseball, softball, and football fields and a running track. The Community Art Center offers classes and workshops in ceramics, painting, drawing, mosaics, sculpture, and much more for students of all ages and skill levels. 24-hour access studio spaces for artists and classes for adults and teens with special needs are also available. 

• Tukwila Park and Green River Trail: Continue east on the F Line into Tukwila, stopping by the Tukwila International Boulevard Link Light Rail Station. Disembark at the Southcenter Blvd. and 65^th Ave. S. stop to access Tukwila Park. This 6.5-acre park is one of Tukwila’s oldest parks and it’s clear from the beautiful mature trees and plants providing shade for walking trails. Visitors can also enjoy a playground, picnicking areas, a basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, and a gazebo that can be rented for private events of up to 35 people. If you’re interested in taking a riverside walk or roll, the Green River Trail can also be accessed by way of the entry point at the southeast corner of the park off of Southcenter Boulevard near the 66^th intersection. For a more detailed look at entry points to King County trails, and to stay up-to-date on closures or detours, check out the King County Parks Backyard Funfinder. 

• Interurban Trail: Continue just a touch east to the Tukwila Sounder Train Station stop. From here, the Interurban Trail can be accessed by way of an entry point a .2 mile walk from there at the corner of Longacres Way and Nelson Place. As mentioned above, for a more detailed look at entry points to King County trails, and to stay up-to-date on closures or detours, check out the King County Parks Backyard Funfinder. 

• Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park: Continue on the F Line northeast past the South Renton Park and Ride and the Renton Transit Center and disembark at the Logan Ave. N. and N. 10^th St. stop just before the route’s end point at The Landing. From this stop, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park can be accessed by a .8 mile walk. Gene Coulon Memorial Park is a lovely 57-acre park stretching along the southeast shore of Lake Washington. Visitors can take advantage of a swimming beach, fishing pier, boat launch, waterfront walking trails, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, play equipment, and even Ivar’s Fish and Chips and Kidd Valley Burgers walk-up windows within the park. Please note that dogs aren’t allowed. 
   

King County Metro Route 255

Watershed Park, Peter Kirk Park and Community Center, Heritage Park, Marina Bay Beach Park, Juanita Beach Park, Juanita Bay Park 

Back to top

Route overview: King County Metro’s Route 255 journeys from the west side of Lake Washington to the east side and on up through Kirkland. Departing from the University of Washington Link Light Rail Station and the public parking lot E19 that can be used as a park and ride, route 255 crosses the 520 Floating Bridge and brings you past Watershed Park, the Kirkland Transit Center, Peter Kirk Park and Community Center, Heritage Park, Marina Bay Beach Park, Juanita Beach Park, and Juanita Bay Park. The route makes its last stop at the Totem Lake Transit Center at The Village at Totem Lake before repeating the trip in reverse. 

Park, trail, and recreation points: 

• Cross-Kirkland Corridor/Eastrail: Hop on the 255 and use the 108^th Ave. NE and NE 38^th Pl. stop to access the Cross-Kirkland Corridor, part of King County’s larger eastside paved trail corridor, Eastrail. Enjoy a bike, walk, or roll on this stretch, which will take you as far south as NE 4^th St. in Bellevue and as far north as Woodinville if you’re feeling motivated. For a more detailed look at entry points to King County trails, and to stay up-to-date on closures or detours, check out the King County Parks Backyard Funfinder. 

• Watershed Park and Bridle Trails State Park: Just a bit further north on the 255’s route, use the 108^th Ave. NE and NE 45^th St. stop to access Watershed Park. A natural park with forests, walking trails, and a scenic overlook, it’s a lovely green oasis in the city. From Watershed Park, trail access is available from the south end of 114th Ave NE, the south end of 112th Ave NE, and the intersection of NE 45th St and 110th Ave NE. There’s also a short trail segment connecting 108th Ave NE with the Cross Kirkland Corridor/Eastrail. If you’re up for stretching your legs with a longer walk, you could also access Bridle Trails State Park by way of a 1.5 mile walk that takes you over the 60^th Street Overpass. Bridle Trails State Park is a lush park that is extremely equestrian-friendly. It’s home to 28 miles of multi-use trails, metal detector areas, and picnicking areas. Please note the park can be very busy on horse show days. 

• Peter Kirk Park and Community Center: Continue north on the 255 to the Kirkland Transit Center stop to access Peter Kirk Park and Community Center. Peter Kirk Park is a 12.5-acre park and community center located next to downtown Kirkland. It features a lighted baseball field, playground, skate park, basketball court, tennis courts, and seasonal pool. The community center has a stage, kitchen, and meeting rooms, and offers programming for adults 50+ years old. The community center can also be rented out for events The Kirkland Performance Center and library border the park as well. 

• Marina Park and Heritage Park: Just a little further north on the 255, use the Market St. and 4^th Ave. or Market St. and Waverly Way stops to access Marina Park and Heritage Park. A 3.6-acre park curling right around the waterfront and marina, Marina Park features a boat launch, dock, sandy beach, picnicking area, and a beautiful open-air pavilion with beautiful views of Lake Washington and Seattle. The pavilion is the site of Kirkland’s Summer Concert Series. Walk just .3 miles north and you’ll arrive at Heritage Park, a 10-acre park near downtown Kirkland featuring tennis courts, a play area, picnic tables, an interpretive walk, gardens, a large grass field, and Heritage Hall, which is available for rental.  

• Juanita Bay Park: Further north on the route, use the 98^th Ave. NE and Forbes Creek Drive stop to access Juanita Bay Park. If you’re craving time with nature and the animals that call it home, Juanita Bay Park is a sprawling 110.8 acres on a waterfront that is a protected wildlife area. This park is filled with diverse plant and animal species and features views of the Forbes Creek Wetland, Juanita Beach, and Juanita Bay. Enjoy a walk on the boardwalk, particularly on the first Sunday of every month, when Eastside Audubon hosts nature and bird interpretive walks.  

• Juanita Beach Park: Still further north on the 255, use the 98^th Ave. NE and NE 116^h St., 98^th Ave. NE and 117^th St., or 98^th Ave. NE and NE 119^th Way stops to access Juanita Beach Park. A 21.9-acre park, Juanita Beach Park also features 1000 feet of Lake Washington lakeshore. This park has a rich history as a popular summer destination since the early 1900s, the story of which is told via interpretive signs scattered throughout. Other amenities available at this park include a playground, bathhouse, sand volleyball courts, ballfields, tennis courts, walking path, picnic shelters, and a seasonal swimming beach. Additionally, the park also hosts the Juanita Friday Market, a weekly farmers market held during the summer. 
   

King County Metro RapidRide H Line

Delridge Playfield and Community Center, Puget Park, Southwest Pool and Teen Life Center, Steve Cox Memorial Park and White Center Teen Program, Salmon Creek Ravine Park, Seahurst Park 

Back to top

Route overview: King County Metro’s RapidRide H Line originates in downtown Seattle at the edge of Pioneer Square, only a short walk from the ferry terminals, Pioneer Square Station, and King Street Train Station. From there, it provides an express route southwest across the water via 99 and the West Seattle Bridge down into West Seattle, White Center, and Burien. It draws close to the Southwest Spokane Street Park and Ride and stops at the Holy Family Church Park and Ride on its way south before making its last stop at the Burien Transit Center and repeating the trip in reverse. 

Park, trail, and recreation points: 

• Delridge Playfield and Community Center and Puget Park: Cruise southwest on the H Line and use the Delridge Way SW and SW Genesee St. stop to access Delridge Playfield and Community Center to the west and Puget Park to the east. As the name suggests, Delridge Playfield has large turf playfields for soccer and football, tennis/pickleball courts, a baseball/softball field, basketball court, skate park, play area, a large grass field, wading pool, outdoor fitness area, and a picnicking area with barbecue grills. Delridge Community Center, which is located on the park grounds, offers an array of programs for preschool age children to teens to adults, a full-sized basketball court, showers, an entertainment room, a dance/multipurpose room, a kitchen, and a fitness room. From here, it’s about a 1 mile walk to the West Seattle Golf Course and Camp Long. If you’re up for more of a nature jaunt in the middle of the city, Puget Park is part of the West Duwamish Greenbelt, the largest greenbelt in the city. Enjoy wooded walking trails home to fox, red-legged frogs, hawks, and bald eagles. 

• Southwest Pool and Teen Life Center: Continue south on the H Line and use the Delridge Way SW and SW Thistle St. stop to access the Southwest Pool and Teen Life Center. Southwest Pool offers all types of swimming opportunities and lessons for adults, teens, and children. It also features a 1-meter and 3-meter diving board, a sauna, and ADA compliant stairs and a pool lift. The Teen Life Center offers a wide array of opportunities like computer lab, social activities, music recording, cooking classes, late night programs, community service, jobs and career development, and more. The hours of operation are Tuesday – Thursday from 1 PM – 8 PM, Friday from 3 PM – 7 PM and 7 PM – 12 AM, and Saturday from 7 PM – 12 AM. 

• Steve Cox Memorial Park and White Center Teen Program: Proceed south on the H Line, passing the Holy Family Church Park and Ride and into White Center, and use the 15^th Ave SW and SW 102^nd St. stop to access Steve Cox Memorial Park. The park is home to the Mel Olson Baseball Stadium, baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a volleyball court, play and picnic areas, an open play field, and a foot reflexology path. It’s also home to the historic White Center Community Center, or the “Log Cabin,” built in 1940 as part of a Works Progress Administration project. The “Log Cabin” houses the White Center Teen Program (WCTP), which provides after-school recreational programming to youth 12-19. The WCTP offers a neighborhood gathering space for youth to take part in free homework help, computer resources, leadership training, volunteer opportunities, field trips, drop-in activities, special events, snacks, Wi-Fi, and more. The hours of operation are Tuesday – Saturday from 3 PM – 8 PM. 

• Salmon Creek Ravine Park: Take the H Line as it curves even further south through White Center and into Burien, use the Ambaum Boulevard SW and SW 122^nd St. or Ambaum Boulevard SW and SW 128^th St. stops to access Salmon Creek Ravine Park. Visit the 88-acre, minimally developed park with trails that wind through forested hillsides to enjoy a hike or walk in a forested area in the middle of an urban setting. The park has a heavily wooded ravine is home to Salmon Creek and several tributaries, which is currently believed to support small numbers of cutthroat trout, sculpin, and planted juvenile coho salmon. Other animals such as bald eagles, raccoons, red fox, muskrat bats, osprey, otters, and grey squirrels also call the ravine home. 

• Seahurst Park: Take the H Line just a touch further south and use the Ambaum Boulevard SW and SW 142^nd St. stop to access Seahurst Park. Visitors should note that it’s about a 1-mile walk from the H Line stop to Seahurst Park since the park and its gorgeous waterfront lies at the bottom of a hill. That said, it’s definitely worth the walk or roll if you can swing it because this park is the jewel of Burien. Once there, you can look forward to a long beach with views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains with large, reservable picnic shelters facing the panoramic view. It’s also home to a playground, walking trails, wetlands, forest, and a rich variety of marine plants and animals. Because of the marine biodiversity, Seahurst is home to an Environmental Science Center, and is a popular location for volunteer naturalists, photographers, and schoolchildren on field trips alike. Once you’ve finished enjoying the park, make sure to plan your time accordingly when it comes to the walk back up the hill to catch the bus. 

King County is a unique place where nature, open space, and recreation is often so interwoven into city centers that owning a car doesn’t need to be the only way to access the outdoors. With just the 4 King County Metro routes covered in this piece, you can access a whopping 29 different parks, trails, community centers, beaches, pools, and more! This list is just the beginning of options to get to green spaces without a car. 

To dive deeper into transit planning and stay up-to-date on any route changes or disruptions, check out the King County Metro Trip Planner. To plan your journey by geography or which activities you’re most in interested in, check out King County Parks’ Backyard Funfinder. Even if you have a car, opting to use public transportation is a more sustainable way to travel, eliminates worries around whether parking will be available or not at your destination, and saves you money on gas. We hope this post has inspired you to try out a new way to get to a park!