This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest King County has seen in years. With major freeway construction underway and World Cup visitors expected to bring heavier traffic across the region, getting to your favorite trailheads may take longer than usual. For people looking to enjoy the outdoors without the stress of congestion, parking, or long delays, Trailhead Direct offers a simple, car free way to reach some of our most popular hikes.
More transit service to trails
Trailhead Direct, King County Metro’s seasonal transit service to local trailheads, is back with an earlier start and more weekends of service. Running through August 30, the service provides reliable access to Mount Si, Little Si, Mount Teneriffe, and the Issaquah Alps at a time when road travel is expected to be especially challenging.
Trailhead Direct supports both physical activity and safer travel. Hiking is one of the most accessible ways to improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and support mental wellbeing. And by choosing transit, riders can avoid the risks that come with congested roads, limited parking, and crowded trailhead shoulders.
Why trailhead direct matters this summer
For many hikers, the hardest part isn’t the trail: it’s getting to the trailhead. With more traffic expected throughout the region, Trailhead Direct helps remove some of the biggest barriers to getting outside:
- Skip parking stress with no need to circle crowded lots or park along narrow rural roads
- Cleaner air and less congestion in sensitive mountain corridors
- Safer trailheads with fewer cars and less roadside overflow
- More access for everyone including people who don’t drive
- Better mental health from time spent in green spaces
How to ride
Trailhead Direct works just like a regular Metro bus route:
- Runs every 30 minutes on weekends and holidays
- Standard Metro fares (ORCA, Transit GO, and reduced fare programs all apply)
- Room for backpacks and gear
- Easy transfers from Link light rail
Start your trip at Capitol Hill Station or Mount Baker Transit Center Bay 2, hop on the bus, and you’re on your way to the mountains. Both stations offer direct connections to Trailhead Direct service, making it easy to reach popular trailheads even during a summer of heavier traffic and construction. No car is required!
Before you head out
- Be prepared for changing weather and trail conditions. Check the schedule and plan your trip before you go
- Bring water, layers, and sturdy shoes
- Expect limited cell service at the trailhead
- Pack out everything you bring
- Check trail conditions and any wildfire or smoke advisories from Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Find transit routes to Trailhead Direct stops
Metro offers several tools to help you plan your ride:
- Use Metro’s Trip Planner to see which bus or Link routes can get you to Capitol Hill Station or Mount Baker Station before you board Trailhead Direct.
- Subscribe to Transit Alerts for realtime updates about potential Trailhead Direct service changes
- Visit the King County Search and Rescue Association website for hiking safety tips
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or heading out for your first trail adventure, Trailhead Direct is an easy way to enjoy the outdoors while supporting cleaner air, safer roads, and healthier communities, especially during a summer when major freeway construction and World Cup visitors are expected to bring heavier than usual traffic across the region.
Originally published on June 17, 2026