Regional Trail Access

Residents' proximity to regional trails

About this Measure: The King County has one of the best trail systems in the nation with over 294 miles of trails for hiking, biking, walking, and horseback riding. King County Parks has developed and is involved in the operations of the majority of these facilities — approximately 171 miles. The overall trail network reaches many parts of the region, from Bothell to Auburn and Seattle to North Bend and beyond. Parks and trails consistently rate as one of the most important amenities for home buyers and, for many, these trails provide an active transportation alternative to personal motor vehicle use. Proximity to the Regional Trail System reflects residents' ability to access and use this wonderful resource.

2007 results: By the end of 2007, 68.5 percent of King County residents (about 1.2 million people) lived within 1.5 miles of the Regional Trail System.

2007 target: 69% of county residents living within 1.5 miles of the Regional Trail system

2008 target: 70% of county residents living within 1.5 miles of the Regional Trail system

What influences this measure? Residents' proximity to the Regional Trail System improves when King County and local cities expand the trail system through the use of parklands and the purchase and conversion of railroad rights-of-way and utility corridors. Expansion of the system requires formidable effort, however, due to challenges in obtaining appropriate right-of-way, environmental constraints, budget limitations, and diversity in local approaches to system development. King County Parks is taking a leadership role in the development and coordination of the overall system.

Results for this measure improve most significantly when new trails miles are developed closer to densely populated neighborhoods, where utilization rates will be higher. Many of these areas are located in local cities where the county may help plan and coordinate development. Construction of new trails is often the responsibility of the local jurisdiction, however.

Much of the more easily available and less expensive rights-of-way have been acquired and integrated into the Regional Trail System. Often the missing links in the system require expensive elements such as bridges over roads or waterways, or navigation around sensitive areas such as wetlands. Additionally, in urban areas, existing build-out presents substantial challenges to creating new trail corridors do to the lack of readily available land.

Strategies moving forward: In the years to come, King County Parks will continue to plan, acquire, develop, and maintain the trail network that will expand King County's share of the system to 300 miles. In addition, the county is actively pursuing development of a regional trail network and planning to include the Eastside BNSF rail corridor as an important component. The county continues to collaborate with cities on regional trail development. New trail developments typically are prioritized using criteria that include connectivity, aesthetic/scenic value, timing/relationship with other projects, public support, and urban/rural centers connections.

Back to top