Overview
The Interurban Trail in King County, Washington, is a paved, multi-use path that follows a historic electric railway corridor through a string of south King County communities, including Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines, Kent, Federal Way, and beyond. It is part of the broader network of trails managed by King County Parks and is widely used by commuters, recreational cyclists, joggers, and families.
The trail takes its name from the interurban electric railway lines that once connected Seattle to Tacoma in the early twentieth century. Today, those old rail beds have been reimagined as flat, accessible greenway corridors offering a car-light way to move through one of the Puget Sound region's most densely populated suburban stretches.
Because the trail passes through multiple municipalities, the experience shifts as you travel — from light industrial edges and strip commercial areas to quieter neighborhood greenbelts and wetland pockets. It is not a wilderness trail, but it is a genuinely useful and well-loved piece of regional active-transportation infrastructure. Verify current trail conditions and any construction closures with King County Parks before your visit.
Getting There
By Car
The Interurban Trail has multiple access points with parking areas scattered along its length through communities such as Tukwila, SeaTac, Kent, and Des Moines. Specific parking lot locations and availability should be confirmed with King County Parks, as facilities vary by trailhead.
By Public Transit
King County Metro bus routes serve many of the communities along the trail corridor. Sound Transit Link Light Rail (1 Line) stops in Tukwila and SeaTac/Airport provide a car-free option for reaching the northern portion of the trail. Check the King County Metro and Sound Transit trip planners for current routes, schedules, and fares.
From Seattle
The trail is roughly 10–20 miles south of downtown Seattle depending on the access point. Driving typically takes 20–40 minutes from central Seattle, subject to significant variation due to I-5 and SR-99 traffic conditions.
Getting Around
The trail itself is the primary means of getting around this destination. Most visitors park or arrive by transit at one trailhead and travel the corridor on foot or by bike, turning back at a comfortable midpoint or arranging a point-to-point shuttle with a second vehicle.
For users planning longer rides connecting to the Green River Trail or other regional routes, a detailed map of the King County trail network is strongly recommended. King County Parks publishes trail maps; verify the most current version on their official website before your trip.
Amenities such as restrooms and water fountains exist at some trailheads and parks along the route, but are not uniformly spaced. Plan accordingly, especially on warm days or for longer outings.
Things to See & Do
Walk, Run, or Cycle the Trail
The primary activity is simply using the trail itself. The paved surface is generally suitable for road bikes, hybrid bikes, e-bikes, rollerblades, and strollers, as well as pedestrians. The relatively flat grade — a legacy of its railway origins — makes it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels and ages.
Explore Connector Trails and Parks
The Interurban Trail intersects with and connects to several local parks and secondary paths. Bikers and walkers can detour into spots like Star Lake Park or connect toward the Green River Trail, another major King County multi-use route, for extended outings. Verify current connection points locally, as trail network links expand periodically.
Birdwatching and Nature Observation
Certain sections of the trail pass near wetland areas and vegetated buffers that attract migratory and resident birds. Bring binoculars if you have them — the corridor is particularly active during spring and fall migration periods.
Community Events
Local cycling clubs and community organizations occasionally host group rides, clean-up events, and family bike rides along the trail. Check King County Parks and local community boards for any scheduled programming.
- Bring a detailed trail map or download an offline version via a mapping app, as cell coverage can be inconsistent in a few stretches.
- The trail is open to non-motorized users; motorized vehicles are prohibited.
- Dogs are generally welcome on leash; verify specific rules at trailheads.
Food & Drink
The Interurban Trail is an urban and suburban corridor, which means a broad range of food and drink options exist in the nearby strip malls, shopping centers, and town centers of communities along its route — including Kent, Des Moines, and Tukwila. However, there are no restaurants or cafés located directly on the trail itself.
For a post-ride meal, the Des Moines Marina area offers waterfront dining options worth exploring. Kent's downtown has a walkable cluster of local restaurants. Specific restaurant recommendations should be verified locally, as businesses along suburban corridors change frequently.
Pack sufficient water, especially in summer. Hydration stations are not reliably available throughout the full trail corridor.
Practical Information
Trail Conditions and Closures
Portions of the trail are subject to periodic maintenance closures or construction interruptions, particularly as King County continues trail expansion and improvement projects. Always check King County Parks' official website or contact them directly before a planned visit.
Accessibility
The paved, flat surface makes this one of the more accessible outdoor corridors in the region for wheelchair users and those with mobility considerations. Verify specific trailhead accessibility features — such as accessible parking and restroom facilities — at your intended access point.
Weather
The Pacific Northwest rainy season (roughly October through April) brings frequent rain and occasional flooding near low-lying sections. The trail surface can be slippery in wet conditions. Reflective gear or lights are advisable for early-morning or evening use year-round given the region's overcast skies.
Emergency and Safety
- Call 911 for emergencies.
- King County Parks has a general contact line; verify current numbers on their official website.
- Share your route plan with someone if undertaking a long solo outing.
Costs
Trail use is free of charge. Any associated parking at King County facilities should be verified locally for current fee information.
Safety
The Interurban Trail passes through a mix of suburban and light-industrial settings. Like any urban trail, it is generally considered safe during daylight hours and is actively used by commuters and families. Standard urban trail precautions apply: stay aware of your surroundings, secure valuables, and avoid isolated sections after dark.
Traffic crossings are a real consideration — the trail crosses several active roadways along its length. Follow pedestrian signals and yield signage at all road crossings. Some crossings are better marked than others.
Cyclists should wear helmets. Washington State law requires helmets for cyclists under 17, and helmet use is strongly recommended for all ages.
