Overview
The Sammamish River Trail is a roughly 11-mile paved multi-use path that follows the Sammamish River through the communities of Redmond, Woodinville, and Kenmore in King County, Washington. It runs between Marymoor Park in Redmond to the south and the point where it meets the Burke-Gilman Trail near Bothell to the north. The trail is managed by King County Parks and is widely used by cyclists, runners, walkers, and inline skaters.
The corridor is largely flat, making it accessible to a broad range of fitness levels and suitable for families with young children on bikes. The surrounding landscape shifts between open farmland, riparian wetlands, and residential neighborhoods, with views of the river itself and, on clear days, distant Cascade foothills.
The trail forms part of a larger regional trail network. At its southern end it connects to Marymoor Park, one of the largest parks in King County. At its northern end it links to the Burke-Gilman Trail, which continues into Seattle, making long car-free rides across the eastside and into the city possible. Woodinville, near the midpoint of the trail, has become a notable wine and brewery destination, giving the route a practical stopping point with food and drink options.
Getting There
The trail has multiple trailheads with parking. The main southern access point is Marymoor Park in Redmond, which has a large parking area (a fee may apply — verify on the King County Parks website). Additional access points with parking exist in Woodinville and near the northern terminus in Kenmore/Bothell.
King County Metro and Sound Transit serve Redmond, Woodinville, and Bothell. Bus service makes it possible to reach the trail without a car, and the Eastside Rail Corridor improvements have expanded non-motorized connectivity in recent years. Check the King County Metro and Sound Transit trip planners for current routes and schedules.
From Seattle, the trail is roughly 15–20 miles east via SR-520 or I-405, depending on your starting point. Rideshare services operate throughout the area if you prefer not to drive.
Getting Around
The trail itself is the primary mode of travel for visitors — a bicycle is the most efficient way to cover the full length. The path is well-signed with mileage markers and is generally in good condition, though some sections may have construction detours; check King County Parks' trail alerts before you go.
Bring your own bike or rent locally. The flat grade means most riders can comfortably manage the full out-and-back distance. E-bikes are increasingly common on the trail and are permitted. Pedestrians and cyclists share the path, so standard trail etiquette — staying to the right, announcing when passing, keeping dogs leashed — applies throughout.
For accessing Woodinville's tasting rooms from the trail, some properties are within walking distance of the trail corridor; others require a short ride on local roads. A map of the Woodinville wine district available at local visitor centers can help with planning.
Things to See & Do
Cycling and Running
The flat, paved surface makes the Sammamish River Trail one of the most popular recreational cycling routes on Seattle's Eastside. A round-trip ride from Marymoor Park to the Bothell junction covers roughly 22 miles. Bike rentals are available in Redmond and near Marymoor Park — verify current availability locally. Runners frequently use the trail for long training runs because of its even surface and low vehicle traffic.
Wildlife and Nature Watching
The riparian corridor along the Sammamish River supports a notable variety of birds, including great blue herons, ospreys, bald eagles, and a range of waterfowl. Chinook salmon return to the river during fall spawning season, and viewing them from the trail or river access points is a memorable experience. Bring binoculars and stay on the path to avoid disturbing habitat.
Marymoor Park
At the trail's southern terminus, Marymoor Park offers an off-leash dog area (one of the largest in Washington State), a velodrome, sports fields, and a climbing rock. The park hosts concerts and community events during summer months — check King County Parks' official website for current programming.
Woodinville Wine and Brewery District
The trail passes near Woodinville's tasting room district, home to dozens of Washington State wineries and several craft breweries and cideries. Many visitors plan their trail ride to include a stop here. Opening hours and tasting fees vary widely; verify with individual producers before visiting.
Burke-Gilman Connection
Continuing north onto the Burke-Gilman Trail opens up options for reaching Lake Forest Park, Lake Washington's shoreline, and eventually Seattle's University District — all without a car. This connectivity makes the Sammamish River Trail a meaningful segment of a much larger adventure.
Food & Drink
There are no food vendors directly on the trail itself, so plan accordingly. Bringing water and snacks for the full ride is advisable, especially in warmer months. Water fountains and restrooms exist at Marymoor Park and at some trailhead facilities, but availability varies seasonally — verify locally.
Woodinville is the most substantial food-and-drink stop along the route. The town center and its surrounding industrial wine campus host restaurants, casual cafes, and numerous tasting rooms. Styles range from pizza and burgers to more polished dining — options change over time, so check current listings when you plan your visit.
Redmond's downtown core, accessible from Marymoor Park, has a solid mix of coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants if you prefer to refuel at the start or end of your trail day. Bothell's downtown is similarly equipped for the northern end of the trail.
Practical Information
Trail Conditions and Weather
Western Washington receives substantial rainfall from October through April. The paved surface drains reasonably well, but shoulders, parking areas, and connecting paths can become muddy. Dress in moisture-wicking layers and carry a light rain jacket if visiting outside of summer. Fog is common on the river corridor in shoulder seasons.
Safety and Etiquette
The trail is generally considered safe. Standard precautions apply: ride predictably, use lights if cycling near dawn or dusk (days are short in winter), and secure your bicycle if leaving it unattended at Woodinville stops. Emergency call boxes are not standard on this trail — carry a charged phone.
Accessibility
The paved, flat surface makes the main trail broadly accessible. Some side paths and natural areas adjacent to the trail are not paved. King County Parks publishes accessibility information on its official website — verify before visiting if mobility considerations are a factor.
No Admission Fee
The trail itself is free to use. Parking at Marymoor Park has historically carried a fee; verify current charges on the King County Parks site. Tasting rooms in Woodinville typically charge for tastings.
Safety
The Sammamish River Trail runs through populated suburban areas and is generally considered low-risk. Still, standard precautions are sensible: keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, be aware of your surroundings on quieter sections especially after dark, and let someone know your route and expected return time on longer rides.
For emergencies, dial 911. King County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction over unincorporated areas along the trail; Redmond Police, Woodinville Police, and Bothell Police cover their respective city sections. Hospitals and urgent care facilities are located in Redmond and Bothell — verify the nearest facility to your location when planning.
Wildlife encounters — primarily coyotes and the occasional black bear in adjacent natural areas — are possible but uncommon. Do not feed wildlife and keep dogs on leash as required.
