Bridle Trails State Park

Length: Twenty-eight miles of trails (map on park bulletin board).

Level of difficulty: Flat-to-moderate dirt/gravel trails. Muddy after rains; watch for horse manure.

Setting: A huge, Eastside nature refuge with an extensive trail system, this park tends to be either unheard of, or much beloved. The 482-acre forested oasis made the park-closure list in 2002 due to budget cuts, however, park supporters created a foundation to work out an innovative agreement with the state to keep it open. The 40-year partnership guarantees that the state maintains the park, while the foundation makes annual donations to help fund its operation. The second-growth forest of conifers, bigleaf maples and alders dampens the whoosh of I-405 just to the west.

Highlights: Foundation fund-raisers for the park include a big event on Saturday, July 10, featuring a pancake breakfast, kids' activities, horse demonstrations, and 5K and 10K fun runs. The Lake Washington Saddle Club, which was formed in 1945 to help maintain the park, puts on horse shows (free for spectators) at the park during the summer months. See the Web site for details.

Facilities: Restrooms and water near parking lot.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. No bikes. Horses have the right-of-way — when encountering a horse, move to the right of the trail and stand quietly. Parking for state parks is $5 daily/$50 annually.

Directions: From I-405 northbound or southbound, take Exit 17 (Northeast 70th Street). Northbound, at the end of the exit ramp, turn right on 116th Avenue Northeast, and turn left into the park at Northeast 53rd Street. Southbound, at the end of the exit ramp, turn right on Northeast 72nd Street and cross over the freeway. Turn right on 116th Avenue Northeast, and continue as above.

For more information: 425-649-4276 or www.bridletrails.org

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