Trailhead Direct Transit Service is Back for Summer 2021!

Your access to some of Washington state’s most popular trails is even easier this summer with the return of the Trailhead Direct transit service to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si.

The service was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but is back for 2021 and scheduled to continue through Sunday, September 26, with service on weekends and holidays.

The Issaquah Alps route will start at the Mount Baker Transit Center with service every 30 minutes to Squak Mountain State Park and Tiger Mountain. Trailheads you can access on this route include:

• Margaret’s Way
• Chirico Trail-Poo Poo Point
• High School Trail
• East Sunset Way

The Mount Si route will start at the Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station with service every 20 minutes to:

• Mount Si
• Mount Teneriffe
• Little Si

Please be sure to follow these guidelines from King Country Metro to help keep you and your fellow passengers safe this season:

• Masks are required onboard and while waiting for your Trailhead Direct vehicle at transit centers.
• Respect the passenger limits onboard Trailhead Direct vehicles, and please observe the signage onboard to block seats to support physical distancing.

And in the spirit of the #RecreateResponsibly campaign, please keep these tips in mind both when utilizing Trailhead Direct, or when enjoying the outdoors on your own:

• Know before you go. Check the status of the place you want to visit to make sure it’s open. Have a back-up plan in case of crowding.
• Plan ahead. Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a mask. Give yourself extra time to catch your return trip and in case of changes to the plan.
• Practice physical distancing. Be prepared to mask up to give others space. Keep your group size small. If you’re feeling sick, stay home.
• Play it safe. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce risk of injury. Stay within your limits to prevent burdening search and rescue teams and health care providers.
• Explore responsibly. Be mindful of where you’re choosing to take a trip and your impact on the communities you visit. Always keep pets on leash.
• Leave no trace. Stay on the trail. Respect the land and water, as well as Native and local communities. Pack out everything you bring with you, including trash and pet waste.
• Build an inclusive outdoors. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for people of all races, backgrounds, and abilities.

For more information on the Trailhead Direct service, including detailed maps of pickup and drop-off points, fares and more, please go to TrailheadDirect.org.