Export to Trail Guide
Create Guidebook 
Download GPX 
Print Friendly MapThe Eastrail (or formerly, Eastside Rail Corridor Trail), built on a former BNSF freight railroad, will one day traverse 42 miles through King County, connecting Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville. It will also serve as a "spine" in the area's trail systems, by connecting 175+ miles of trails. When fully complete, the trail will connect to numerous others, including the Cedar River Trail, located near the trail’s southern end.
Right now the trail is open in several segments, some of which have their own separate trail identities (and TrailLink pages) and others serve as connector trails between the notable trails. They are listed below.
Eastrail (South), 4 miles:
The southernmost end of the trail is located near Renton’s Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, where travelers will find a boat launch, swimming beach, and a playground. From there, the trail heads northward, tucked between Lake Washington and residential neighborhoods along Lake Washington Boulevard. The trail is largely tree-lined, but you’ll have glimpses of the lake as you go. Should you wish to splash in, the pathway’s passage by Kennydale Beach Park offers another opportunity.
At the northern end of this section, you'll find Bellevue’s Newcastle Beach Park, where you can enjoy swimming and picnicking, and have access to a children’s play area and a nature trail.
Trail users should note that the southernmost section of the trail in Gene Coulon Park is off limits to bike traffic.
Jane Hague Way, 1 mile:
Jane Hague Way, which opened in 2018, was named for a former King County councilwoman.
At only one mile, Jane Hague Way already achieves this by serving as an important linkage between the Cross Kirkland Trail and the SR 520 Trail, which stretches west to University of Washington.
Cross Kirkland Corridor, 5.75 miles:
The Cross Kirkland Corridor, one section of the Eastrail, traverses the city for nearly six miles, connecting eight neighborhoods, four major business districts, more than a dozen parks, and several public schools. The trail has the level grade of a typical rail-trail, is well-marked, and has many well-shaded sections.
Google, a major employer in the area, has a campus in the Houghton neighborhood. As the trail traverses the campus, it provides access to Feriton Spur (747 6th Ave. S.), a park which offers a playground, zip line, exercise equipment, basketball and volleyball courts, and a historical caboose.
Willows Connector, 0.4 miles:
This short but sweet connection runs along Willows Rd. and connects the Cross Kirkland Corridor and the Willows to 145th St section.
Willows to 145th St, 1.54 miles:
This section is currently the northernmost in the Eastrail system. It runs from NE 124th St. to NE 146th Pl for approx. 1.5 miles, where it connects with the Tolt Pipeline Trail.
Redmond Central Connector, 2.3 miles:
The first section of the Redmond Central Connector opened in downtown Redmond and connects the Bear Creek Trail to the Sammamish River Trail. For this 1-mile stretch, the trail parallels the East Link light rail. Along the paved pathway, you’ll find public art and the Redmond Town Center, which offers shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The east end of the trail offers access to Bear Creek Park, a lush oasis in the heart of the city.
The second phase of the trail, spanning 1.3 miles, continues the trail from the Sammamish River to the Willows business district. It was completed in 2017 and includes a trestle bridge over the river.
A third phase of the trail—the final 1.6 miles—will connect Redmond to Kirkland and Woodinville; the project is awaiting funding.
Parking is available for this trail at Newcastle Beach Park (4400 Lake Washington Blvd. SE), Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Washington Blvd N) and several points along Lake Washington Blvd N.
See TrailLink Map for more detailed information and all parking options.
I walk the trail almost every day. I enjoy the clean paved portion, but the southernmost portion still has not been paved. It is dusty, dirty and uninviting. Recent inquiries as to when trail will be completed (paved) are not returned. With the recent 25 - 30% increase in property taxes, it seems earlier "lack of budget" excuses don't hold merit. Please pave the final portion of the trail!!
Very disappointing, it is such a nice trail but you can’t take your dog to walk there
Beautiful trail and very well maintained park. I started the trail at the Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Got a little over a mile in and the trail is closed in this end for restructure. I was a little disappointed. Other than that it’s a great trail to walk. Paved and flat. A few slight inclines, but easy enough for people just starting out. It’s a good workout.
You can’t ride your bike but there’s a really nice playground for the kids
Currently under construction and fenced off.
Looks like a great trail, but it appears to be closed for renovations. Not sure how much of it is closed, but the trailhead is under construction.
We were looking forward to trying out the ERC today since we were short on time but wanted to get in a ride. We arrived at Newcastle to find that the trail is closed for paving for the 2 miles bet Newcastle and Seahawks training facility. Riders are using on-road detour but hills were prohibitive for my new rider and we prefer trails to shared roads for kiddo’s safety. Decided to head to Cedar River Trail instead (which also had a detour but a shorter one on sidewalk)
FYI if you start at the Gene Coulon park on the south end, the trail starts OUTSIDE the park where the train tracks are. Follow the tracks north and it turns into the trail. Also, dogs are not allowed in the park and the fines are pretty stiff.
_193224_nb.jpg)
_159977_nb.jpg)
_159974_nb.jpg)
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy
(a non-profit) and we need your support!
_197309_sc.jpg)
_197308_sc.jpg)
_160912_sc.jpg)
_160911_sc.jpg)
