Bridle Trails State Park

Bridle Trails State Park is a 489-acre recreation area between Kirkland, Bellevue, and Redmond, notable for preserving dense lowland forest and a long-established equestrian landscape within a heavily urbanized setting. Land once reserved to support public schools became a state park in 1932 after advocacy from local horse-riding groups, and Civil Works Administration crews began developing trails and fences the next year. Its defining feature is 28 miles of unpaved routes shared by riders and hikers, along with outdoor arenas and picnic facilities. As surrounding suburbs grew, mixed trail use brought recurring tensions, while a 2002 foundation helped keep the park open and undeveloped.

Washington · United States