New Trail Opens at Grand Ridge

There is a new trail at King County’s Grand Ridge Park, nestled in the forestlands between I-90 and the Issaquah Highlands. The Water Tower Loop has expanded the trail network by 2.4 miles, thanks to the hard work and support of WTA's volunteers and members.

A sign marks the loop. Photo by Erika Haugen-Goodman

On Monday, June 5, King County Parks hosted a ribbon cutting event to celebrate the completion and grand opening of the Water Tower Loop, a new trail link that intersects with the park’s main trail.

“The Water Tower Loop—and all of Grand Ridge Park, in fact—is an excellent example of the power of people and partnerships, such as with WTA and their volunteers,” said Kevin Brown, Division Director of King County Parks. “These trails wouldn’t exist without their hard work and dedication.”

Volunteers put in 5,277 hours of trail work to build the trail. Photo by Britt Lê.

WTA volunteers began working on this trail in 2015 and nearly 600 volunteers contributed 5,277 hours of trail work. In addition to support from King County Parks, WTA received a grant from REI help fund the work on this trail.

WTA is thrilled to help add miles to our state's trail system. As demand for outdoor recreation is skyrocketing in King County and across Washington, we must not only maintain our existing trail system but look for opportunities to expand it. The Water Tower Loop is just one example of how WTA is working with King Country Parks on their trail system.

In 2016, WTA contributed more than 17,000 volunteers hours to build and maintain trails in the county—from Soaring Eagle Park north of here to Pinnacle Peak Park in Enumclaw.