Seattle’s Trailhead Direct Service Returns with Weekend Shuttle Routes to Popular Hiking Spots

King County has officially launched the 2026 season of its popular Trailhead Direct service, providing direct shuttle connections from Sound Transit light rail stations to several major Eastside trailheads. The service, which aims to offer residents convenient and sustainable access to the region's natural spaces, will operate on weekends and select weekday holidays through August 30.

This year's operation maintains two primary routes: one serving Mount Si and another heading to the Issaquah Alps. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes, ensuring frequent service for outdoor enthusiasts. The season includes service on Monday, May 25, and Friday, July 3, recognizing holiday periods.

Trailhead Direct has seen significant growth since its inception in 2017. In the previous year, the two-route service transported 12,263 riders, marking a 35% increase in ridership compared to the year before. Despite this positive trend, the 2026 season will not reinstate two routes that were operational in 2019, indicating a focus on optimizing the existing network.

Changes for the 2026 Season

The Issaquah Alps route has undergone adjustments to streamline its operation and improve direct access to remaining trails. This season, the route will no longer include stops at the Poo Poo Point, High School, or East Sunset trailheads. While this modification is intended to simplify the return journey and provide more direct pick-ups from key trails, it means that some of the most popular destinations within the Issaquah Alps will not be directly served by the shuttle.

The Mount Si route will feature new stops in Seattle, including locations near the Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Campus, the Capitol Hill light rail station, and the Symphony light rail station. For the Issaquah Alps route, stops will be available at the Mount Baker light rail station and the newly opened Judkins Park light rail station, which is served by the Link 2 Line.

A common transfer point for both routes will be the South Bellevue light rail station. This station offers a convenient hub for passengers connecting not only between the Trailhead Direct shuttles but also to other Sound Transit Link light rail services, local buses, and express bus routes operated by King County Metro.

Operational Details and Accessibility

The Trailhead Direct shuttles are operated by Hopelink, a contractor for King County Metro. Each vehicle is designed to accommodate 22 to 27 seated passengers and is equipped to be wheelchair-accessible. Furthermore, a bike rack capable of carrying two bicycles is available on each shuttle. However, it is important to note that mountain biking is not permitted at any of the trailheads served by the Trailhead Direct service.

Funding and Transit Investment

The Trailhead Direct service is a product of inter-agency collaboration and strategic transit investment. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson highlighted the program's role in connecting residents to recreational opportunities and emphasized the importance of voter-approved initiatives. "Through the voter-approved Seattle Transit Measure, we’re investing in services that give people irresistibly good options to driving, that are less polluting and creating a world-class transit system," stated Mayor Wilson.

The City of Seattle is the primary financial backer, contributing 50% of the total sponsorship revenue for the service. The remaining 50% is shared among King County Metro, King County Parks, and Amazon. This funding model underscores the value placed on accessible public transportation that supports both urban mobility and regional recreation.

Fares and Rider Information

Fares for the Trailhead Direct shuttles are consistent with standard King County Metro bus fares. Riders have multiple payment options, including ORCA cards, credit and debit cards, cash, and mobile tickets activated via the Transit GO app.

While the shuttles generally operate on a 30-minute schedule, passengers are strongly advised to consult the official schedules for precise departure and arrival times. This is particularly important for planning the last trips to the trailheads and the earliest return trips, as not all services complete a full circuit of their designated routes. Understanding the schedule is key to a successful and timely outdoor excursion.

Key facts

Service Name: Trailhead Direct
Operating Season: Weekends and select holidays through August 30, 2026
Routes: Mount Si, Issaquah Alps
Operator: Hopelink (for King County Metro)

Source: The Urbanist – https://www.theurbanist.org/2026-trailhead-direct-season-maintains-two-weekend-routes-to-hiking-destinations/

Key facts

• Source: The Urbanist
• Date: 2026-05-22T17:05:19+00:00
• Topic: 2026 Trailhead Direct Season Maintains Two Weekend Routes to Hiking Destinations