5 Best Hikes Accessible Via Seattle’s Trailhead Direct
One of the biggest misconceptions about visiting Seattle is that you need a car to experience the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. While having a car definitely helps, Seattle actually has one of the best summer transit systems for hikers called the Trailhead Direct.
Every summer, this seasonal shuttle connects Seattle to some of the region’s most popular hiking trails, making it possible to experience real mountain hiking without renting a car or fighting for trailhead parking!
As a Seattle local who’s personally hiked all of these trails, I genuinely think Trailhead Direct is one of the best hidden gems for both visitors and locals during the summer months.
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Trailhead Direct operates on weekends and designated holidays from May 23 through August 30, 2026.
What Is Trailhead Direct?
Trailhead Direct is a seasonal shuttle service making it possible to access some of the best hikes near Seattle without needing a car! During the summer, shuttles run from Seattle and nearby transit hubs directly to popular trailheads in the Issaquah Alps and Cascade foothills.
The service is operated through a partnership between King County Metro, King County Parks, Seattle Department of Transportation, and Amazon with the goal of reducing traffic, parking congestion, and environmental impact at busy trailheads.
For both local hikers and visitors, this is honestly one of the coolest and most underrated transportation options in the Seattle area in the summer. Instead of dealing with packed parking lots, timed arrivals, or long drives, you can hop on public transit and head straight to the trail.
Trailhead Direct operates on weekends and holidays during peak hiking season, with routes serving popular hikes like Mount Si, Little Si, Teneriffe Falls, and more. Some routes also connect directly with Link Light Rail stations, making the system even easier to use if you are staying in Seattle without a car.
How Trailhead Direct Works
Using Trailhead Direct is actually pretty simple, even if you’ve never taken public transit to a hike before.
Trailhead Direct buses run on weekends and select holidays between Seattle area transit hubs and popular hiking trailheads along the I-90 corridor and Issaquah.
Currently, Trailhead Direct operates two main routes:
- A Mount Si route serving Mount Si, Little Si, and Mount Teneriffe
- An Issaquah Alps route serving hikes like Margaret’s Way and trails inside Squak Mountain State Park
Depending on the route, shuttles depart from places like Capitol Hill, downtown Seattle, Mount Baker Transit Center, and South Bellevue Station, making it really accessible whether you live in Seattle or are visiting without a car.
To ride, all you need to do is:
- Get yourself to one of the pickup locations (see maps below!)
- Pay the standard Metro fare using an ORCA card, Transit GO app, or cash (exact change required)
- Ride directly to the trailhead and hike
- Catch a return shuttle back to the city later in the day
Most routes run every 30 minutes during the season, which gives you a lot more flexibility than you might expect.
Where Does Trailhead Direct Pick Up?
There are several different pick up spots scattered across Seattle and even a couple pick up spots in the nearby cities of Bellevue and Issaquah. You’ll need to make note of not only which station is closest to you, but also which trail you want to hike because there are two separate routes with different pick up and drop off locations.
Mount Si Route Pick Up Spots
If you want to hike trails in the North Bend area like Mount Si, Little Si, and Teneriffe Falls, you’ll want to ride the “Mount Si Route” Trailhead Direct shuttle.
There are 4 pick up spots for this route, including an additional pick up/drop off location at the North Bend Park & Ride. The pick up spots near downtown Seattle include: Capitol Hill (E Denny Way & 16th Avenue E and E John Street & Broadway E), Downtown Seattle (Spring St & 4th Ave), and Bellevue (S Bellevue Light Rail Station Bay 2).
Issaquah Alps Route Pick Up Spots
If you want to hike trails in the Issaquah area including trails like Margaret’s Way and Debbie’s View, you’ll want to ride the “Issaquah Alps Route” Trailhead Direct shuttle.
There are 3 pick up spots for this route. The pick up spots include Mount Baker (Mount Baker Transit Center Bay 2), Bellevue (S Bellevue Light Rail Station Bay 2), and Issaquah (Issaquah Transit Center Bay 5).
How Much Does It Cost to Ride Trailhead Direct?
The Trailhead Direct is incredibly affordable and easy to ride thanks to the generous sponsors of this shuttle service.
For adults ages 19 and up, the one-way fare in 2026 is $3. Youth ages 18 and under ride completely free. Income-restricted adults and seniors, Medicare recipients, and disabled adults can ride for $1 one-way.
| FARE TYPE | FARE AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Adults (19 and older) | $3 one-way |
| ORCA LIFT (income qualified) | $1 one-way |
| Youth (18 and under) | FREE |
| RRFP cardholders all times (registered seniors, Medicare, disabled) | $1 one-way |
When Does Trailhead Direct Run?
Trailhead Direct only operates on weekends (Saturdays + Sundays) during the period of May 23, 2026 through August 30, 2026. The service also operates on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25) and Independence Day (Friday, July 3).
It also only runs during set times on the days it operates, so make sure you keep a close eye on the clock to ensure you don’t miss the shuttle.
For the Mount Si Route, the Trailhead Direct shuttle begins operating at 7:24am from Capitol Hill and runs roughly every 30 minutes until around 10:35am. At that time, shuttle service departing from Capitol Hill becomes less frequent and runs on one hour intervals ending at 1:11pm. That is the final departing shuttle from Capitol Hill for the day. All other shuttles for the day will operate on a return service only, with the last shuttle of the day leaving from Little Si to return to Seattle at 6:42pm.
For the Issaquah Alps Route, the Trailhead Direct shuttle begins operating from the Mount Baker Transit Center at 6:30am and runs every 30 minutes until 2:30pm. At that time, the service will switch to return only trips. The final shuttle returning to Seattle leaves from Margaret’s Way Trailhead at 6:35pm.
Top 5 Best Hikes Accessible Via Trailhead Direct
Little Si
Little Si was one of the first hikes I ever did when I moved to Washington back in 2021. It’s a very popular trail with a great payoff for a not-so-difficult hike.
If you are looking for a hike that feels rewarding without committing to a full blown mountain climb, Little Si is one of the best options accessible via Trailhead Direct. Little Si is a shorter and more beginner-friendly alternative to nearby Mount Si, but it still packs in a solid workout.
The trail climbs through lush forest, rocky switchbacks, and boulder-lined sections before opening up to scenic overlooks of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding Cascade foothills.
This is also one of the most popular hikes near Seattle for trail runners, families, and people training for harder hikes later in the summer, so expect company on nice weekends. Honestly, this is exactly the kind of hike where Trailhead Direct shines because the parking lots here fill up FAST during summer mornings.
Teneriffe Falls
This is the only waterfall hike accessible via the Trailhead Direct, and it’s one of my favorites!
The payoff on this hike is a dramatic multi-tier waterfall cascading down the cliffs of Mount Teneriffe. This spot is awesome during the early summer when snowmelt keeps the falls flowing hard. The waterfall is much taller and more impressive in person than most people expect from photos!
One thing I really like about this trail is that it feels dynamic the entire time. You get the perfect combo of peaceful forest trails, occasional valley views, creek crossings, and then a dramatic waterfall payoff at the end. It really is the perfect PNW summer hike!
Mount Si
I won’t lie, this trail kicked my ass and was one of the harder trails I’ve hiked near Seattle. Mount Si is one of the most iconic hikes in Washington and for good reason.
Over the course of roughly 8 miles roundtrip, you will climb more than 3,000 feet through forest over rocky switchbacks and steep terrain before reaching sweeping views over the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding Cascades Mountains. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Rainier!
Mount Si is also an incredible training hike and a rite of passage for a lot of Washington hikers. Many people use it to prepare for bigger summer adventures like Mount St. Helens, Camp Muir, or backpacking trips later in the season.
May Valley Loop Trail
If you want a quieter forest hike that still gets you out in nature, the May Valley Trail on Squak Mountain is a great option to take advantage of through the Trailhead Direct.
Compared to busier hikes like Mount Si or Little Si, this trail feels much more peaceful and low-key. The route winds through dense mossy forest filled with towering evergreens, SO MANY ferns, and classic Pacific Northwest scenery that honestly feels straight out of a magazine.
The trail network in Squak Mountain State Park gives you a few route options, but most hikers tackling the May Valley area can expect a light to moderate workout with steady climbing and rolling forest terrain rather than one huge brutal ascent.
I’ve seen incredible wildlife along this trail in the summertime including deer, birds, and chipmunks! Horses also frequent this trail, so watch your step to ensure you don’t step in horse poop.
Margaret’s Way Trail
Margaret’s Way is one of the most underrated hikes near Seattle and a perfect option if you want a quieter trail that still delivers a really rewarding experience.
Located on Squak Mountain near Issaquah, this trail winds through beautiful mossy forest, crosses small creeks, and gradually climbs through dense evergreens before eventually connecting to Debbie’s View, where you can catch views of Mount Rainier on a clear day.
Which Trailhead Direct Hike Should You Choose?
|
Hike/Trail Name |
Difficulty |
Distance |
Elevation Gain |
Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Little Si Trail |
Moderate |
3.7 miles RT |
1,300 feet |
Valley Views |
|
Mount Si Trail |
Hard |
8 miles RT |
3,150 feet |
Mount Rainier Views |
|
Teneriffe Falls Trail |
Moderate |
5.6 miles RT |
1,585 feet |
Waterfall Views |
|
Margaret’s Way Trail |
Moderate |
6.5 miles RT |
1,500 feet |
Mountain Views |
|
May Valley Trail |
Easy |
4.2 miles RT |
1,240 feet |
Scenic forest views |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trailhead Direct
What Is the Best Beginner Hike on Trailhead Direct?
For most beginners, I think Little Si is the best overall hike accessible via Trailhead Direct. It offers a really rewarding experience without being quite as intense or intimidating as nearby Mount Si.
May Valley Trail is also a great choice for beginner hikers or those with small children wanting to take advantage of the Trailhead Direct service.
One thing I would recommend for newer hikers is being realistic about Washington elevation gain. A trail that sounds “short” here can still be surprisingly steep. Bring plenty of water, wear decent shoes, and give yourself more time than you think you will need!
Can You Use an ORCA Card on Trailhead Direct?
Yes! Trailhead Direct accepts ORCA cards just like regular King County Metro buses. You can tap your ORCA card when boarding the shuttle, which makes the whole process super easy if you already use public transit around Seattle.
If you don’t have an ORCA card, you can also pay using the Transit GO Ticket app or pay in cash if you have exact change for your fare.
Do You Need a Reservation for Trailhead Direct?
Nope! You don’t need a reservation to ride Trailhead Direct. The shuttle operates like a normal public transit route, so riders are boarded on a first come, first served basis.
All you need to do is show up at one of the designated pickup locations, pay the standard fare, and hop on the bus! You can pay using an ORCA card, cash (exact fare required), or the Transit GO Ticket app.
Are Dogs Allowed on Trailhead Direct?
Dogs are allowed on the Trailhead Direct at the driver’s discretion, and large dogs may be subject to an additional fare. Always be respectful of the driver and ask before boarding if you need to pay any extra fare for your pup. Come prepared with exact change.
Also, make sure your dog is comfortable in moving vehicles for an extended period before attempting to bring them on the Trailhead Direct. Your dog should always be kept on a leash and not cause a disturbance toward others.
Final Thoughts on Using Trailhead Direct for Hiking Near Seattle
Honestly, I think Trailhead Direct is one of the coolest things Seattle offers during the summer.
Being able to hop on public transit in the city and end up at incredible hiking trails in the Mount Si and Issaquah Alps regions is incredible.
Whether you are visiting Seattle without a car, trying to save money on gas, easing into hiking for the first time, or simply looking for a less stressful way to access the mountains, Trailhead Direct makes outdoor adventures way more accessible!
I also really love that the service opens up hiking to more people. Not everyone owns a car or feels comfortable driving mountain roads, and this shuttle helps remove a huge barrier that keeps many people from exploring Washington’s trails.
If you’re visiting Seattle during the summer, I genuinely think this is one of the best local experiences you can take advantage of. Some of the hikes on this list are iconic for a reason, and getting to them without dealing with parking stress honestly makes the whole day feel more enjoyable.
Just make sure to start early, pack plenty of water and snacks, and do not underestimate the elevation gain. Happy hiking!
If you’re planning more time in the area, be sure to check out my other Pacific Northwest travel guides for ideas on hikes, road trips, and seasonal events.
If you enjoyed reading this guide on the best hikes accessible via Seattle’s Trailhead Direct, please consider supporting me via buying me a coffee! Any funds given in support of this blog help me continue creating engaging travel content and sharing my stories and experiences with you all.
