Trial shuttle service to Washington trailheads ends

Sunday was the last day for a pilot program on the Eastside that was meant to relieve overcrowding at parking lots for trailheads in the Issaquah Alps.

The Poo Poo Point trailhead is one of the more popular spots in Issaquah for hikers and paragliders. The parking lot gets packed fast.

“It's usually full,” paraglider Jay Cady said. “So I usually get here at 6, 7 to find a spot.”

Even at 10 a.m. Sunday, cars were lined up trying to find a spot.

The congestion is notorious, prompting these no parking signs. But it still doesn't stop people from illegally parking and causing a potentially dangerous situation on the road.

That's why King County launched a weekend shuttle service called Trailhead Direct. Folks could park their cars at the Issaquah Transit Center or Park and Ride, hop on a shuttle and get dropped off at one of three trailheads in the Issaquah Alps, including Poo Poo Point. The pilot project was a collaboration between the Parks Department and Metro's Community Connections Program.

“It's too early to say if we've made a dent in the congestion issue but we do have positive results from folks who have chosen to ride the service,” said Cathy Snow, with King County Metro Community Connections.

Operating at a price tag of $68,000 for 2 1/2 months, Snow said the shuttle averaged about 40 riders a day since launching in early August.

“We feel that's a great success,” Snow said.

The project was also about making sure people who don't drive can still enjoy the trails.

University of Washington student Jared Pradarelli took the shuttle for the first time after busing in from the university district.

“I found out today it's the last day, so I’m glad I got the opportunity to take advantage of it,” Pradarelli explained.

But despite the signs and the schedule posted, most people KIRO 7 talked to had no idea the shuttle existed.

As Metro looks ahead to next year, Snow said officials will be collecting and looking at data about routes, schedules, getting input from the community and doing more outreach.

Metro also wants to expand Trailhead Direct and possibly service more trailheads for next year's hiking season.

Other content from KIRO 7 News

• Toddler, baby boy, two adults die in Kitsap County house fire
• Police: Mom stabbed in West Seattle while walking her baby in stroller
• Man's heart stops after fish jumps into his mouth
• Family dog emerges alive and happy from wildfire aftermath
• Police: Mother, son arrested after Eastlake officer-involved shooting

Cox Media Group