Issaquah to High Point Trail

Location: Issaquah to Preston.

Length: Three miles each way.

Level of difficulty: Level to gentle; wide dirt/gravel trail gives way to paved path for last mile (at the west end in Issaquah).

Setting: We hiked this less-frequented trail from its eastern trailhead near the High Point exit (near the popular Tiger Mountain trailhead). From High Point, the trail heads west along Interstate 90, following an old railbed. Although freeway noise is always present, the trail runs above the East Fork of Issaquah Creek through a tall green tunnel of cottonwoods, big-leaf maples and cedars. Cyclists also share the trail (great level trip for a family), along with the occasional equestrian.

Two miles from the trailhead, you'll encounter the new Sunset Interchange, where the trail crosses over I-90 via East Sunset Way toward downtown Issaquah. Continue to the right through a tunnel and walk about another mile to reach where Front Street turns into East Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast (this last mile of trail is dominated by freeway noise).

Highlights: About a mile west along the trail is a marked trailhead for two dirt paths leading up to Issaquah Highlands (map at trailhead). The left fork climbs the plateau to Central Park, while the right fork goes up to Grand Ridge Park and continues to near Duthie Hill Park.

Facilities: None.

Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect. Be aware that bears are sometimes seen in the area.

Directions: From eastbound I-90 east of Issaquah, take exit 20, and turn left at the end of the exit ramp. Cross under the freeway, pass the ramp to I-90 west, and turn left into the parking lot. (If heading west on I-90, take exit 20 and at the end of the exit ramp, go straight across the road into the parking lot.)

For more information: 206-296-4232 or www.metrokc.gov/parks/images/grand_ridge_trails.pdf (trail map).

— Cathy McDonald, Special to The Seattle Times

Renton-based freelancer Cathy McDonald, a former geologist, has written about science and nature travel for 20 years. She's currently a travel guidebook editor and researcher at Rick Steves' Europe Through the Back Door. Contact her: nwwriter@hotmail.com.