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Park offers solace just a step away

July 14, 2009

By Christopher Huber

This is the first in an occasional series about hikes around Sammamish.
By Christopher Huber
As the sun creeps out from behind the shady trees, the birds begin their morning rituals. The call-and-response chirps and flutters fill the air with vibrant song. A plethora of critters emerge from the moist ground and dewy vegetation to start the day once again.
Butterflies drift along the trails and retreat back into the thick woods, as one of the first early-rising mountain bikers tears through the park.
It’s a perfect day for a stroll through Soaring Eagle Regional Park, just outside Sammamish. The park is known for its 12-mile network of trails, popular with area mountain bikers and equestrians. Because of its relatively small area, the park is conducive to quick bike rides after work or at night, according to the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. The trails can be bumpy and rough in some places, but are not too difficult.
However, Soaring Eagle Park also offers solace to those interested in taking a walk on their lunch break or families wanting to explore the backwoods before enjoying a picnic outside.
The 630-acre (one-square-mile) park, filled with mature forests and protected wetlands, is a refuge for black tail deer, black bears, bobcats and more than 40 species of birds, according to the King County Parks and Recreation Web site. About 300 acres of the park are protected under a conservation easement. It received its name in 2001 from a second-grader at Samantha Smith Elementary School.
Last year, King County ceded 30 acres of the park to the city of Sammamish. In exchange, the city will develop ballfields near the park’s Trossachs entrance. Planning has not yet begun for the process. Another 50 acres might be available (a 1993 plan called for the development of 80 acres of the park), but its future is uncertain.
Soaring Eagle Park used to be Washington State school trust land, known as Section 36.
From the main entrance at the northwest end of the park, near The Plateau Club, the main trail (Pipeline Trail) guides you through the middle of the park, toward the south for about 1.5 miles. The south entrance abuts the terminus of Trossachs Boulevard.
The Pipeline Trail is well-maintained and wide enough for small groups to walk side-by-side. It’s smooth enough for baby strollers too, according to Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Parents with strollers shouldn’t plan on taking to the side trails, though.
Signposts are scattered along the trail at the opening of the smaller offshoot trails. The terrain is relatively flat along the Pipeline route, but some of the smaller trails vary slightly in steepness.
Visitors may enjoy the cacophony of birds singing, the colorful berries and flowers and the absence of other noises from the hustle and bustle of life on the Sammamish Plateau. But hikers need to be aware of possibly encountering animals. Black bear have been spotted as recently as June 24, so hikers should bring noise-makers like a whistle or bells (to tie to your shoes).
Getting there: The park’s main entrance is at 26015 East Main Dr., Sammamish. From 228th Avenue Southeast, follow Southeast 8th Street as it curves and becomes 244th Avenue Southeast. Turn right onto East Main Drive and follow to the end. The paved parking lot and trailhead is near the water towers.
Access the south side of the park from Trossachs Boulevard is via Southeast Duthie Hill Road. Park on Trossachs Boulevard. Hikers can also access the park from Beaver Lake Preserve, which is along West Beaver Lake Drive.
Visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/backcountry/soaringeagle.aspx for more information and a map of Soaring Eagle Park.
Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.sammamishreview.com.

This is the first in an occasional series about hikes around Sammamish.

As the sun creeps out from behind the shady trees, the birds begin their morning rituals. The call-and-response chirps and flutters fill the air with vibrant song. A plethora of critters emerge from the moist ground and dewy vegetation to start the day once again.

Butterflies drift along the trails and retreat back into the thick woods, as one of the first early-rising mountain bikers tears through the park.

It’s a perfect day for a stroll through Soaring Eagle Regional Park, just outside Sammamish. The park is known for its 12-mile network of trails, popular with area mountain bikers and equestrians. Because of its relatively small area, the park is conducive to quick bike rides after work or at night, according to the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. The trails can be bumpy and rough in some places, but are not too difficult.

However, Soaring Eagle Park also offers solace to those interested in taking a walk on their lunch break or families wanting to explore the backwoods before enjoying a picnic outside.

The 630-acre (one-square-mile) park, filled with mature forests and protected wetlands, is a refuge for black tail deer, black bears, bobcats and more than 40 species of birds, according to the King County Parks and Recreation Web site. About 300 acres of the park are protected under a conservation easement. It received its name in 2001 from a second-grader at Samantha Smith Elementary School.

Last year, King County ceded 30 acres of the park to the city of Sammamish. In exchange, the city will develop ballfields near the park’s Trossachs entrance. Planning has not yet begun for the process. Another 50 acres might be available (a 1993 plan called for the development of 80 acres of the park), but its future is uncertain.

Soaring Eagle Park used to be Washington State school trust land, known as Section 36.

From the main entrance at the northwest end of the park, near The Plateau Club, the main trail (Pipeline Trail) guides you through the middle of the park, toward the south for about 1.5 miles. The south entrance abuts the terminus of Trossachs Boulevard.

The Pipeline Trail is well-maintained and wide enough for small groups to walk side-by-side. It’s smooth enough for baby strollers too, according to Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance. Parents with strollers shouldn’t plan on taking to the side trails, though.

Signposts are scattered along the trail at the opening of the smaller offshoot trails. The terrain is relatively flat along the Pipeline route, but some of the smaller trails vary slightly in steepness.

Visitors may enjoy the cacophony of birds singing, the colorful berries and flowers and the absence of other noises from the hustle and bustle of life on the Sammamish Plateau. But hikers need to be aware of possibly encountering animals. Black bear have been spotted as recently as June 24, so hikers should bring noise-makers like a whistle or bells (to tie to your shoes).

Getting there: The park’s main entrance is at 26015 East Main Dr., Sammamish. From 228th Avenue Southeast, follow Southeast 8th Street as it curves and becomes 244th Avenue Southeast. Turn right onto East Main Drive and follow to the end. The paved parking lot and trailhead is near the water towers.

Access the south side of the park from Trossachs Boulevard is via Southeast Duthie Hill Road. Park on Trossachs Boulevard. Hikers can also access the park from Beaver Lake Preserve, which is along West Beaver Lake Drive.

Visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/recreation/parks/trails/backcountry/soaringeagle.aspx for more information and a map of Soaring Eagle Park.

Reporter Christopher Huber can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 242, or chuber@isspress.com. Comment on this story at www.sammamishreview.com.

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Written by Christopher Huber · Filed Under Community 

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