Four new boxes for Bridle Trails SP in Bellevue /Kirkland, King
County, Washington.

Enjoy!

Bridle Trails SP "Wild Ponies"
Planted 09/21/02
By Hoopoe of Federal Way WA scribenbirder@msn.com
Nearest town; Bellevue / Kirkland
King County, Washington

Clues: easy to medium. See notes below.
Distance and time. This loop can be walked in 1 to 1 hours.
Adding the nature series loop will add 30 to 45 minutes of
appreciative walking. Terrain is gentle and mostly level.

Bridle Trails SP Natural Area was originally purchased and
established as an equestrian park by the farmers of the "east side"
of Seattle. They built and maintained the trails and established a
small show ring facility. Over the years as the community grew the
park became a hub of equestrian sport in the Pacific Northwest. In
the early 60's the park was deeded over to the state with the
provision that it remain a facility for equestrian use.

Now we face the closure of this and other parks around the state.
The focus of the facility is pleasure riding and small shows are held
to raise funds, all of which go back to the park. Many schools hold
outdoor classrooms here and nature nuts love the bountiful plants
birds and trees.

Come enjoy this beautiful example of second growth forest. If you
are shy of horses, fear not, the park is so big you are unlikely to
meet a horse face to face. If you do stand quietly to the right and
speak to the rider. They will likely pass you on the left, just like
a car. If you are near a blind corner call "Heads Up" which is a
fairly universal warning call for horsemen.

Wear waterproof shoes or boots in the season and, yes there will be
road apples to avoid. All the usual rules about safety, box hiding
and environment respect apply here. Because of the horses, all boxes
are right on or near the trail, not back in the shrubbery.

To get to the Park: