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Print Friendly MapThe Soos Creek Trail travels through heavily wooded forest on a north-south route spanning the eastern edge of the Seattle suburb of Kent. Following the path of its namesake creek, the trail begins just a short distance from scenic Lake Meridian in the south and travels a moderately hilly course northward towards its ultimate terminus at Meeker Middle School.
The trail is paved over its entire length, and an adjacent soft surface path for equestrian use parallels the trail at times. Near the trail's midpoint at SE 216th Street, bikers, walkers and runners can continue west to the 9-mile Lake Youngs Trail, which encircles the large lake with an unpaved path.
Plans are in motion to extend the Soos Creek Trail north for an additional 4 miles to ultimately connect to the existing Cedar Creek Trail in Renton.
Parking for the Soos Creek Trail can be found at its northern trailhead at the intersection of SE 192nd Street and 124th Avenue SE and at the southern trailhead at 148th Avenue SE and SE 266th Street. Additional parking is available at 148th Avenue SE and SE 249th Street and at SE 208th Street just east of 136th Avenue SE.
This trail is great for skateboarding. There’s a few “hills”, so I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re a beginner skater. Once you’re more comfortable, it’s a great area to coast. It’s wide enough to make turns (when no one is around). There are a few areas (nearby the benches and such) that will have small rocks -watch out, they’re sneaky!
If you like a good workout a riding in nature but you are not a hardcore cyclist this is a trail for you.
I really love the trail. Well maintained and great countryside views
Really chill bike ride, out and back is a nice way to get the day going. Beautiful scenery with glimpses of Mt. Rainier every now and again. Lots of birds and fall color.
Convenient multi-purpose trail near Lake Meridian. Trail is maintained well and nice blend of trees and open spaces.
Been walking soos creek trail for 20 years. Great trail that's well-traveled enough to feel secure, but not so much so that it feels crowded. In a valley with great views of wildlife and wetlands.
If you go in the morning and cross by 224th (the washed-out that used to run up by Sunrise Elementary School), you may even see Elvis, the Muscovy Duck!
I've done this trail many times both on bike and foot, and it has incredible views of Mount Rainier, lots of berries in the summer, a surprising amount of wildlife - especially at dusk, and an easy paved path and not that much traffic. I highly recommend it any time of the year.
This trail has port-a-potty's at the beginning and end of the trail. There is also a port-a-potty about 1-2 miles in if you are walking from the Lake Meridian side. I believe there is one "real" bathroom close to over the halfway mark on the North side of the trail. I usually start by Lake Meridian and walk about 1-3 miles then turn around and head back. There are benches intermittently spaced for rest breaks. No water, so bring your own. There is a horse trail that runs along the walking trail. You see many people walking, roller blading, bike riding, and jogging. Many people bring their dogs and kids. All cross walks are clearly marked. It is a highly used trail. I have never had any safety issues, but I walk with a friend or my dog (Doberman Pincher). The only reason I mention safety issues is because you are surrounded by trees and wet lands for the most part. It is like a nature walk on pavement, it can be slightly secluded. I don't always see a lot of people there. It depends on the day of week, time, and weather. I have seen men and women walking by themselves on the trail. Over all it is a nice trail with ups and downs and you feel like you are away from the city. Give it a try.
While in the parking lot at the entrance by Lake Meridian, myself and my husband prepared our bikes for the ride. My 3 kids, 8, 4 and 4 were 10 feet away just outside the barrier of the lot. It took 10 seconds for my 4 year old son to find 2 hypodermic needles, obviously used for drugs and poke his finger. PARENTS WORST NIGHTMARE... now he has to get tested for HIV and hepatitis! I would love to know who maintains the grounds because they're obviously not doing it good enough. I can't speak on how the trail was because I never got a chance to use it, instead I had to rush my son and the needles to the ER.
I have recently returned to biking, so this was a great trail to ride. Not too long, had some hills that were not crazy steep, shady and sunny patches a well balanced trail overall.
There are several road crossing, but all were clearly marked. Some even had crossing signals for extra safety. Both ends of the trail have a port-a-potty, one pit stop (close to the mid-way) had a regular restroom, and a drinking fountain.
Id ride here again, it was a super fun ride.
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