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Soaring Eagle Outer Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate Intermediate
 4.0 (21)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Seattle and Puget Sound
  4. …Sammamish
  5. Soaring Eagle Regional Park
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“Part of a network of trails tucked into the forest of Section 36 (Soaring Eagle Park) in Sammamish. ”

Jon Stanley
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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

559' 171 m

High

343' 104 m

Low

410' 125 m

Up

410' 125 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Features Flow

Family Friendly There are some very easy trails for hiking or mountain biking for kids.

Overview

Back in the '80s and early '90s, Soaring Eagle Park (a.k.a. "Beaver Lake", "The Beav", or "Section 36") was a premier destination for local mountain bikers. A virtual maze of singletrack criss-crossed through the area from Redmond-Fall City Road almost all of the way to 228th Ave. NE, with tendrils reaching north toward the Redmond Watershed and south all the way to Tiger Mountain.

The picture is much different today. The bulk of the trails have disappeared beneath bulldozers and business parks. The beautiful beaver pond seen along one of the better routes through the area is now a water hazard for a golf course. Housing developments have bitten off huge chunks from around the edges of the system. A third of the remaining area is slated to be turned into ball fields as soon as the City of Sammamish and King County can come up with the funds.

Although these trails are just a shadow of their previous glory, they are still wonderful and are still quite popular with mountain bikers. The area offers a nice mix of variety from rooty, rocky technical sections to flowy ribbon. There are no major climbs, but plenty of ups-and-downs to keep your heart rate up. Extremely helpful maps are posted at every major intersection to help you navigate your way around the maze.

The area is open to mountain biking year-round, but can become quite muddy and puddle-riddled during the wet season, especially on the more northern trails. Nettles also thrive in sunny patches during the spring and early summer.

Need to Know

The large structure is not a bathroom, it is a utility building. There is a portable toilet at the entrance. The best way to enter is from the short side trail to the right of the pipeline trail immediately after entering. The trail that goes behind the utility building is a fun way to finish off the ride coming back.

Description

This loop follows the main perimeter trails around the trail network, although it avoids the northernmost Iron Gate Trail that becomes especially muddy and wet during the rainy season. The loop is merely a suggestion, and as you explore you'll undoubtedly find your own favorite route!

Contacts

Local Club: Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance

Land Manager: King County, WA - Parks and Recreation

Shared By:

Jon Stanley with improvements by Brandon Hintzman
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 21 votes

#1

in Soaring Eagle Regional Park

#1275

Overall
  4.0 from 21 votes
5 Star
29%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
19%
2 Star
5%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Soaring Eagle Regional…

#24

in Washington

#1,275

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9,626 Since Jun 18, 2013
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Photos

Nice boulder feature on Bear Way.
Jul 24, 2017 near Ames Lake, WA
Rooty section at Bear Trail!
Jul 24, 2017 near Ames Lake, WA
Northwest Passage Trail
Jun 18, 2013 near City of…, WA
Bridge along Devil's Slide
Jun 18, 2013 near Ames Lake, WA
A small creek along the Camino Espantoso trail.
Aug 8, 2017 near Ames Lake, WA
A small optional skinny.
Aug 8, 2017 near City of…, WA

2 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jul 22, 2024
Cedar W
Jun 1, 2024
Austin Bean
Oct 19, 2022
Deniz Dizman
Jul 13, 2021
Jared Blatter
Super bumpy. Couldn't ever get up to speed because of all the roots and rocks. 6.3mi
Aug 14, 2020
Ray Li
Nice ride. Good range of short climbs, roots and rocks 6mi
Jun 14, 2020
James Rex
May 9, 2019
Mark Puckett
5.5mi
Apr 19, 2019
Shae Bouchard

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