Tolt Pipeline - Sammamish River Loop

The Park at Bothell Landing, which has plenty of parking, is a good place to start. Bothell also has several bus lines serving the area, as does Woodinville. The instructions make it seem like a complicated route, but it's fairly simple and straightforward on the ground, especially if you're using any sort of navigation aid.

Begin by crossing the pedestrian bridge over the Sammamish River at the east end of the park. Turn right on the paved Sammamish River trail and walk a short mile to Blyth Park. Continue through the parking lot and onto a gravel road, closed to vehicles. Where the road bends right, go straight ahead into the forest, aiming toward a disc golf tee. Go uphill into the woods, staying on the main path, and eventually start switchbacking up through the forest. After a half mile or so, reach the Tolt Pipeline clearing, which also has power lines.

Cross the swath diagonally and re-enter the woods. Keep left at a couple of intersections and go up more switchbacks. About two miles from the start, return to the pipeline and reach the top of the hill. There is a bench here to rest and admire the view west; the Olympics are visible on a clear day. The route from here is obvious — follow the pipeline clearing downhill to the east. The path ends at a housing development. Turn left and go uphill on a road, then turn right on another road and reach Juanita-Woodinville Way NE. Go left and cross the bridge over I-405.

Turn right on 116th Ave NE and walk a short distance to the resumption of the Tolt Pipeline trail. Walk west, crossing a few roads and going over a hill. From the crest of the hill, before you drop into the Sammamish River Valley, you can see the Cascades. On the way down to the valley, you can also see the one — and only — view of the Tolt Pipeline itself.

Near the bottom, cross the Eastrail route, currently closed. Go a little farther, cross SR 202, and walk a paved path past some wineries and down to the Sammamish River. Meet the Sammamish River trail here and head left, north. You can walk this paved trail along the peaceful Sammamish River all the way back to the Park at Bothell Landing. Stay out of the way of the many bicycles!

Lunch is available at many restaurants in Woodinville, which is just off the route a couple of miles before the end. A few opportunities for side trips exist. Blyth Park demands exploration. Near the end of the route, after crossing under I-405, you can take the North Creek Trail into the UW Bothell campus.