Bridle Trails State Park is a great state park that's perfect for horses and everyone else!…read more Although this state park is used for riding your horse along the trails, I say it's a great park for everyone else who wants a stroll through the forest along the Kirkland-Bellevue border. Because it's a state park, you must pay for a $10 single-day pass unless you have the Discovery Pass. There are two parking lots to the area, one parking lot is closest to the entrance to the trails and the other parking lot is smaller, which is closer to the bathrooms and where community events are held as there's a stage. I've been here a few times and it's always a nice way to enjoy a nature walk. In my most recent visit, I came here on a hot day with my dog as Bridle Trails State Park is mostly shaded from the trees. There are three different trails, and if you're looking to spend more time here, take the Coyote Trail, which is about 3.5 miles long. It's not entirely flat, with some hills here and there, but it's a super easy trail, along with the other trails here. I saw a lot of families and horses here. And speaking of horses, be aware that there will be horse poop on the trails. The reason why it's not picked up right away is because unlike dog poop, it decomposes within a short time. Dogs are allowed on the trails as long as they're on leash. At the area where events are held are where bathrooms and a water fountain is located, along with benches. It's nice to live nearby Bridle Trails State Park and enjoy the trees, green space and well-maintained trails that provide shade for those scorching days we're not used to in the Seattle area. That right there is reason enough to visit Bridle Trails State Park.

- The horse Trail -…read more Hubby and I decided to take an afternoon hike here, and we had no clue it's a state park and a discovery pass is required. We parked at the parking lot closer to the entrance, and we bought an annual discovery pass. Other than the starting incline, there is nearly no inclination for this trail. It's rather family friendly if your kids aren't afraid of horses or horse poops as I saw two horses and gazillion poops. It's funny how there is a sign that identifies the differences between horse poop and dog poop lol. The whole trail is shaded except for a small part. There are three recommended routes and the signs are quite obvious, but it's also easy to walk elsewhere as there are so many routes in this park. We were going for the middle length route, but ended up finishing the bigger loop instead and it took a bit more than an hour. There were also tons of salmonberries next to the trail that's perfect for a healthy snack for your "hike" xD!

Great park with a wilder set of plants. Lovely to see a well maintained trail that has more natural…read moregreenery and wildlife (we saw lots of birds, ground squirrels, slugs, etc.). There are not many people and there is a good amount of parking, plus a portable potty out front. It is a little steep in certain parts but everything is manageable and it is relatively short but nothing stops you from going another loop around or going down all the little side trails! Bonus: Dog friendly just pick up all waste so that it's nice for the next person!

This is a park that could be quite nice with a bit of funding…read more As it is, it's fairly small - a short walk through a narrow path that opens into a clearing with a retired reservoir that was at one point the supplier of the city's water. The clearing boasts a couple benches and another another narrow path that leads to the exit. There's quite a bit of road noise and overall it would benefit from a play area or a few sculptures placed in what has been renamed the "peace bowl". I could easily see someone who lives locally enjoying their morning walk here, but the park feels neglected and could really use some sprucing up.

There are 2 parks, this is the lodge side which has a covered lodge and a picnic shelter. It's near…read morethe water with walkable trails leading to the sports area. There is a dog leash area. Parking is good for usual days but if there is any event, you may end up parking on the street.

Woo park! I like to…read morewander around and breathe in the smells of lake 'n trees. My father likes to go fishing. Sometimes on land, sometimes in a little inflatable boat. This is a pretty neat spot for all these things! Amusing thing? There was one other foursquare user checked in at the same time as me!

We came to O.O. Denny Park for a family day with our church group, and it was a beautiful setting…read moreto simply celebrate being together. The park is well kept, with a big picnic area that worked perfectly for our gathering. If you bring kayaks, tubes, paddleboards, or similar, this is a super mellow and picturesque place to launch. We were there later on a Saturday afternoon with our church family, we enjoyed the music, the BBQ, volleyball, and it stayed peaceful and relaxing even with plenty of people around. The wide-open spaces, the lake water and gentle breeze off the water made it especially enjoyable. A great Kirkland park for relaxed family time by the water.

We finally made it to O O Denny park, we loved the exploring the park. Lots of waterfront space to…read morehave a picnic and enjoy the view. A couple good sized shelters you can book for parties.

Beautiful trail that follows May creek. Single lane trail which is one way. Not a loop. A lovely…read moreforest just hidden in plain site. Once you're down walking closer to the creek it's very peaceful and quiet. You wouldn't even guess that nearby is a busy road and neighborhoods. And so green in the springtime! Just a lovely place. Enjoy life. SYOY!

This neighborhood park offers a few trails, maybe a mile out at most. There seem to be two main…read moretrails, one that goes off to the Wind Tree trail head, and another that goes down May Creek (follow signs for a Boren Bridge). Both seem pretty manageable, but the Wind Tree trail seems to be more popular for everyday neighborhood walking. The Wind Tree trail is a pretty straight path, little elevation change, some roots etc. Very walking friendly. Closer to the Wind Tree trail head, there's an informational board about the terrain and history of the area. The trail down to May Creek is more tricky, winding down to the water with some short switchbacks (a total of ~100' drop over half a mile). Towards the bottom, there are some thoughtfully placed benches to stop and enjoy the view - whether it's overlooking the forest or the burbling creek. The creek is really pretty too! The shore is gently sloped so you can get close to the water. It's a little muddier and more slippery in the fall-winter-spring, especially once all the dead leaves are on the trail and in the process of decomposing.

I like pioneer park but it really does have a pioneer feel to it. My only wish was that there was a…read moreparking lot and that there was an actual bathroom instead of just a port-a-potty. Maybe there was a bathroom facility but maybe because the park is so vast I just couldn't locate it. I took a quick trip QFC down the street to use the bathroom there because I really had to go, got some yummy samples and a couple items from the produce section and went back to my short walk in the park and doing a quick yoga flow! If you want a no thrills park experience, Pioneer Park will not disappoint!

Pioneer Park is actually several quadrants of parkland divided by roads. One of these requires dogs…read moreto be on-leash (I think it's the NE quadrant). The others require voice control but I have never seen an off-leash dog that had perfect voice control. Myself and my neighbors have all had our dogs attacked by off-leash dogs here, so beware. There is a mountain lion that periodically lives in this area since the island deer population is out of control. Also some owls that can get aggressive near their nests. The trails are nice and people are usually good about trail etiquette. I wish the city would completely prohibit off-leash dogs though since voice control doesn't really perfectly exist for any dog. Also, horse riders use some of the park trails and they are not required to wear rump bags to catch manure. Horse manure lasts forever and can be toxic to dogs who will try and eat it. The city should require horse riders to wear rump bags the same way it requires dog owners to pick up dog poop. The south end of the Island doesn't have a fenced dog park, so it would be nice if some of Pioneer Park could be converted to a fenced dog park.

Nice park if you can get through all the freaking construction. It's summertime and it's…read moreconstruction time in every street in the freaking city. Do yourself a favor and use the south entrance.

Great park down a VERY STEEP walkway ( you'll get winded going back up). There was lots of parking…read moreand two handicapped spots right near the sandy beach. The beach itself is somewhat small but two lifeguards were on duty on a Sunday. About 1/4 of the water had a lot of debris in it but the rest was nice. There are several grassy areas to enjoy and a nice paved walkway lined with fragrant flowers. Bathrooms, boardwalk and a free-standing dock are also included. A great free way to spend an afternoon.

My favorite place to be on a warm, sunny day for a picnic! It's right next to the water. The area…read moreis usually quiet and calm if you go on a weekday afternoon. After work or during weekend, it could get quiet and loud. There are a few parking spots right next to the park, but it's not a far walk even if you have to park at the nearby neighborhood.

One of our absolute favorite beaches to relax and watch sunset. The neighborhood is very peaceful…read moreand calming. On our recent visit to Medina Beach Park, we had the chance to watch the best fireworks ever. Everything was sooo perfect..the music, the vibe, the weather and the fireworks. Had the best time!!