Adventures in Nature: Bridle Trails State Park.

I am on a quest this spring with my eight-year-old son Malachi: To visit all of the Washington State Parks in the three-county region around our home in south Puget Sound.

There are SIXTEEN parks in all -- spread out across King, Pierce and Thurston counties, along the Puget Sound, in western Washington State.

On April 27th, we hit PARK NUMBER TEN: Bridle Trails State Park, located in Kirkland Washington (King County).

And better yet -- Little brother Deacon joined us on our expedition!

We really like this one!

Bridle Trails State Park features all the usual hiking trails through lush greenery typical of the Puget Sound region. There is a total of 28 miles of trails through the park.

We opted for the 1-mile Raven Trail, which was accessible enough, both for independent hiking by my two-year-old and for me to push my eight-year-old in his adaptive hiking stroller.

(Please don't get me wrong: It is still a massive physical undertaking to hike with my middle-age child in a whole ass hiking stroller, weighed down by his body weight PLUS another 75 pounds (at least) of medical equipment. Even flat, well-maintained and paved trails are a workout. Hiking with him on forest trails is.... hard. I want to be careful about underselling the workload required to make this type of outing happen as a caregiver. I believe it is important to be honest in that regard. I also believe that, whenever possible, public lands managers should prioritize physical accessibility in trail building and maintenance. All bodies belong outdoors.)

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Bridle Trails State Park is an "equestrian-friendly" park with multiple outdoor arenas.

The space is clearly geared toward those with horses -- something that really wowed my little guy. We were even lucky enough to witness a farrier at work in the parking lot.

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State Park Visit 1:

Flaming Geyser State Park -- King County, near the city of Auburn, Washington, on January 9th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 2:

Federation Forest State Park -- King County, outside of Enumclaw, Washington, on January 14th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 3:

Dash Point State Park -- King County, in Federal Way, Washington, on January 26th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 4:

Nolte State Park -- King County, outside of Enumclaw, Washington, on February 4th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 5:

Saltwater State Park -- King County, in Des Moines, Washington, on February 6th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 6:

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park -- King County, in Ravensdale, Washington, on February 25th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 7:

Joemma Beach State Park -- Pierce County, in Lakebay on Key Peninsula, on March 1st, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 8:

Penrose Point State Park -- Pierce County, in Lakebay on Key Peninsula, on March 1st, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 9:

Kopachuck State Park -- Pierce County, in Gig Harbor, Washington, on March 30th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.