900 Miles Of Trails: WA Leaders Unveil Leafline Plan

SEATTLE — Gov. Jay Inslee joined leaders from around the region this week to unveil a roadmap to complete the Leafline trail network, which the state aims to one day connect more than 900 miles of trail across four counties: King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap.

According to the Leafline Trails Coalition, Central Puget Sound is already halfway to that goal, with about 500 miles of existing trails spanning the four counties, including portions of the Eastrail, Cross Kirkland Corridor and Mountains to Sound systems. However, officials said the Leafline vision marks the first "concerted effort" to connect trail systems across jurisdictions.

"Connections are key; when we can walk, bike or roll without barriers to reach transit or anywhere we want to go it reduces air pollution and makes Washington a better place to live," Inslee said Wednesday. "I am proud to support trail projects throughout the Leafline system."

The coalition said the remaining 44 percent of the goal includes building out regional spines, completing links between existing trails and closing other gaps to streamline travel across the region. More than five dozen partners have pledged support for completing the Leafline, which may also benefit from new active transportation funding on the state and federal level.

The Leafline Trails Coalition estimates trails generate $5.9 billion in environmental benefits each year, while costing far less to maintain than roads. Citing another study, the coalition said completing just one trail in Pierce County could lead to two million fewer miles traveled by car annually.

Wednesday's announcement also included an interactive map, showing existing and planned trails in the Leafline, and more details about the plan are posted online.

Watch the full news conference below: