Wilburton Trestle - Image 1
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Wilburton Trestle

4.3
·22 reviews·Bellevue, United States

Historic Wilburton Trestle transforming into a 1,000-foot trail bridge for the Eastrail, offering future skyline views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Post-2026 completion

Full trail access and views

CrowdMedium
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Wilburton Trestle - Image 1

Wilburton Trestle

Best Time

Post-2026 completion

Full trail access and views

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Wilburton Trestle transforming into a 1,000-foot trail bridge for the Eastrail, offering future skyline views.

4.3
(22 reviews)

"This historic train bridge is being transformed into a trail bridge for the Eastrail, promising future skyline views."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Anticipate 2026 Opening

The trestle will be fully accessible as a trail bridge in 2026. Plan your visit for then!

📸 Great for Drone Shots

Drone enthusiasts capture stunning aerial views of the trestle and Bellevue skyline.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wilburton Trestle Transformation

Wilburton Trestle Transformation

Witness a historic train bridge becoming a 1,000-foot trail bridge for the Eastrail, offering future city views.

Skyline Views

Skyline Views

Future Eastrail trail

Anticipate breathtaking panoramic views of the downtown Bellevue skyline from the elevated trail.

Historic Railroad Heritage

Historic Railroad Heritage

Explore a piece of local history, a former Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad bridge.

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Planning Your Visit

Future Trail Access

The Wilburton Trestle is undergoing a major transformation into a trail bridge for the Eastrail. While currently not fully accessible for public transit, its completion in 2026 promises stunning skyline views and connections to regional trails and light rail. Plan your visit around its grand opening for the full experience.

Historic Structure, Limited Access

This historic train bridge, once part of the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad, is a significant piece of local history. Currently, you cannot walk on the trestle itself, but viewing points offer a glimpse of its impressive scale and the ongoing renovation.

Best Times

When
Post-2026 completion
Why
Full trail access and views
Crowd
Medium
When
During construction viewing
Why
See transformation in progress
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Imagine walking, biking, and rolling here! The 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle is being transformed into a stunning trail bridge as part of the 42-mile Eastrail. Get ready for breathtaking skyline views and convenient connections to regional trails and light rail. Visual description: Sweeping aerial views of the Wilburton Trestle, nestled above lush trees, and set against skyline views of Belle...
kingcountyparks
216 likes • 5.4K views

⏳ Anticipate 2026 Opening

The trestle will be fully accessible as a trail bridge in 2026. Plan your visit for then! Instagram

📸 Great for Drone Shots

Drone enthusiasts capture stunning aerial views of the trestle and Bellevue skyline. Instagram

Imagine walking, biking, and rolling here! The 1,000-foot-long Wilburton Trestle is being transformed into a stunning trail bridge as part of the 42-mile Eastrail. Get ready for breathtaking skyline views and convenient connections to regional trails and light rail. Visual description: Sweeping aerial views of the Wilburton Trestle, nestled above lush trees, and set against skyline views of Be...
kingcountydnrp
303 likes • 10.9K views
King County is transforming the Wilburton Trestle into a trail bridge that will be part of the 42-mile Eastrail regional trail. Once complete in 2026, you’ll be able to walk, bike or roll directly to the trestle from the nearby Wilburton Station on Sound Transit’s recently opened 2 Line.
kcexec
230 likes • 5K views

📍 Viewing Points Available

While you can't walk on it now, designated spots offer views of the historic structure. Reddit

💰 Community Funded Project

Appreciate the collective effort from city, county, state, and private donors. Reddit

In King County, a 120-year-old trestle is being transformed into a 1,000 foot long trail bridge for “Eastrail.” The iconic Wilburton Trestle will offer skyline views of downtown Bellevue and connections to other regional trails and Sound Transit Link Light Rail. @eastrailpartners
arcseattlecw
13 likes • 409 views

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Anticipate 2026 Opening

The trestle will be fully accessible as a trail bridge in 2026. Plan your visit for then! Instagram

📸 Great for Drone Shots

Drone enthusiasts capture stunning aerial views of the trestle and Bellevue skyline. Instagram

📍 Viewing Points Available

While you can't walk on it now, designated spots offer views of the historic structure. Reddit

💰 Community Funded Project

Appreciate the collective effort from city, county, state, and private donors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(22 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Wilburton Trestle is a historic structure undergoing an exciting transformation into a key part of the Eastrail trail system. Visitors anticipate its completion in 2026, which promises stunning skyline views and enhanced connectivity. While currently not fully accessible for walking on, its historical significance and the ongoing renovation are points of interest.

"There's an area to the side that you can use to walk to the top of the bridge, you aren't allowed on the bridge itself but you can follow the tracks which is kind of nice."

Justin Chen

"This is being renovated so the EasTrail can run across the top of it. It's going to be so cool! Thank you to all the people who paid for it. Including City of Bellevue, King County, State of WA Group Health (now Kaiser) and especially Amazon, who donated $7m."

Bill Finkbeiner

"It's an old train bridge. You aren't allowed to walk on it. It looks kinda neat. Maybe the new east side corridor trail will use this old bridge? There is nothing to do on or around this bridge. If you can see it, you pretty much get the gist of it."

Stacy Brown

What People Like

Historic structure
Future trail potential
Skyline views

What People Dislike

Limited current access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Currently, direct public access to walk on the trestle is limited as it's under renovation. However, viewing points are available. Once completed in 2026, it will be accessible from Wilburton Station on Sound Transit's 2 Line, offering connections to regional trails. Instagram

Specific parking details for viewing points can vary. It's recommended to check local advisories closer to your visit or for the completed Eastrail trail access points. Reddit

Once the Eastrail is complete in 2026, biking to and across the trestle will be a primary mode of access, connecting to regional bike routes. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As the trestle is being transformed into a public trail, entry is expected to be free upon completion in 2026. Currently, viewing is possible from designated areas without tickets. Reddit

The trestle is currently under renovation. Once it opens as part of the Eastrail in 2026, it will likely have standard park/trail hours, typically dawn to dusk. Instagram

The Eastrail project aims for accessibility. The new trail bridge is designed to accommodate various users, including those with mobility challenges, once completed. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Aerial shots offer the most dramatic perspectives, showcasing the trestle's scale and the surrounding landscape. Instagram+1 Ground-level views are also possible from nearby areas, offering a sense of its historic presence. Reddit

Drone photography is popular here, capturing unique angles of the trestle and Bellevue skyline. Always ensure you comply with local drone regulations and airspace restrictions. Instagram

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, will likely provide the most dramatic lighting for capturing the trestle and the city skyline. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Wilburton Trestle is currently under renovation and not fully accessible for walking on, families can look forward to its completion in 2026 as part of the Eastrail. The 42-mile trail will offer a safe and scenic environment for children to walk, bike, and explore. The future integration with light rail will also make it an easy destination for a family outing. Instagram Keep an eye on updates regarding the Eastrail's opening for a fantastic family adventure.

🚴‍♀️ Cyclists and Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Wilburton Trestle's transformation into a trail bridge for the Eastrail is a game-changer for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts. Once completed in 2026, it will be a key segment of a 42-mile car-free corridor, offering breathtaking views and seamless connections to regional trails and public transit. Instagram+1 This project promises to enhance recreational opportunities and provide a sustainable transportation option for exploring the Eastside.

📸 Photographers and Drone Pilots

The Wilburton Trestle is a dream subject for photographers, especially those with drones. Aerial views capture the impressive scale of the trestle against the backdrop of the Bellevue skyline, particularly during golden hour. Instagram+1 While access to the trestle itself is restricted during renovation, nearby vantage points offer excellent opportunities to document its historic presence and ongoing transformation. Remember to always adhere to local regulations when flying drones. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Eastrail Project: A Vision for Connectivity

The Wilburton Trestle is a pivotal component of the ambitious Eastrail project, a 42-mile regional trail designed to connect communities across the Eastside. This transformative initiative aims to create a car-free corridor for walking, biking, and rolling, linking parks, neighborhoods, and transit hubs. The vision is to provide a safe and accessible recreational and transportation network for everyone. Instagram+1

The transformation of the historic Wilburton Trestle into a trail bridge is a key milestone. This 1,000-foot structure, once a vital artery for freight and passenger rail, is being repurposed to offer stunning views of the downtown Bellevue skyline and seamless integration with the broader Eastrail system. The project is a testament to community collaboration, with significant funding from the City of Bellevue, King County, the State of Washington, Group Health (Kaiser), and Amazon. Reddit

Upon its projected completion in 2026, the Eastrail, including the Wilburton Trestle segment, will offer unparalleled connectivity. It will link directly to the Wilburton Station on Sound Transit's 2 Line light rail, making it easier than ever to access this scenic route via public transit. This integration is crucial for promoting sustainable transportation and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Instagram

A Glimpse into History: The Wilburton Trestle's Past

The Wilburton Trestle stands as a silent witness to the region's industrial past. For over a century, this impressive structure served as a critical link for the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe railroad. It facilitated the movement of goods and people, playing a significant role in the development of the Eastside. Reddit

While the exact operational dates are part of its historical narrative, it's understood that the trestle was in active service for freight and passenger trains until the early 21st century. Its robust construction and enduring presence speak to the engineering prowess of its era. The trestle's transition from an active railway line to a future trail bridge marks a new chapter, preserving its legacy while adapting it for modern recreational use. Reddit

Even before its full transformation, the trestle has captured the imagination of locals and visitors. Its imposing structure and historical significance make it a point of interest, with many eager to see its revitalization. The ongoing renovation is not just about creating a new trail; it's about honoring the history embedded within this iconic landmark. Instagram

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