“Follow the *red* brick road!”

In 1913, a 1.3-mile stretch of road in unincorporated King County just outside of Redmond, Washington was paved with thousands of red bricks – a whole 26 years before the Wizard of Oz delivered those famed lyrics in theaters.

This Red Brick Road was a part of the Yellowstone Trail, the nation’s first transcontinental auto highway, which connected Seattle to Boston. The trail directed early drivers 50 years before SR 520 existed, and 80 years before I-90.  It also served a vital role as Seattle’s only link through the mountains to the east. Over one hundred years later, the road still exists, and we’ve worked hard to preserve it as one of the longest remaining stretches of brick road in King County.

This historical road, also known as 196th Avenue NE, runs from NE Union Hill Road to State Route 202. King County crews built an informational kiosk for visitors to learn more about its history in celebration of its centennial anniversary in 2013. The kiosk was built using salvaged bricks that were removed from the road when a roundabout was installed at NE Union Hill Road.  

This road has achieved King County Landmark status and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply appreciate gorgeous landscapes, walking along this red brick road offers a glimpse into the past!