Eastrail Partners, the nonprofit supporting the 42-mile Eastrail corridor, recently welcomed Julia Hodges as our new Senior Philanthropy Manager. Julia brings a passion for connecting people and communities—something that fits perfectly with the mission of Eastrail.

To introduce Julia to our community, we asked her—along with other members of the Eastrail Partners team—to share a favorite memory on the trail.

Julia Hodges

Senior Philanthropy Manager

I’ve used many sections of Eastrail for commuting and recreation. One of my favorite memories was attending the opening of the Totem Lake Connector Bridge. On a beautiful summer day, friends, my husband, our one-month-old son Emmon, and I biked along the Cross Kirkland Corridor to the celebration.

Riding across the bridge for the first time was exciting, especially seeing how many people were energized about the new connection. It was also special for me personally—one of my first rides after Emmon was born.

Now, at 2½ years old, whenever he sees the bridge he wants to walk—or roll—across it. It’s fun knowing that even though he doesn’t remember it, he was there for the first crossing.

Katherine Hollis

Executive Director

It’s hard to pick just one favorite Eastrail moment, but I always love when my morning commute overlaps with families heading to school along the corridor in Kirkland. What a great way to get to and from school.

I also enjoy connecting with trail users—answering questions, seeing people pause to enjoy one of our summer concerts, or simply noticing how many people are out using the trail, even on rainy winter days.

Colin Petkus

Community Collaborations Manager

Growing up in Bellevue, I used to commute to school underneath the Wilburton Trestle. Back then, getting to school meant navigating busy intersections and high-speed traffic—often in the dark.

In 2024, we partnered with Sustainability Ambassadors on a “Town Hall on Bikes,” which was led by a group of local youth interested in fostering sustainability in our region. It made me so excited to see a future for these young people on the Eastside built around active transportation right here on the Eastrail.

Nate Caminos

Board President

As Board President, I’m proud to be a Renton resident and enjoy the southern end of Eastrail with my family. Whether we’re walking the trail with our young boys or playing with electric boats in the lake just off the trail, we love spending time outside together on Eastrail.

Eastrail Partners is supported by our Staff Team, Board of Directors, and Regional Advisory Council—all working together to advance the public and private partnerships that make Eastrail possible.

Together, we’re building a trail that connects communities across the region and creates more opportunities for people to walk, bike, roll, and gather.