Merak /ˈmɪəræk/, also called Beta Ursae Majoris (β Ursae Majoris, abbreviated Beta UMa, β UMa), is a star in the northern constellation of Ursa Major.
At Woodinville the trail descends into the Sammamish River valley, and it is necessary to follow NE 145th Street to cross the Sammamish River.
Extending an imaginary straight line from this star [Merek] through the nearby Alpha Ursae Majoris (Dubhe) extends to Polaris, the north star.