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The best trails for biking in Seattle
Seattle’s commitment to cycling infrastructure is one of the best.
You’ll find well-maintained paths weaving through lush forests, along scenic waterfronts, and past iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re looking for a quick after-work ride or a full-day adventure, these Seattle bike trails are some of the best routes you can go on.
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Burke-Gilman Trail
- Location: Starts at Golden Gardens Park in Ballard, ends at Kenmore
- Trail Type: Paved, mixed-use
- Distance: 18.8 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This 18.8-mile gem connects Seattle to Bothell, offering a mostly flat, paved route perfect for riders of all skill levels.
You’ll cruise past waterfront homes in Ballard, wave to kayakers on Lake Union, and spot seaplanes taking off near UW. The trail features plenty of rest stops, water fountains, and bike repair stations along the way.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at Gas Works Park, roughly halfway along the route. The best time to ride is early morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds. Watch out for the “Missing Link” section in Ballard where you’ll need to navigate city streets.
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Alki Beach Trail
- Location: Alki Beach, West Seattle
- Trail Type: Paved, waterfront
- Distance: 2.5 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Easy
Starting from West Seattle, this 2.5-mile waterfront path gives you breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound. The wide, paved trail is beginner-friendly with minimal elevation change.
You’ll pass beach volleyball courts, local cafes, and historic sites like the miniature Statue of Liberty. Public restrooms and bike racks are available every half mile. For the best experience, ride during sunset when Mount Rainier glows pink in the distance.
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Chief Sealth Trail
- Location: South Beacon Hill to Rainier Valley
- Trail Type: Paved, urban
- Distance: 3.6 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
This 3.6-mile urban trail in South Seattle offers unexpected solitude and challenging hills. Built along a Seattle City Light power line corridor, you’ll climb 350 feet in elevation through diverse neighborhoods.
Best access point is from Beacon Hill Light Rail Station alongside bike racks and repair tools. The trail’s unique design includes bioswales that filter stormwater and native plant gardens. Concrete paths with good traction make this rideable even in wet weather.
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Green Lake Path
- Location: Green Lake Park
- Trail Type: Paved loop, dedicated bike lane
- Distance: 2.8 miles loop
- Difficulty: Easy
Here’s a perfect 2.8-mile loop around one of Seattle’s most beloved parks.
This trail provides a beginner-friendly riding experience. The dedicated bike lane is separate from the pedestrian path, reducing conflicts with walkers.
Some of the sights along the routes are rowing crews practicing on the lake, playfields, and the historic bathhouse theater. The path is well-lit until 11 pm and features distance markers every quarter mile.
Early morning rides (before 8 am) give you a better chance of spotting local wildlife like blue herons and osprey.
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I-90 Bike Trail
- Location: Seattle waterfront to Mercer Island
- Trail Type: Paved, bridge crossing
- Distance: 12 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Moderate
This 12-mile trail connects Seattle to Mercer Island and beyond, featuring stunning lake views from the I-90 floating bridge. One of the coolest parts of this trail is how the bridge moves with the waves below.
The trail connects to both the Burke-Gilman and Chief Sealth trails, making it perfect for longer adventures. Keep an eye out for several scenic stopping points with interpretive displays about local engineering history.
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Duwamish Trail
- Location: South Seattle industrial area
- Trail Type: Paved, riverfront
- Distance: 4.6 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Easy
Following the Duwamish River for 4.6 miles, this industrial-area trail offers a fascinating glimpse into Seattle’s working waterfront.
You’ll ride past cargo ships, fishing boats, and historic bridges while spotting native birds in restored habitat areas. The paved trail includes educational signs about river restoration and tribal history.
Multiple access points connect to neighborhood greenways and the trail links to the Green River Trail for longer rides. Best ridden during weekdays when industrial traffic is active – it’s like watching a living maritime museum.
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Elliott Bay Trail
- Location: Pioneer Square to Interbay
- Trail Type: Paved, waterfront
- Distance: 5 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Easy
This 5-mile waterfront route takes you from Pioneer Square to Interbay, winding through Olympic Sculpture Park and Myrtle Edwards Park. You’ll enjoy constant views of ferry traffic, container ships, and the Olympic Mountains.
The trail features several covered shelters perfect for waiting out rain showers, plus interpretive panels about Seattle’s maritime history. The trail is particularly stunning during fall when downtown’s skyscrapers reflect sunset colors.
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Cedar River Trail
- Location: Renton to Landsburg
- Trail Type: Paved/gravel, riverside
- Distance: 17.3 miles one-way
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Starting at the south end of Lake Washington, this 17.3-mile trail follows its namesake river through a peaceful green corridor. You’ll ride on a former railroad grade with gentle elevation changes, making it ideal for long but chill rides.
The trail passes multiple salmon-viewing areas, especially active during the fall spawning season. Pack tools because the remote sections have limited services. The first 12 miles are paved, transitioning to packed gravel perfect for gravel bikes.
The post Seattle’s 8 Best Bike Trails, From Easy To Challenging appeared first on When In Your State.