Expand your pedaling horizons beyond the busy Burke-Gilman Trail with these other family-friendly bike trails around Seattle. See links for maps, information and access points.
Centennial Trail
A 29-mile paved trail stretching from just north of Arlington (about 40 miles northeast of Seattle) down to the city of Snohomish. Each section of the ride has its own character: forests, farms, towns, and lakes. The trail follows the original route of the Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern Railway, parts of which were later acquired by the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern. Illustrated displays at the regularly spaced trailheads explain the social and commercial heritage of the area.
Centennial Trail. (Image courtesy Robert Ashworth/Flickr)
Iron Horse/John Wayne Pioneer Trail
Explore the westernmost 20 miles of this 253-mile cross-state trail. From Hyak in Snoqualmie Pass, ride west through a 2.3-mile tunnel, over airy trestles, past sweeping mountain views and remote campsites. For the tunnel, be sure to bring strong head lamps and warm jackets. If a shuttle can be arranged, the slight downhill grade makes for an easy pedal. The trail connects to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail at Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend.
Snoqualmie Valley Trail
This quiet, forested, packed-gravel family-friendly bike trail runs along the edge of the rural Snoqualmie Valley about 20 miles east of Seattle. Once through the 2.3-mile-long tunnel, you’ll find nice views, a pit toilet and the option to extend your adventure along the 250-mile-long Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
Snoqualmie Valley Trail. (Image courtesy King County Parks/Flickr)
Soos Creek Trail
This paved trail just east of Kent feels surprisingly remote, traversing six miles of forests and marshes through an otherwise suburban area. The entire trail is paved, but for most of it, there is a also parallel soft surface path for those who want to go off the paved roads. Depending on the time of year, there can be fall foliage to see, birds to watch and even berries to snack on.
Sammamish River Trail
This paved trail links directly to the Burke-Gilman at Bothell Landing. Down the trail in Woodinville, an off-route trail option follows NE 145th Street westward to the Hollywood Winery District, where you’ll find tasting rooms, breweries and restaurants.
Sammamish River Trail. (Image courtesy Photo: Richard Cassan/Flickr)
Green River Trail
You can ride nearly 20 paved miles along the Duwamish and Green Rivers around Kent and Auburn. The southern portion from Briscoe Park is nice for winding past parks, golf courses, and the Green River. The route includes a few short stretches of low-traffic roads. Make a loop using the Interurban Trail.
