Seattle's Child

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Beyond the Burke-Gilman: Kid-friendly Bike Trails to Explore

 

Expand your pedaling horizons beyond the busy Burke-Gilman Trail with these other family-friendly bike trails. See links for maps, information and access points.

 

Centennial Trail

Photo: Robert Ashworth/Flickr

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. Near the northern end, stop at the historic Bryant General Store (milepost 4.0) for treats.

 

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

Photo: King County Parks/Flickr

 

This quiet, forested, packed-gravel trail runs along the edge of the rural Snoqualmie Valley about 20 miles east of Seattle.

 

Soos Creek Trail

 

This paved trail just east of Kent feels surprisingly remote , traversing 6 miles of forests and marshes through an otherwise suburban area.

 

Sammamish River Trail

Photo: Richard Cassan/Flickr

 

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. 

 

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.

 

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Seattle's Child Staff