How to Plan a Bike Tour of Seattle's Scenic Routes?
Are you looking for an unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty and vibrant neighborhoods of Seattle? Planning a multi-day bike tour lets you experience the Emerald City's stunning scenery, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems at your own pace.
Before you embark on your cycling adventure, consider hiring Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy of Tacoma for eco-friendly cleaning services to get your home sparkling while you're pedaling around town. Their experienced team will make sure your place is spick-and-span so you can focus on mapping out the ultimate Seattle bike tour itinerary.
Choose Your Dates and Durations
The best times for bike touring in Seattle are late spring through early fall, when the weather is mild and mostly dry. Aim for a trip in May, June, September or early October to avoid the peak of tourist season while still enjoying pleasant cycling conditions.
Decide how many days you want to bike tour for based on your fitness level, interests, and schedule. You can plan a quick overnight trip, a long weekend tour, or a week-long expedition. Most of the scenic routes around Seattle can be tackled in 3-5 days of riding 30-50 miles per day.
Pick Your Must-See Destinations
Seattle and the surrounding region offer an abundance of picturesque places to pedal through. Prioritize seeing these top scenic spots:
Burke-Gilman Trail - This 27-mile rail trail is a cyclist's paradise, winding past lakes, parks, and neighborhoods from Ballard to Bothell. Don't miss the iconic Fremont Troll sculpture under the Aurora Bridge!
Alki Beach - Ride this flat waterfront path for incredible views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline. Stop to relax on the sandy beach or grab lunch at a seaside cafe.
Bainbridge Island - Hop on a ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge Island for a peaceful ride through rolling hills, lush forests, and quaint towns. Visit the beautiful Bloedel Reserve garden.
Snoqualmie Valley - Follow the Snoqualmie Valley Trail through fertile farmland and along the scenic Snoqualmie River. Make a side trip to see the majestic Snoqualmie Falls.
San Juan Islands - Take your bike on a ferry to the San Juan Islands for a multi-day tour of quiet country roads, lavender fields, and rugged coastlines teeming with wildlife.
Map Your Routes
Once you've chosen your destinations, use Google Maps bicycle directions or RideWithGPS to map out daily routes between them. Aim for a mix of safe bike paths, low-traffic roads, and scenic routes.
For example, you could take the Burke-Gilman Trail out of Seattle, ride country roads through the Snoqualmie Valley, then loop back via the Centennial Trail in Snohomish County. Or bike to the Mukilteo ferry, tour Whidbey Island, catch another ferry to Port Townsend, and ride the Olympic Discovery Trail along the Olympic Peninsula coast.
Book Accommodations
Reserve lodging near your route for each night of the trip. Look for bike-friendly hotels, B&Bs, hostels, or campgrounds in destinations like Port Townsend, Friday Harbor, Coupeville, or Snohomish. Some Washington State Parks also offer special biker/hiker campsites.
Alternatively, sign up for a guided bike tour where experts will handle the route, accommodations, meals, and support vehicle so you can focus on enjoying the ride. Bicycle Adventures and Discovery Bicycle Tours both offer scenic cycling vacations around Seattle and the San Juan Islands.
Arrange to have accommodations near your planned driving path for every day of travel. Choose bike friendly accommodations such as hotels, B & B’s, hostels or camp grounds in towns or cities like Port Townsend, Friday Harbor Coupeville or Snohomish. There are additionally some particular biker/hiker campsites in some Washington State Parks.
Or join a supported bicycle tour where the experts arrange everything from the direction, meals, accommodation, and even support car so that you do not have to worry about any of it. Both Bicycle Adventures and Discovery Bicycle Tours provide cycle holidays across Seattle as well as the San Juan Islands.
Pack Smart
Bring versatile layers for Seattle's variable weather, padded bike shorts for long days in the saddle, and a lightweight tent and sleeping bag if you plan to camp. Pack your panniers with plenty of snacks, a first-aid kit, bike tools, and a map. Do not overload your bike; you should also test ride the bike to ensure every equipment and item is properly secured.
Allow for Spontaneity
While it's good to have a general itinerary, leave room for spontaneous stops and side trips. Stop to enjoy the beauty of a breathtaking view, wander around an unusual village or to taste a delicious fruit which you can buy from a farmer on the highway. unknown moments that sometimes redefine the fun and enjoyable parts of a bike tour.
With these tips on how to go about planning your route, where to stay and what to pack, you are now perfectly poised for bike adventure of a lifetime around Seattle’s breathtaking views. Well then, let’s put the helmet on and get going!
