Seattle is ranked one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. While the Burke-Gilman Trail, Seward Park Loop, and Green Lake Park are popular go-to’s, this list will get you out of the city and cruisin’ down bike trails on the Eastside (and beyond!). You’ll find a variety of biking adventures featuring tunnels, bridges, water and mountain views, pump tracks, playground pit stops and more. There’s something for everyone, regardless of age and biking ability.
Note: Trail bikers should have an understanding of road rules like staying on the right side of the trail, alerting others when passing, and safely crossing roads. Some of these trails can get busy, especially on weekends.
Bike trails on the Eastside: Cross Kirkland Corridor/East Rail (Kirkland):
Ride along this picturesque 5.75-mile trail through the heart of Kirkland while taking in Lake Washington views. There are many trailheads, but we chose one 1.5 miles away from Feriton Spur Park—our perfect mid-route pit stop. Feriton Spur Park features a playground with a zip-line (this is where my kids stretched their legs!), many sports courts, picnic areas, bathrooms, a splash pad in the summer, a garden for Hopelink, and Chainline Station Brewing in a repurposed historic Pacific Northwest Railway Caboose.
Miles: We biked 3 miles roundtrip
Location: We started from the trailhead at NE 55th St and 104th Ave NE, rode to Feriton Spur Park (509 6th St S.) and then biked back
Parking: Free street parking at the trailhead
Terrain: There are stairs with a bike wheel ramp at the trailhead, crushed rock/dirt trail, paved through Feriton Spur Park, and mostly flat
Skill Level: Best for experienced trail bikers (4+)
Tip:
- The new Totem Lake Connector bike and pedestrian bridge is set to open in July 2023, which will connect the northern ends of the trail at Totem Lake Boulevard and Northeast 124th St. This bridge is only the beginning of trail extension plans to connect Renton to Snohomish as part of the 42-mile East Rail Corridor.
Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park (Issaquah):
If your kids are more independent, you plan to ride with them, or you want to run behind them, this is an amazing mountain biking destination. There are two pump tracks in the central clearing with a map of the 6-mile network of single-track one-way trails. The clearing also has skill-building features. This is a great spot to spend a few hours or a whole day. If you want a challenge, you can certainly find it here!
Location: 26300 SE Issaquah-Fall City Road
Parking: There’s free parking at the main parking lot at Southeast Duthie Hill Road and Southeast Issaquah-Fall City Road.
Terrain: Packed dirt, dirt trail with uneven surfaces, boardwalk, berms, rollers, hills, jumps, drop-offs
Skill Level: All levels—trails are marked by difficulty level
Tips:
- Trails form a four-leaf clover shape. Continue biking to Grand Ridge Park or Soaring Eagle Park via connecting trails.
Bike trails on the Eastside: East Lake Sammamish Trail (Issaquah)
Starting at the trailhead in Issaquah, you’ll head north and quickly approach a tunnel with colorful animal murals. My kids like to hop off of their bikes and run around here. Continue north to the Lake Sammamish Boat Launch, have a snack on the docks and watch for fish and ducks. From here, you can return to the trailhead for a 4-mile roundtrip ride or continue on with scenic views of Lake Sammamish (and dreamy homes!) to complete the 11-mile-long trail to Redmond’s Marymoor Park.
Location: The trailhead is at NW Gilman Blvd and 4th Ave NW
Parking: There’s one-way, free, street parking along 4th Ave NW at the trailhead
Terrain: Mostly paved, mostly flat, road crossings, crushed stone (some under construction for paving—see website for updates)
Skill Level: Experienced trail bikers (4+)
Tip:
- Visit the award-winning Xochi Tacos before or after your bike adventure—it’s less than a block away from the trailhead.
Green River Trail (Kent):
For this bike adventure, we started at the new Van Doren’s Landing Park, a biking destination where you can do it all—”summit” the new Mount Rainier-inspired play structure, climb bird viewing towers, practice bike skills on the paved loop around the playground, and cycle the Green River Trail among avid bikers. Complete a 3-mile out-and-back section of the Green River Trail by heading north from the playground 1.5 miles to Three Friends Fishing Hole. This section of trail took us along the winding riverbanks of lush green countryside on one side and industrial growth on the other. We enjoyed a snack break along the trail, spotting wildlife and a constant stream of airplanes. The Green River Trail is about 20 miles long if you want to extend your bike ride North toward Tukwila or South toward Auburn.
Location: Van Doren’s Landing Park: 21901 Russell Rd., Kent, WA 98032
Parking: There are two free parking lots at Van Doren’s Landing Park
Terrain: Paved and mostly flat
Skill Level: Experienced trail bikers (4+)
Tip:
- While in Kent, check out Kherson Park or West Fenwick Park for their amazing playgrounds.
[Check out these themed playgrounds all around the Seattle area]
Bike trails on the Eastside: Larsen Lake Perimeter Trail (Bellevue):
Each season has something to offer on this easy .8-mile loop trail around Larsen Lake, which connects to the larger Lake to Lake Trail and Greenway. Spot ducks, pick berries at the neighboring farm when in season, or admire the fall foliage. This is a popular spot to take photos for a reason! Take a few laps around the lake or extend your adventure by continuing on the connecting trails.
Location: 14812 SE 8th St., Bellevue
Parking: There’s a free parking lot at the Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm or nearby street parking.
Terrain: Mulch, gravel, mostly flat, small wooden bridges
Skill Level: Pedal bikers of all levels
Tip:
- Blueberry picking at Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm is usually in August.
[More places to go berry picking]
Rattlesnake Lake Trail (North Bend):
You may have hiked the popular Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, but have you ever biked along this alpine lake? This flat out-and-back trail will take you to the Cedar River Watershed Education Center (check for hours online to see their free interactive exhibits) and back. It’s only 1.5 miles round trip so pack your water tubes, squirters, stand-up paddle boards, and a picnic and head back to the lake to make a day of this biking adventure.
Location: The trail is on the southeast side of the lake
Parking: There’s a free parking lot by
Terrain: Paved trail along the water, gravel trail if you ride on the adjacent Snoqualmie Valley Trail
Skill level: All levels
Tips:
- Download a map before you go as cell phone service is unreliable here.
- Stop by South Fork in North Bend for delicious food and my favorite feature— their spacious and family-friendly outdoor dining space.
- Rattlesnake Lake has two more bike trails that traverse through the area. You can bike up to 18 more miles using the Cedar Falls Trailhead at Rattlesnake Lake; this trail leads to the Snoqualmie Tunnel (mentioned above) via Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail extends 8 miles to North Bend.
The Snoqualmie Tunnel (Snoqualmie Pass):
Bundle up for the coldest and darkest bike ride you may ever go on! No matter the weather outside, the tunnel will be cold, damp and completely dark at some points. 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.
Location: Hyak Parking Lot, Snoqualmie Pass, WA; see more detailed directions on the WTA website.
Parking: Hyak Parking Lot—Discover Pass required
Terrain: Flat off-road gravel/dirt, uneven and pot holes
Recommended Skill Level: Experienced trail bikers (6+)
Tips:
- Bring flashlights, and wear reflective clothing, headlamps, and layers of clothing (jackets and gloves). Watch out for walkers, uneven ground, and big potholes. Frame the dark ride as fun instead of scary by adding tire lights and wearing glow sticks.
- The tunnel is closed from November 1 through May 1. Consider going on a hot summer weekday for a cool respite.
Torguson Park Pump Track (North Bend):
This pump track is open to all ages and abilities on non-motorized bicycles. Join in on the fun or observe from the bleachers, taking in the stunning views of Mount Si. There is a separate miniature pump track next to the main track. Torguson Park also has a paved fitness trail perfect for learning how to ride a bike.
Location: 750 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA 98045 (just west of the skate park)
Parking: Free parking lot available
Terrain: Continuous dirt circuit of rollers and berms. Paved fitness loop at park too.
Skill Level: All levels
Tips:
- If you want to avoid the playground, park just behind the pump track, behind Les Schwab Tire Center.
- A button to turn on the pump track lights is operational from dusk until 8 or 9 p.m. depending on the day—it’s usually less busy at these times and it’s extra fun to ride under the lights!
Snoqualmie Valley Trail (Snoqualmie):
Escape into the forest on this former railroad-turned path for hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders. Starting from the Tokul Tunnel, we rode .8 miles to the Tokul Creek Trestle and returned, making our ride 1.6 miles round trip. Take in the mountain views, rushing creek sounds on the trestle bridge, summer wildflowers, and berries. The forest provides a shady reprieve on hot summer days. This section is part of the 31.5-mile-long Snoqualmie Valley trail—continue as far as your (child’s) legs will take you!
Location: Park at Tokul Tunnel, cross the street to access the Snoqualmie Valley Trail just behind the metal guard rail, and bike away from the Tokul Tunnel instead of through it.
Parking: Free small roadside parking lot at Tokul Tunnel.
Terrain: Wide crushed rock/dirt trail, mostly flat, paved trestle bridge
Skill Level: Pedal bikers (4+)
Tips:
- When you cross the street from Tokul Tunnel parking, the small hill down to the trailhead is rocky and steep. Adults should consider walking all bikes up and down to avoid small children falling.
- Extend your adventure by visiting Snoqualmie Falls, Fisher Creek Playground, the new Riverview Park Playground, or refuel in downtown Snoqualmie (Snoqualmie Ice Cream is a favorite).
Bike trails on the Eastside: Sammamish River Trail (Woodinville):
Starting from the trailhead parking lot, bike 2 miles north along the 10.1-mile-long Sammamish River Trail to Wilmot Gateway Park. You’ll follow the winding river and pass parks, farms, and vineyards. Once you reach Wilmot Gateway Park, swing, climb, and slide to your heart’s content before heading back, completing a 4-mile round trip ride. Have older riders who don’t need a playground break? You can easily adapt this ride in either direction, extending to Blyth Park in Bothell or Marymoor Park in Redmond.
Location: Starting from the parking lot at 14580 NE 145th St. Woodinville, to Wilmot Gateway Park at 17301 131st Ave NE, Woodinville
Parking: There’s a large free parking lot available.
Terrain: Mostly flat, wide asphalt trail
Skill Level: Experienced trail bikers (4+)
Tips:
- Time your ride with one of Celebrate Woodinville’s Summer Concerts. These free family-friendly events offer live music, food trucks, and local wine and beer.
- This trail rides through “wine country” with Wilmot Gateway Park steps away from The Schoolhouse District—Ballard Pizza Company, Café Dupar, L’Ecole, and Nutty Squirrel Gelato. All are family-friendly destinations for a quick bite to eat or a treat.
Read more:
How to teach your child to ride a bike in four easy steps
Places to go kayaking or paddleboarding with kids
Find more things to do
