BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN SEATTLE

Ride around Lake Union and beyond

Seattle has that perfect mix of nature and city, and nothing shows it off better than a ride around Lake Union. This route gives you waterfront views, skyline backdrops, floating house neighborhoods (hello “Sleepless in Seattle”), and laid-back vibes that make it a must for visiting cyclists. It’s smooth, photogenic, and connects easily to bigger routes if you're down to explore further.

Best lakeside rides

• Lake Union Loop: 6-mile chill ride through Gas Works Park and South Lake Union

• Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop: fully connected trail with interpretive signs

• Burke-Gilman to Fremont: café stops and artsy bridges

• South Lake Union to Seattle Center: mix of parks and tech campus vibes

• Lake Washington Boulevard: weekend open streets with lakefront air

The Cheshiahud Loop is a favorite for all levels — it’s well-marked, family-friendly, and lined with parks and rest spots. You’ll pass paddleboarders, office towers, marinas, and maybe a seaplane taking off. Grab a coffee at Fremont or South Lake Union and enjoy some of the most scenic urban cycling you’ll find anywhere.

On weekends, Lake Washington Boulevard often closes to car traffic between Seward Park and Mount Baker Beach, creating a “Bicycle Sunday” vibe that's all kinds of wholesome. Bring snacks and a swimsuit — lake dips are totally encouraged.

Explore Seattle’s heart by bike

One of the best ways to really experience Seattle is to hop on a bike and ride through its neighborhoods. From Capitol Hill’s indie energy to the hipster-fueled streets of Ballard, there’s character around every turn. These rides aren’t just point A to point B — they’re about soaking in Seattle’s music, food, and street art while rolling past quirky storefronts and green spaces.

Top cultural cycling routes

• Ballard to University District via Burke-Gilman: flat, fast, and foodie heaven

• Capitol Hill Loop: steep but worth it for city views and brunch stops

• Georgetown Ride: murals, breweries, and that old-school industrial charm

• Green Lake Trail: casual, circular ride with chill park energy

• Alki Trail to West Seattle: skyline selfies and beachfront pizza

For an easy win, ride the Burke-Gilman Trail. This legendary multi-use path runs through major neighborhoods with almost zero car stress. It’s a great way to explore without having to think too hard — just follow the trail, and you’ll hit breweries, record stores, and green spots galore.

Capitol Hill brings the elevation but also delivers killer cityscapes and the best vegan doughnuts. Plan to walk your bike in a few spots if you're touring loaded — the grades can be no joke — but the payoff is a hyper-local Seattle experience that’s vibrant and always surprising.

Go big with Seattle’s tour routes

If you’re in town with bike bags, a love for long miles, and an itch for adventure, Seattle has some iconic bike touring routes waiting for you. These rides stretch out of the city and into the kind of Pacific Northwest landscapes that make you want to drop everything and live in a tent (or at least post 12 Instagram stories).

Epic rides and mini-tours

• Burke-Gilman to Sammamish River Trail: 40+ miles of car-free joy

• Seattle to Snohomish: brewery stops and riverside rolling

• Ferry to Bainbridge Island Loop: climb, coast, repeat

• Seattle to Mount Rainier (multi-day): serious legs, serious views

• Interurban Trail to Everett: fast, flat, and flowy

The Burke-Gilman/Sammamish combo is a dream for tourers. It runs from the heart of Seattle out through the techy Eastside and into wine country. Expect paved surfaces, great signage, and lots of places to refuel — tacos, espresso, and even a few tasting rooms along the way. It's easy to make it a century ride with side loops into Redmond or Woodinville.

Feeling ambitious? Hop on a ferry to Bainbridge and do the island loop. It’s hilly but peaceful, with killer views of Puget Sound and plenty of roadside stands. For serious tourers, plan a 2-3 day ride out to Mount Rainier — it’s a challenging but unforgettable journey past valleys, forests, and eventually, snow-dusted peaks.

No matter which direction you roll, Seattle’s got the infrastructure, beauty, and coffee supply to keep your wheels spinning. Just bring a rain jacket (you know why), and get ready to fall in love with every mile.