Cycle the Isles
Hop the ferry to Bainbridge Island for routes that deliver views of Puget Sound, plus several challenging hills along the way. Rent a bike at Classic Cycle near the ferry dock. Farther north in the San Juan Islands, Friday Harbor’s Island Bicycles rents wheels for the self-touring sightseers steps from the ferry dock. Pedal across the island—and some challenging hills—to Lime Kiln State Park for epic views, or try a beginner-friendly ride to Roche Harbor.
Pedal to Wine
Bikers in Lake Chelan can choose from any number of hill climbs, all offering a view of the azure lake. For a more leisurely ride, Chelan Electric Bikes rents wheels with extra oomph. Meanwhile, Walla Walla’s cycling community has created its own bike map available at the visitors center and Allegro Cyclery, which also offers rentals. Here you’ll find everything from hill grinds to straightaways—not to mention nearly 100 wineries.
Hit Centennial Trails
The 29-mile Snohomish County Trail runs along an abandoned rail line through woods to connect Snohomish and Bryant. On the other side of the state, the Spokane River Centennial Trail travels 40 paved miles from Nine Mile Falls through Spokane to the Idaho border.
Go the Distance
The mostly dirt, 285-mile John Wayne Pioneer Trail stretches from the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho border, offering up trestle crossings, forests, and high desert. Another long-distance must is the Olympic Discovery Trail, a planned 126-mile-long trail that traverses the Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend to La Push. Currently 69 miles are complete, with the rest of the route accessible via public roads.
--Julie H. Case
