Guest Writer: Lita Talisman of @litaofthepack
We got our Lectric eBikes this past April right as we moved from the East Coast into Seattle. It’s been so much fun to explore the city and beyond by bike. It lets us see so much more of the city than we could by car or foot.
Now, I want to share my favorite bike trails in Seattle with you! So, you can head out on your next bike adventure.
With bike traffic lights, scenic paved bike trails, and tons of biking infrastructure, Seattle is one of the best cities to explore by Lectric Bike.
1. Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail runs 20 miles through the city connecting the West to the East. It spans all the way from Golden Gardens coastline to Bothell.
It’s one of the most popular bike trails in the city and for good reason. You can spend a full day taking this bike trail and making various stops.
Start at Golden Gardens, make your way through the fun neighborhoods of Ballard and Fremont, and before winding your way through the University of Washington and up past it.
I’ve ridden bits and pieces of it, but riding the entire thing and ending the day in Woodinville with a glass of wine is still on my bucket list. Often referred to as the heart of wine country in the Seattle area, Woodenville has more than 130 wineries in town. So, it’s the perfect last stop on your bike adventure.
Distance: 20 miles one way
2. Elliott Bay Trail
As someone who lives in the Magnolia neighborhood, this is by far my favorite bike trail in Seattle!
The Elliott Bay Trail runs directly from Smith Cove to Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park downtown. Along the way, you’ll pass through gorgeous tree-lined trails, the gorgeous coastline, and the downtown Piers.
One of the best parts is that Seattle recently renovated this area of the Waterfront Park. The bike lanes are wonderfully manicured, and a new Cafe Hagen location sits right by the trail with a beautiful view. It’s my favorite spot to stop for a quick drink.
I have taken the Elliott Bay Trail countless times to get to the Mariners Games, show visitors the beauty, and get into the city. I will never tire of it.
Distance: 5 miles one way
3. Green Lake Trail
If you’re looking for an easy place to get some exercise, then Green Lake Trail is the perfect option.
This is a paved path that goes all the way around the lake in a loop. The pathway is divided into two parts for bikers and walkers. It’s really serene and bikeable year round.
However, Green Lake gets really busy on nice days! So, you may have to keep your patience as you meander around people. The best time to go is dawn, when the paths are quiet and the lighting is beautiful.
Distance: 3-mile loop
4. Discovery Park Loop
Discovery Park sits on the north side of Magnolia with thick forests, rugged bluffs, and rocky coastlines. It’s a must-visit for anyone that’s new to Seattle.
There’s a variety of trails that you can take within the park, so you can truly choose your own adventure. But bikes are only allowed on the paved pathways. So, most people tend to stick to the same loop.
Plus, biking is the best way to reach the West Point Lighthouse at the edge of the park. Stop there to take in panoramic views over Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains beyond.
Discovery Park truly feels like you've been transported out of the city and straight into nature.
Distance: 2.5-3 miles
5. Alki Beach Trail
Sunny days in Seattle are elite, and there’s no better place to spend one than Alki Beach in West Seattle.
There’s a 2.5-mile-long path that runs along the beach, which is wide enough to accommodate walkers, joggers, and cyclists. So, it’s a wonderful spot to go for a bike ride, people watch, or spot views of Mount Baker on a clear day!
As a bonus, if you’re hot at the end of your ride, you can simply take a cool dip in the Pacific!
Distance: 2.5 miles 