Top 5 Biking Trails in Seattle Southside

***WASHINGTON STATE PARKS GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE RECREATION IN THE OUTDOORS

Before you go

• Check what’s open. While many state-managed land destinations are open for day use, other local, tribal, and federal land may still be closed.
• Opt for day trips close to home. Overnight stays are not permitted.
• Stay with immediate household members only. Recreation with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission.
• Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited restroom services as staff begin the process to reopen facilities at wildlife areas and water-access sites. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
• Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms of fever, coughing or shortness of breath, save your outdoor adventure for another day.

When you get there

• Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded.
• Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Trailer your boat in the same way.
• Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap and hand sanitizer with you.
• Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks.

For more information, please visit https://parks.state.wa.us/.

Arguably the most beautiful trail in Seattle Southside, the route will take you from the shores of Puget Sound at Des Moines Beach Park to inland SeaTac. The paved trail runs parallel to the creek and is approximately 3-miles in length. Perfect for walking, jogging, rollerblading, and cycling, the lush foliage along the trail is quite literally a breath of fresh air. After getting some exercise along the trail, the southern endpoint at Des Moines Beach Park offers plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Sound.

14 miles of paved trail running through the cities of Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Algona, and Pacific, a complete trek through this trail will burn some serious calories. A variety of sights are seen on the route; industrial areas, suburban lands, and the historic Interurban Rail Line. From Tukwila, you can either head north on the trail all the way to Downtown Seattle, or head south along the Green River. Don’t feel obligated to take on the trail in its entirety, there are plenty of great spots to hop and off the trail to your heart’s content.

Spanning 54 acres, Fort Dent is the largest park in Tukwila. Considered the “go-to” park for locals and families, Fort Dent offers many classic park amenities, in addition to several trails weaving throughout natural bodies of water and soccer fields. The Fort Dent Bridge is another fun spot for families and a great place for photos. Nestled next to Starfire Sports (the home of the Major League Rugby Champion Seattle Seawolves) the park also hosts several sporting events throughout the year, including soccer, rugby and ultimate Frisbee matches.

The Green River Trail is 19 miles long and starts at the Cecil Moses Park in Tukwila, winding all the way down to the North Green River Park in south Kent. The trail winds through the Duwamish Waterway in Tukwila and guides commuters down to the Green River Valley. There are excellent views of the Green River itself, but also large landscapes of industrial areas and smaller parks. The trail intersects the northern end of the Interurban Trail at Foster Park. With the scenic landscapes, parks, and river views, this trail is perfect for a stroll on a beautiful day.

Surrounded by trees and greenery this park is an urban oasis for bike riders. Located under the flight path of Sea-Tac International airport, the park is known as a BMX hotspot due to the elaborate track built for bicycles. Don’t have a bike? No problem! The track has several paved walking trails, sport courts, and a disc golf course. Check out this video for more ideas on how to make the most of your visit to North SeaTac Park.

Despite our rainy weather and crazy hills, Seattle is a biking town! Whether you want a solo adventure or a good trail to take the family, we have something for you.

• The 14-mile Burke-Gilman Trail is popular with Seattle cyclists. The trail starts in Ballard and ends north in Kenmore, but not before passing through the Fremont neighborhood, past the University of Washington and along Lake Union. Once you reach the end, keep going – the Sammamish River Trail continues another 10 miles into Redmond.
• Access the Duwamish-Green River Trail from Fort Dent Park in Tukwila. This roughly 10.5 mile trail connects to the Interurban Trail and runs along the Duwamish and Green Rivers. This paved trail is popular with commuters during the week and families on the weekends.
• The Interurban Trail links Tukwila, Kent, Auburn, Algona and Pacific along an almost straight, 14-mile alignment parallel to the historic Interurban Rail Line. This partially-paved trail offers a variety of sceneries, including industrial land and small to medium communities.
• Each year, the Lake Chelan community hosts Cycle de Vine, a 35 mile ride that passes through some of Chelan Valley’s preeminent wineries. All ages can participate, but only those over 21 will receive a “wine card” allowing them two free drinks at a winery of their choice.
• For views of Lake Washington, there is no better ride than along Lake Washington Boulevard. The eight-mile ride takes cyclists through the Washington Park Arboretum and along the shores of Lake Washington. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on September 4th, 11th and 18th, the road is closed to cars thanks to the Cascade Bicycle Club and Seattle Parks and Recreation,

Want to take the family on a bicycle tour? Here are just some of the groups offering them:

• Cycle through the Emerald City with Jet City Bike Tour in Seattle– the three-hour tours are offered daily at noon and begin at the Olympic Sculpture Park.
• Customize your tour with Ibike Bicycle Tours– you can decide the duration, distance and points of interest.
• Tour Seattle with the Seattle Bicycle Club– weekly tours change routes and are the perfect way to get to know downtown and the greater Seattle area.

Don’t have a bike? Rent a bike at any of these local locations:

• Alki Kayak Tours
• Bob’s Bike and Board
• Recycled Cycles
• Wheel Fun Rentals

Before you leave, don’t forget your helmet – it’s the law here and if you are found without one, you will likely get a ticket.