Urban Cycling: The Best of Seattle Southside

For this trip, we’ll follow a couple as they set out on a bike-packing journey close to home on an urban adventure complete with camping on the shores of Puget Sound. Join them as they pedal approximately 20-miles from Eastlake to Saltwater State Park and discover the many wonders of Seattle Southside.

1st Stop: The Museum of Flight

Cruise along East Marginal Way in the wide bike lane, and you're literally riding right along the King County International Airport - Boeing Field. The runway is pretty active, with large jets, planes, and helicopters taking off and landing right next to the street. It's distracting in a good way, pull over for an up close view.

The Museum of Flight is a great stop along the way. It is the largest independent, non-profit air and space museum in the world. With over 175 aircraft and spacecraft, tens of thousands of artifacts, millions of rare photographs, dozens of exhibits and experiences, and a world-class library, the Museum and its people bring mankind's incredible history of flight to life.

Take your time walking through the airplane hangar, which is full of classic airplanes. You can stand right next to a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in this cool exhibit.

2nd Stop: Cecil Moses Memorial Park & Green River Trail

The entrance to Cecil Moses Park guides you onto the Interurban Trail, which has public restrooms and a nice grassy area to stop and relax. The bridge brings you across the Green-Duwamish River and onto the Green River Trail that winds more than 19-miles near the Duwamish Waterway in Tukwila to the broad Green River Valley. The popular trail has excellent views and access to the Green River and links the urban centers to pastoral landscapes, parks and Seattle Southside communities.

With minimal grade and a wide, flat path, the Green River Trail is a cycler's dream! This route is designated for non-motorized use and makes for a leisurely pace, offering a chance to look around and breathe in the fresh air.

3rd Stop: A Picnic Lunch at Angle Lake Park

There are several great spots in SeaTac where you can pick up lunch to-go and take it to nearby Angle Lake Park for a picnic. Sharps RoastHouse offers classic Americana (try the Wenatchee Applewood Smoked Pulled Pork Salad or the Seattle Classic Burger). Taqueria Jacarandas Mexican Food is great for tacos and burritos, while Masae's Teriyaki is popular for Japanese comfort food.

Angle Lake Park is just off International Blvd, making it the perfect place for a relaxing lunch with a fantastic view of Mt. Rainier.

4th Stop: Des Moines Creek Trail & Beach Park

From Angle Lake, the coastal town of Des Moines beckons. The best way to reach the beach is via the 2.2-mile Des Moines Creek Trail. This paved trail through the woods makes you feel like you’re miles away from civilization and ends right at the Des Moines Beach Park.

The fresh salty breeze carries the scent of the sea, greeting you as you make your way to Des Moines Beach Park. There is a large grassy area to relax, which is a great place to watch the boats coming and going and fishermen dropping lines. At low tide, there are tide pools to explore...this is a great place to bring the family!

Final Stop: Saltwater State Park

Just 2.7-miles exists between Des Moines Beach Park and Saltwater State Park. Ride along the wooded forest road with amazing views of Puget Sound as you enter the State Park. There are picnic tables, fire pits along the water, and a small sandy beach with piles of large driftwood. To the left is a small campground with about 30 campsites tucked in the woods. It's a short walk to nearby restrooms and just a bit further to the waterfront.

Whether by bike, car, or train, discovering Seattle Southside will help you scratch that adventure itch without having to travel too far from home.

Trails and Routes to Explore in and Near Seattle Southside

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.

Note: If you are coming from anywhere near the Link light rail, you can ride it to the Tukwila-International Blvd Station to start your adventure in Seattle Southside.

• 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 scenery, including industrial land and small to medium communities.
• The partly complete Lake to Sound Trail has a segment that runs from Burien all the way to the Des Moines waterfront. The 2.2-mile paved segment completed in 2025 extends from near South 200th Street in SeaTac to the Des Moines Creek Trail, creating a continuous trail system that improves non-motorized travel options across city boundaries. Combined with the Des Moines Creek Trail, it creates seven miles of paved pathway.
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Want to take the family on a bicycle tour? Here are just some of the groups offering them:

• Seattle Rider Tours offers e-bike tours to help you navigate the hills of our area with a little boost! The tour of Seattle's Waterways, Nature and Neighborhoods lasts three hours and includes bike rental, a helmet, and your guide.
• Seattle Bicycle Tours offers both standard and e-bike tours, ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 hours in length. Two of the tours also include a ferry ride!
• Seattle Mountain Bike Tours take you from the Seattle area to the gorgeous Cascade Mountains. The company picks you up in a shuttle, then takes you to the trailhead, where you're fitted with a high-quality bike.

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

• Alki Kayak Tours
• 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.

This article originally appeared on ScenicWa.com. Click here to view the original.