Biking & Walking-Friendly Areas in Washington, United States
1. Olympic Discovery Trail
A 130-mile scenic biking and walking trail spanning the Olympic Peninsula, offering diverse landscapes from forests to beaches.
- Length: One of the longest contiguous rail trails in the U.S.
- Variety: Ideal for those seeking a mix of urban and natural experiences
- Seasonality: Offers year-round biking and walking opportunities
2. Centennial Trail
A 40+ mile trail stretching through Snohomish County, connecting Everett to the Columbia River.
- Length: Longest rail-trail in Washington State
- Scenery: Features river views, forests, and historic sites
- Accessibility: Easy access from major cities like Everett and Mukilteo
3. Burke-Gilman Trail
A popular 27-mile trail running from Seattle to Bothell, offering city and water views.
- City Access: Direct connection to downtown Seattle
- Popularity: One of the busiest urban trails in the U.S.
- Activities: Ideal for biking, walking, and rollerblading
4. Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail
A scenic trail running along the Spokane River, providing views of downtown Spokane and surrounding parks.
- Cityscape Views: Offers unique city skyline views
- Length: Covers a length of over 23 miles
- Recreational Amenities: Adjacent to various parks, river access points, and playgrounds
5. Leavenworth Loop Trail
A series of interconnected trails around the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, offering scenic views and easy access to the city.
- Scenery: Features rivers, mountains, and picturesque landscapes
- Accessibility: Easy access to downtown Leavenworth for dining and shopping
- Seasonality: Trails are suitable for all seasons, including winter activities
6. Coulee Corridor State Park Trail
A multi-use trail following the Columbia River in central Washington, offering stunning views of the coulees and surrounding landscapes.
- Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of canyons and river vistas
- Length: Covers over 150 miles, extending from the Hanford Reach to the town of Coulee City
- Wildlife: Ideal for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife
7. Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
A developing trail spanning the state from Renton to the Columbia River Gorge, offering diverse landscapes and mountain views.
- Length: Will become one of the longest trails in Washington State upon completion
- Scenery: Features rolling hills, farmlands, and mountain ranges
- Activities: Ideal for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing
8. Interurban Trail
A multi-use trail running through Thurston County, offering forested areas and connections to nearby towns.
- Length: Covers over 20 miles from Tacoma to DuPont
- Scenery: Features forests, wetlands, and city views
- Accessibility: Connected to several towns for easy exploration
9. Iron Horse State Park Trail
A scenic trail running between the cities of Bellingham and Everett, offering views of mountains, forests, and rivers.
- Length: Covers a distance of over 128 miles
- Scenery: Features mountain vistas, forests, and river views
- Activities: Ideal for biking, walking, and horseback riding
10. Columbia River Waterfront Trail
A multi-use trail along the Columbia River in Vancouver, offering river views and access to downtown attractions.
- City Access: Direct connection to downtown Vancouver
- Length: Covers over 14 miles from the waterfront to Fisher's Landing
- Scenery: Features river views, parks, and wildlife areas
11. Lake Chelan Shoreline Trail
A scenic trail running along the shores of Lake Chelan, offering views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of Lake Chelan and surrounding peaks
- Length: Covers over 20 miles from Stehekin to Chelan
- Accessibility: Connected to Lake Chelan town and recreational areas
12. Mt. Spokane State Park Trail
A system of trails within Mt. Spokane State Park, offering various levels of difficulty and scenic views.
- Scenery: Features mountain vistas, forests, and wildflowers
- Activities: Ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
- Seasonality: Offers winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
13. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Loop Trail
A flat, easy loop trail offering views of wildlife and wetlands in the Puget Sound area.
- Wildlife Viewing: Ideal for birdwatching and spotting various wildlife
- Easy Access: Located near Olympia, easily accessible from I-5
- Seasonality: Popular for year-round activities like birdwatching and photography
14. Olympic National Park's Hurricane Ridge Loop Trail
A scenic trail in Olympic National Park offering views of the Olympics and wildflowers during summer.
- Scenery: Provides breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains
- Activities: Ideal for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography
- Seasonality: Known for its wildflower displays during the summer months
15. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest's Sauk River Trail
A scenic trail in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest following the Sauk River, offering views of mountains and forests.
- Scenery: Features mountain vistas, forests, and rivers
- Activities: Ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing
- Seasonality: Offers opportunities for winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing