Pacific Northwest - Suggestions for easy/beginner Seattle trails?

Hi All,

I just started riding again after not having touched a bike for years. I've got a hybrid/comfort bike - a Raleigh Passage 3.0.

I'm still getting my bearings and am on the hunt for good places to ride that have;

~ little to no elevation
~ little to no car traffic
~ preferably minimal cycling traffic (I think the busy Burke-Gilman is outside my comfort zone for now.)

I've only had the bike since Sunday, so I haven't had much time to explore yet, and I do plan to check out the Interurban trail in Shoreline next weekend.

I work in Montlake so I checked out the Arboretum yesterday after work. Doesn't seem very "bike friendly" as the trails are mostly gravel and bicycles aren't allowed on some of them. There is a nice paved road that runs through it, with a long gradual grade that I will work up to in time.

Any other suggestions?

Interurban and Green River Trail--starts in south Seattle just south of Boeing Field, and goes all the way to Auburn. Multiple places to park along the trail, and I think the complete round trip is forty some miles. Flat as a pancake, too. Multiple bathrooms. Super Mall at the Auburn End.

And, you can see me there too some days :) .

Also, Cedar River Trail, starts in Renton, goes out to Maple Valley. A slight gradual uphill climb on the way out to Maple Valley.

You can see me there too! What time do you normally ride?

East Hill

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to check those places out. :-)

Those would definitely be Saturday or Sunday treks for me since I live in North Seattle - you'd be able to spot me by my beautiful Orange bike (named Dreamcycle), accompanied by my husband Streebo on his soon-to-be bike, a vintage Burgundy Fuji 12-speed. :-)



Interurban and Green River Trail--starts in south Seattle just south of Boeing Field, and goes all the way to Auburn. Multiple places to park along the trail, and I think the complete round trip is forty some miles. Flat as a pancake, too. Multiple bathrooms. Super Mall at the Auburn End.

And, you can see me there too some days :) .

Also, Cedar River Trail, starts in Renton, goes out to Maple Valley. A slight gradual uphill climb on the way out to Maple Valley.

You can see me there too! What time do you normally ride?

East Hill

Thanks for the suggestions! I'll have to check those places out. :-)

Those would definitely be Saturday or Sunday treks for me since I live in North Seattle - you'd be able to spot me by my beautiful Orange bike (named Dreamcycle), accompanied by my husband Streebo on his soon-to-be bike, a vintage Burgundy Fuji 12-speed. :-)

Photos of both bikes?

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/IMG_0712.jpg

My orange bike (a Rodriguez :D ).

If you get out early, I'm usually up for a ride. I'm not real fast, but I'm fairly friendly.

East Hill

I can't figure out how to make the image show up in the post like you did (even using the insert image icon)... how'd you do that?

Here is a link to a photo of my bike...

http://lh4.google.com/stellablue19/Rsx1woUd9XI/AAAAAAAAAZI/zxoJPv9Uuks/DSCF4593.JPG?imgmax=720

My husband doesn't get his bike until August 31st - it's in the process of being cleaned up at 20/20 Cycles (per your suggestion - Thanks!) Once he has it, he'll definitely post a photo on these boards!!

I can't figure out how to make the image show up in the post like you did (even using the insert image icon)... how'd you do that?
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k317/East_Hill/DSCF45931.jpg



If you have a photo hosting account (photobucket, in my case), just go to the IMG Code of the photo, click on that. It should turn yellow, and say 'copied'.

When you make a post, simply hit 'control + v' (so, you're pasting the image). I usually do a preview on the post to make certain I've done it correctly.

Works like a charm.

Our two bikes would look great together :D .

East Hill

I think that the north end interurban (Shoreline) is open or due to open soon. Also, the Burke Gilman is flat, though it can sometimes get baked with kids, mom's 'n strollers, and (I'm sorry to say) bicyclists running pacelines as well as the dog-as-kite (attached by a long lead to the human's hand)

Try the Centennial trail from Snohomish to Lake Stevens. Flat and great scenery. When you feel like doing a bit of hill you can do it from Snohomish to Arlington.