Introduction

When I moved to Seattle from the east coast about 25 years ago, I started to explore the city and the surrounding area by bike; first, commuting to work and then adding fitness rides to my commuting trips. What I found were challenging routes that gave me a great workout but also some beautiful scenery, great parks, spectacular views plus interesting restaurants, cafes, bistros and bakeries along the way to stop for a snack or a cold drink. I think that by traveling by bike, at my own pace on quite streets and trails, through neighborhoods and parks, I have seen the Seattle area in a way I would not have experienced otherwise. I want to share with you the rides that have given me such a unique insight into our city and surrounding area. Whether you are new to town or a native, I hope you’ll find something to enjoy in these rides that have become my favorites.

This blog describes several loop bicycle rides in and around the Seattle metropolitan area with rides for every level of cyclist. Many of the loop rides can be combined or can be done as a shorter “out and back ride”. Each loop described on this blog includes a convenient start/end point that offers ample parking for those transporting their bicycle. Any loop can be done in either direction.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Lake Washington Loop - North

40 Mile Loop Ride around north end of Lake Washington

This ride makes a clockwise loop around Lake Washington starting at Magnuson Park and travels north via the Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) to Kenmore and Log Boom Park which offers restrooms.

The ride then turns south, climbing the Juanita Dr hill and a nice decent toward Juanita Beach Park and then one more small hill up Market Street into downtown Kirkland. Marine Park offers a great stop for lunch (try Taco Del Mar for take-out at 210 Main Street, 2 blocks east of Marina Park).

The ride continues along Lake Washington Blvd toward Medina and Bellevue hugging the lake shore as much as possible. After Main Street Bellevue, proceed on Lake Washington Blvd SE with Mercer Slough Park on the right and head west on the I-90 Trail and the north side of Mercer Island; Luther Burbank Park offers a nice rest stop before crossing the I-90 Bridge to Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood. Continue north to the University of Washington via the Montlake Bridge returning to Magnuson Park via the BGT.

For more details on this ride visit RIDEWithGPS for a map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:
Lake Washington Loop - North Ride Information


Marina Park, Kirkland


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Location: Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA

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