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, December 1, 2012

Magnuson Park - West Seattle - Discovery Park

55 mile loop ride from Magnuson Park heading south to Lake Washington Blvd. Turn west through I90 Tunnel/Trail to Dearborn; skirt the International District on SODO trail to W Spokane St Bridge. Climb to High Point (35th Ave SW & SW Myrtle St is highest point in Seattle at 520 feet) via Avalon Way then onto Marine View Drive past Lincoln Park and onto the Beach Dr and the Alki Trail. Head back through the Seattle Waterfront on Alaskan Way. Take one more loop (adds 5-6 miles) through Discovery Park to Fisherman's Terminal and the S Ship Canal Trail/BGT or head directly back to Magnuson Park via Dravos/15th Ave/Nickerson/Fremont Bridge/BGT.


For more details on this ride visit RIDEWithGPS for a map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:
GO to Ride Details

View of downtown Seattle from High Point Neighborhood