Bainbridge Island Loop

33 mile ride on the rural roads of Bainbridge Island

This ride makes a counterclockwise loop around the scenic byways of Bainbridge Island and follows the traditional Chilly Hilly bike ride sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club of Seattle to kick off the Bicycle season each February.

The ride really begins at the Washington State Ferry Terminal, 801 Alaskan Way Pier 52, in Seattle. The ferry crossing takes approximately 35 minutes. Bikes load from the vehicle loading area and pay a $1 surcharge in addition to the normal passenger fare that is collected  only on the Seattle terminal. Stop at the vehicle toll booths to pay your fare.

The ferry trip offers some of the best views of downtown Seattle as the ferry leaves the dock and of Mount Rainier to the south, Mount Baker to the North and the Olympics Mountains to the west as the ferry makes its way to Bainbridge Island.

After exiting the ferry ascend the first short grade to the first and only stop light. The town of Winslow is to the left at this traffic light if you want to get a coffee or snacks for the ride; otherwise, take a left and start the counterclockwise route.

Battle Point Park on the west side of the island offers a convenient rest stop after the first half of the “ups and downs” of the island roads. Save some energy for the climb up Baker Hill Road (about 5 miles after Battle Point Park) but enjoy the rapid descent which ends at scenic Port Orchard Bay with a sharp left turn. The ride continues around the south end of the island along Port Orchard Bay then east and north along Puget Sound before returning to the town of Winslow.


For more details on this ride visit RIDEWithGPS for a map, ride stats, full directions and elevation profile:
Bainbridge Island Loop Information

Ferry ride from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, Chilly Hilly Bike Ride

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