The best cycling routes in Snohomish County

The Snohomish County Centennial Trail is a fantastic option for a long, easy touring bicycle ride, stretching 30.2 miles (48.7 km) with a minimal 678 feet (207 metres) of elevation gain. You'll spend about 2 hours and 47 minutes pedaling through a charming mix of rural farmlands, green forests, and peaceful wetlands, with notable stops like Lake Cassidy offering a serene break. This moderate route is ideal for cyclists of all levels, especially those looking for a relaxed journey through varied scenery.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is mostly car-free and well-maintained, providing a smooth paved surface perfect for road bikes. You'll find amenities like trailheads, picnic tables, and restrooms spaced along the route. While the trail is largely separated from traffic, remember to exercise caution at street crossings, particularly when passing through Arlington. Bike rentals and services are available at both ends of the trail in Arlington and Snohomish.

This trail stands out as one of Washington State's longest continuous paved trails, following a former Burlington-Northern railroad line. It serves not only as a recreational path but also as a valuable conservation corridor, offering glimpses into the area's social and commercial heritage through interpretive displays. For those looking to extend their adventure, the Centennial Trail connects with the Whitehorse Trail near Arlington, opening up even more possibilities for exploration.

The Interurban Trail - Mill Creek Loop offers a unique blend of urban exploration and natural escape, tracing the historic route of an old electric trolley line. As you cycle, you'll transition from bustling city sections to peaceful wooded areas, with highlights like the serene Lake Ballinger where local wildlife often gathers. The predominantly paved surface makes for a smooth ride, but the route's length and moderate elevation changes ensure a satisfying workout.

This 32.1-mile (51.6 km) touring cycling route is rated moderate, with 1101 feet (336 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes around 3 hours and 3 minutes to complete. You can easily access the trail from multiple points, including Lake Ballinger Park or the Lynnwood Transit Center, making it convenient for a day trip. Remember it's a multi-use path, so be prepared to share with pedestrians.

What makes this route stand out is its ability to connect communities while offering glimpses into nature, following a path that once hosted an electric trolley from 1910 to 1939. You'll find trailside art and, from certain crossings, even views of the Cascade Range, adding layers of interest to your ride.

Cycle the difficult Edmonds/Lake Forest Park loop, a 27.3-mile touring bicycle route with 1848 feet of elevation gain near Seattle.

The Snohomish & Lord Hill loop via Broadway Avenue offers a dynamic touring cycling experience, weaving through a mix of paved and unpaved sections. You'll pedal through lush forests dense with Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock, past serene Beaver Lake, and along the Snohomish River, where you might spot local wildlife like bald eagles. As you climb, particularly along the Pipeline Trail, expansive views of the Snohomish River valley unfold, with the Cascade and Olympic Mountains visible on clear days, creating a truly rewarding ride.

This moderate 30.6-mile (49.3 km) route, with 1057 feet (322 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 56 minutes to complete. While much of it is paved, expect some unpaved and potentially muddy sections within Lord Hill Regional Park, especially after rain, so choose your bike accordingly. Lord Hill Regional Park is open from 7 AM until dusk, and no parking pass is required, making access straightforward. Downtown Snohomish provides a perfect spot for a mid-ride break.

What makes this route stand out is its unique blend of urban and natural environments, seamlessly integrating sections of the historic Centennial Trail with the wilder paths of Lord Hill. This combination offers both well-maintained cycling and opportunities for wildlife viewing, from deer to rabbits, in a diverse ecosystem. It's a great choice for those seeking a varied workout with plenty of scenic rewards and a chance to explore the natural features of the Snohomish River area.

This easy touring bicycle route from Lowell Riverfront Park to Snohomish offers a delightful escape into nature and rural charm. You'll pedal along the Snohomish River, where the Lowell Riverfront Trail provides opportunities to spot diverse wildlife like eagles and river otters, all while enjoying potential views of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier on clear days. The route then transitions to the Lowell Snohomish River Road, winding through a picturesque pastoral landscape dotted with flower farms and grazing cows, making for a truly relaxing ride.

Planning your trip is straightforward; the route is largely considered easy and suitable for all skill levels, covering 17.1 miles (27.5 km) with a gentle 323 feet (98 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes. Parking is available at Lowell Riverfront Park, which also has restrooms and water. Keep an eye on river levels, as occasional flooding can affect the park area.

What makes this route special is its blend of reclaimed industrial land turned natural park and bucolic countryside, offering a unique perspective on the Snohomish River valley. The destination, Snohomish, provides a perfect reward with its charming antique shops and local eateries, including a popular bakery that's a favorite among cyclists. It's an ideal choice for a leisurely day out on two wheels.

The Centennial Trail and Lake Stevens Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, guiding you through a mosaic of Snohomish County's landscapes. You'll pedal past golden farmlands, through lush forested watersheds, and alongside tranquil wetlands, all while enjoying glimpses of the majestic Cascade Mountains. The route incorporates sections of the paved Centennial Trail, known for its gentle grades, before transitioning to scenic roads around Lake Stevens, providing a varied and engaging ride.

This moderate 19.9-mile (32.0 km) route, with its 623 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain, can be comfortably completed in about 1 hour and 55 minutes. Access is convenient from Machias Trailhead Park, which offers amenities like water and restrooms. While generally accessible, some segments around Lake Stevens feature rolling terrain, so plan accordingly. Spring and fall are often the best times to cycle, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.

Built on an old Burlington-Northern railroad line, the Centennial Trail itself is a historical corridor connecting towns like Snohomish and Lake Stevens. This route allows you to experience both the dedicated, amenity-rich trail and the charming local roads around Lake Stevens, making it a great option for those looking for a blend of natural beauty and community exploration on two wheels.

If you're looking for a touring cycling route that blends river views with rolling hills, the Sultan & Skykomish River loop via Old Owen & Ben Howard Road delivers a moderate 23.8-mile (38.3 km) ride. You'll pedal through picturesque mountain views and sprawling farmlands, with serene river vistas along the Skykomish River and near Al Borlin Park. Expect a mix of paved roads and some brief unpaved sections, offering a varied and engaging experience over about 2 hours and 21 minutes.

This route is a popular rural ride, known for its quiet roads and proximity to Seattle, making it an excellent day trip option. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the town of Sultan is a natural starting point for this loop. The moderate difficulty means it's best suited for cyclists with good fitness, and it's generally accessible during most seasons, though checking local weather is always wise.

The Sultan & Skykomish River loop is a great way to explore the local area's natural beauty, passing through the charming community of Sultan, which sits at the confluence of three rivers. The diverse terrain, including the curvy and hilly Ben Howard Road, ensures the ride remains interesting, providing a good workout while you take in the scenic Snohomish Valley.

If you're seeking a diverse touring cycling experience near Everett, Washington, the Silver Lake - Mill Creek loop delivers a moderate 27.7 miles (44.7 km) ride with 1157 feet (353 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 41 minutes. This route takes you through a compelling mix of urban and natural settings, offering intermittent glimpses of Mill Creek and expansive views of Silver Lake from various public parks, including Thornton A. Sullivan Park.

The loop is predominantly paved, but be prepared for some unpaved sections and moderate hills that will test your fitness. Hauge Homestead Park is a popular and convenient starting point, providing essential amenities like restrooms and water. For optimal preparation, carry a spare tube and tools, and consider full fenders if you're riding in potentially wet conditions.

This recognized cycling route is a great option for those looking for engaging Silver Lake Mill Creek loop touring cycling routes that combine a good workout with varied scenery. It's frequently used for organized rides, highlighting its appeal as a local favorite for cyclists in the Snohomish County area.

This difficult 35.6-mile touring cycling loop offers diverse scenery from Port Susan Bay to Lake Goodwin, with 1779 feet of elevation gain.