Written By Cynthia Wong

The little hatchback that took me on 5 major solo road trips.

My beloved car’s engine died the day after Christmas last year.

For someone who’s built an entire outdoor life around adventures with my dog Tex, this should have been catastrophic. Honestly, it still seems catastrophic to me but we can dive into that another time. Winter in Seattle is already my low season. I don’t ski. I don’t snowboard. Tex isn’t exactly built for snow although he has accompanied on some snowy adventures. Without wheels, I figured I’d probably be stuck until spring and become a hermit for the rest of my life (dramatic, I know).

But I had a bike. A bike I bought for $200 off Facebook Marketplace. It’s not a flying unicorn but it sure is a workhorse.

I bought the bike back in April of last year. I didn’t use it much until September. The thought of riding on gravel and bikepacking really intrigued me but summer had other plans for me. I began taking out to some gravel roads after work near the Middle Fork. And then it became an option of commuting. Now, it became a necessity. I ride my bike as often as I can, commuting to work because aside from the bus (which can be unreliable sometimes and less torturous), I had no other option. And for the record, Seattle hills don’t care that your cardio is trash.

Now, more than 500 miles later, I am exploring parts of Seattle in a brand new way, taking ferries to state parks, riding trails I would have driven past without a second thought.

The car breaking down didn’t stop my adventures. It just changed the radius and the way I adventure.

Riding bikes isn’t new to me. I grew up riding bikes almost every other weekend with my family. Growing up in Hong Kong, there weren’t a whole lot of options to ride your bike freely. It’s not a city that’s designed for cyclists. However, if you drive further out to the New Territories, there tends to be more options of riding albeit most of these rides are less than 20 miles. But that was enough for a weekend packed full of fun with my family.

We almost always rented our bikes from Fanling or Sheung Shui (I honestly don't remember). There were a few bike rental shops to choose from. Our objective was always the reservoir in Tai Mei Tuk. My parents got my sister and I started on bikes with training wheels and then we graduated into actual bikes. But to get there, there was a gnarly climb. I remember it being so steep that either my mom or dad would stand in front of my bike to make sure I wasn't full sending it down that hill at 30mph and eating pavement.

Eventually, we both got it. We could climb that hill and descend without my parents acting as human brakes.

I stopped riding my bike ever since I moved to Seattle aside from the occasional Lime bikes. Somewhere between Hong Kong and Seattle, between childhood and adulthood, I forgot that bikes could mean freedom.

Seattle Has Hills.

Seattle doesn't care that you learned to bike in Hong Kong. Seattle doesn't care that you had a cute childhood biking origin story. Seattle has hills.

I was doing mostly easy rides when I first riding again. The first time I commuted to work from Northgate, I genuinely questioned every life choice that led me to that moment. The grade wasn’t horrific - it was a between 4 to 6%. But that was enough to make my legs burn and my lungs scream.

I still hate climbing. Every single time. My cardio is still trash. The leg burn is still very real. But here's the thing: when you're halfway up a hill, you have exactly two options. Keep pedaling, or get off and walk. The first time I commuted to work, I actually got off my bike and walked a bit because I couldn’t take it.

After a few more times of doing the same route, I didn’t give up. I kept pedaling.

Maybe that's what I needed. Maybe that's why cycling clicked when life started feeling heavy. There's no overthinking on a hill. Just breathe, pedal, breathe, pedal, repeat.

But here's the thing: for the past few years, it's felt like I'm constantly moving at 100mph but getting nowhere. Like driving a car without brakes - just chaos and noise and no actual control. My mental health has taken a toll. But cycling forced me to slow down. It's helped me find purpose again. I'm not chasing PRs or comparing myself to anyone. Just going at my own pace, experiencing the views along the way. When I get there, I'll get there.

The sense of accomplishment when you finally crest a hill with burning legs feels different from everything else in life. It's like doing a brutally hard hike, but on wheels. The struggle is immediate. The reward is immediate. And for someone whose brain never stops running, that clarity is everything.

Now that I’ve provided my cycling backstory, here are 5 fantastic routes to explore as a beginner cyclist.

SODO to Manchester State Park

Riding to Manchester State Park had been on my list all summer, but I kept putting it off. Tex always came first. Then I was seeing someone. Then trying to salvage whatever the hell was left of some situationship. By the time Saturday rolled around - only a day after the final attempt at making things work - my allergies were hitting hard and I felt like garbage. But I knew I needed this ride more than ever.

SODO to Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal
10.9 miles / ~334 feet of gain

Southworth Ferry Terminal to Manchester State Park
8.1 miles / ~536 feet of gain

Difficulty:
Easy (with rolling hills)

The Route:

I started doing longer rides but I was still unsure how many hills I wanted to climb. I decided that SODO Station was going to be the starting point. I took the light rail from Northgate. Once I got to SODO station, I rode across the West Seattle Bridge (something I’d always wanted to do and always wondered what it was like to bike on it). Instead of riding through West Seattle, I took the scenic route through Alki Beach and Lincoln Park to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. From there, I took the ferry to Southworth, then rolling hills through the Kitsap Peninsula to Manchester State Park.

I was hoping to catch the water taxi back to downtown on the way back but the timing didn’t work out so I ended up biking back to West Seattle and got a ride home.

The route can easily be shorter but I highly recommend riding through Alki Beach and Lincoln Park. The climbs are also a little bit more mellow than if you ride on the roads through West Seattle. There is a bit of ‘gravel’ riding in Lincoln Park but can be easily avoided as well if you choose to exit the park.

Here is the route I mapped out on RideWithGPS:

What Actually Happened:

I was so excited about my first time taking a bike on a ferry that I boarded the wrong one. Vashon instead of Southworth. Classic. Which meant an hour+ wait for the next ferry, then a delay. By the time I got to Manchester, I'd lost most of my daylight and my legs were cooked from all the rolling hills. I biked down to the beach, looked around, and honestly? The park itself was kind of boring. But the route - the West Seattle Bridge, the ferry mishap, the Kitsap Peninsula roads - that was the adventure. Sometimes getting there is the whole point.

Why this Ride is Worth it:

This is multi-modal transit magic at its finest. The ferry costs $9.70 for bikes (way cheaper than taking a car), and it gets you out of Seattle and into nature without needing a vehicle. Perfect for a day trip or even a quick bikepacking overnighter in summer. The route delivers even when your destination doesn't.

Tips:

I highly recommend packing some snacks with you. The last place to get a bite would either be on the ferry ride itself or a small pub located in the town of Manchester. This side of the Kitsap Peninsula is relatively quite. There will be road riding but I felt like the cars were all passing with care and gave me plenty of space. It might be a different story in the summer. I did this ride back in January so I assume the traffic was considered low due to it being the off season.

Burke-Gilman Trail

The Burke-Gilman Trail (BGT) is a 20+ mile one-way paved, multiuse trail located in Seattle. It stretches from Ballard to Bothell, which the option to connect with other trails to make it a longer ride. I work close to the trail, so it’s become my quick escape when I just need a little time outside. Gasworks Park is my favorite spot to watch sunset after work, especially during the winter months.

The Route:

I've never done the entire trail in one go. Instead, I've only ridden it in segments: Magnuson to Ballard, Magnuson to Bothell where it meets the Sammamish River Trail (SRT). I've even taken Tex on this trail for our first bike ride together for the segment between Bothell and where it seems the SRT.

Visit the TrailLink website for a map and a detailed description which also tells you where restrooms are located on the route plus various access points. You do have to sign up (free) to view the map.

If you don’t feel like biking the entire BGT, here are some segments I recommend:

  • University of Washington up to Golden Gardens: This portion is flat and quite scenic. There are quite a few landmarks in this segment. Between Fremont and Ballard, you will be biking along the ship canal. Once you make it to Ballard, you will end up at Golden Gardens Beach. Stop by Gasworks Park and/or a brewery on the way! Fremont Brewing is just right off the Burke on N 36th St.

  • Magnuson Park to Blythe Park: This section is 13 miles one-way but takes you through quiet neighborhoods in Northern Seattle and beyond. Before you head out for the ride, stop by Magnuson Cafe & Brewery for a bite (or drink). Time it right so when you head back to Magnuson, you can watch the sun set and enjoy folks sailing and kayaking during the summer.

Bothell to SRT segment

Benches along the Burke-Gilman

What Makes It Special:

The Burke-Gilman feels safe and accessible, which matters when you're building confidence on a bike. It's mostly separated from traffic with some occasional road crossing. The trail is flat (your legs will thank you), and connects so many neighborhoods that you can tailor the distance to whatever you want.

Some days it's a quick 6-mile out-and-back to clear my head. Other days it's a longer exploration toward Bothell. One of the first rides I did after not riding for years was riding from Magnuson Park to Bothell. I rode for a total 26 miles that day and that was when I realized I needed to make adjustments to my bike.

Why It's Worth It:

Perfect beginner trail. Paved, flat, protected from cars. You can start small and build up distance as you get comfortable. Plus, it connects to the Sammamish River Trail and is part of the Lake Washington Loop if you want to extend your adventure.

On the way to Fremont

Sunset at Gasworks

Centennial Trail

The Centennial Trail runs through Snohomish County - over 30 miles of paved trail. I've only tackled the southern section, from Nakashima Heritage Barn up to the bridge in Arlington. And honestly? That's plenty for a solid ride.

Distance:
30.6 miles

Difficulty:
Easy, paved

Trail End Points:
Nakashima Heritage Barn (Arlington)
1st St. (Snohomish)

The Route:

Flat, paved, and wide - which made it perfect for practicing riding with Tex. The trail rolls past farms and pastures and through forested watersheds. You cross creeks and rivers that drain the Cascade Mountains, whose snowy summits are visible in the east. The trail is relatively quiet, especially in winter, and those bridge crossings break up the scenery nicely.

I’ve only ridden from the Nakashima Barn Heritage Site up to the bridge right before entering the town of Arlington. Nakashima Barn has a lot of history and I recommend reading a little more about it.

View my route and activity on Strava and see the TrailLink website for a map and a detailed description which also tells you where restrooms are located on the route plus various access points.

Farmlands along the way.

Making it to the bridge with Tex!

What Makes It Special:

This trail feels more remote than the Burke-Gilman without actually being hard to access. You're riding through open farmland with mountain views - a nice contrast to urban Seattle. The width of the trail means you're not constantly dodging other cyclists or pedestrians, and in winter it can feel like you have the whole thing to yourself.

Why It's Worth It:

Flat, scenic, and dog-friendly if you want to bring your pup along for the ride (if you are used to biking with your dog). It's far enough from Seattle to feel like an escape but accessible enough for a day trip. Great for building endurance without the punishment of hills.

Nakashima Heritage Barn.

Snoqualmie Valley Trail

The Snoqualmie Valley Trail is a 31.5-mile rail trail that runs from Duvall through Carnation and up to Rattlesnake Lake. I didn't do the entire thing - I parked at Tanner Landing Park and rode almost all the way to Carnation, clocking about 32 miles total after a shift at the gym. If you are looking to get into some gravel riding then this is the trail for you. You don’t need a gravel bike to ride it, a road bike would do just fine.

The Route:

Flat, gravel trail that parallels the Snoqualmie River. Farms, open valley views, and that rural quiet you don't get closer to Seattle. I started at Tanner Landing Park and rode 16 miles to just outside of Carnation. I was losing daylight so I turned around.

I highly recommend stopping by the Tokul Tunnel - it gets a little spooky when the sun is starting to set but it was really cool. You can find numerous bridges on this ride as well. I actually almost got lost because I biked a little too far and missed the turnoff.

You can check out my route and ride here on Strava.

What Actually Happened:

On the way back to my car, I trusted Google Maps for bike directions. Big mistake. It routed me through the town of Snoqualmie right in the middle of some festive holiday event. Crowds, chaos, overwhelming. It was so dark that I couldn’t find the way back onto the Snoqulamie Valley Trail even though Google Maps prompted me to take a left turn. There was no left turn in sight. Only private property.

Lesson learned: Don't blindly trust Google Maps for bike routes, especially outside the city. Use RideWithGPS or Strava to map your route ahead of time, or at least study what Google is suggesting before you commit. Same principle as hiking - know your route before you go.

Why It's Worth It:

Beautiful rural riding without significant elevation and some fun, mellow gravel riding as well. The valley is gorgeous, especially in good weather. Just... plan your route better than I did.

Elliot Bay Trail

The waterfront trail (primarily the Elliot Bay Trail) isn’t just one route, it’s whatever you make it. The renovated Elliot Bay Trail runs along the downtown waterfront with protected bike lanes on Alaskan Way. This is a dedicated bike lane, which means it is completely separated from pedestrians and cars too.

I’ve ridden it from different starting points depending on where I am and how much time I have. Sometimes it’s a quick after-work escape. Sometimes it’s a longer sunset mission.

The Route:

I personally really enjoy this route and it gives me a reason to visit downtown more often. This trail connects Myrtle Edwards Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, through the piers, the Ferris Wheel, restaurants and a new waterfront park with its rebuilt piers and an overlook walk up to Pike Place Market. This trail itself is really only 2 miles so I always like to start somewhere further to make it a longer ride.

Here are a few variations I have done in the past month:

  • From the University of Washington: take the Burke-Gilman to Dexter Ave, cut through downtown to Myrtle Edwards Park, then the waterfront bike path along the piers. This path also took me through Seattle Center once so I got a good view of the Space Needle as well.

    • Another variation I’ve done can be found on Strava here.

  • From Capitol Hill: Light rail to Cap Hill station, ride downtown to the waterfront (time-saver when I'm short on daylight).

  • Extended version: Go beyond the waterfront trail and onto the new E Marginal Way corridor bike path, over the West Seattle Bridge to Alki Beach for sunset, then water taxi back to downtown and light rail home. See that ride here!

What Makes It Special:

The sunsets are incredible. Watching ferries come and go while you're stopped for ice cream hits different. There are tons of food and drink options, and you're riding right along Elliott Bay with the Olympics and Mount Rainier in the distance. It's touristy, sure, but it's also genuinely beautiful - especially at golden hour.

Why It's Worth It:

Flat, scenic, flexible. You can make this ride as short or as long as you want. Perfect for after work when you just need to be near water and watch the light change. Plus, the water taxi option means you can do one-way rides all the way to Alki Beach without backtracking.

Cynthia Wong
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