Sep 26, 2024 - Things to Do
Top fall-friendly rides near Seattle
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A bicyclist rides along a leaf-strewn trail in Seattle in the fall. Photo: Bill Hinton/Getty Images
Autumn in the Seattle area is the perfect time to hop on your bike, and there are plenty of ideal routes for riders looking for crisp air and vibrant foliage.
What to expect: This list includes rides within an hour or so of Seattle that are perfect for casual riders, new cyclists and families and deliver awesome views without too many grueling climbs.
- Plus: These rides, several of which are accessible by bus, also offer great opportunities for autumn picnics or pit stops at local eateries.
- Cedar River Trail<br/>Starting in Renton's Liberty Park, this trail stretches out to Maple Valley. Most of it is paved, but the unpaved section along the fast-flowing Cedar River to Landsburg Park is easily rideable on all but the thinnest tires.
- Green River and Interurban trails<br/>Access the Green River Trail from Fort Dent Park for a ride that winds through scenic areas and eventually connects with the Interurban Trail, which takes you straight back. For a full loop, ride Green River out and Interurban back.
- Centennial Trail<br/>This one starts in Snohomish and can stretch past Arlington. A long, steady ride, it's perfect for those looking to cover miles in a peaceful setting.
- Preston-Snoqualmie Trail<br/>Start at Preston Park and ride toward Snoqualmie Falls. There are a few steep hills that make this one a bit of a challenge, but the views are worth it.
- Snoqualmie Valley Trail<br/>Although not fully paved, this trail is rideable for most bikes even without knobby tires. Starting in Carnation, the trail leads to North Bend, where it connects with the Palouse to Cascade Trail at Iron Horse State Park.
For a few options closer to home, try riding along the waterfront to the Space Needle, riding from Golden Gardens to the Ballard Locks on the Burke-Gilman Trail, or taking a loop around the Washington Park Arboretum.
- Of note: Cascade Bicycle Club offers numerous classes, including how to ride for beginners and how to fix flats.