11 places to mountain bike in and around Seattle this weekend

Sep 24 2020, 10:49 pm

In celebration of Bike Your Park Day this Saturday and Bike Your Park Weekend this weekend, we’ve gathered some top mountain biking spots nearby Seattle.

This Saturday also happens to be a State Parks free day in honor of National Public Lands Day, which means that you won’t need a Discover Pass to access some of these trails.

Grab your riding buddies and get out to one of these 11 mountain biking spots.

Fort Ebey State Park

This park on the shores of Whidbey Island is the former site of a World War II coastal-defense fort. It’s now a mossy and misty forest filled with rugged, sandy trails through grass-covered dunes. Bring your rain gear and enjoy a ride through 25 miles of trails. You can also extend your ride through the Kettles Trail System from Coupeville.

Duthie Hill Bike Park

Duthie Hill Bike Park is perfect for riders of all skill levels. Offering 23 trails, the park is filled with jump- and drop-strewn flow trails, XC trails, as well as more technical wood ladders and beams for those looking to challenge themselves.

Columbia Plateau State Park Trail

Start from one of multiple trailheads and bike through 48 miles of trails. Columbia Plateau Trail State Park is one of Washington’s best spots for a major bike trip as it’s built along the converted bed of the old Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway.

Tokul East Trail

We don’t recommend Tokul East trails for beginners, as the trails have logging road ascents and faster, more aggressive descents. If you’re looking for more XC-style trails, try Tokul West which starts at a different trailhead.

Wenatchee Confluence State Park to Lincoln Rock State Park

Wenatchee Confluence State Park connects to the Apple Capital Loop Trail. Bikers with less experience can enjoy the paved roads of the Wenatchee side of the trail, while experienced bikers will prefer the east side. The Rocky Reach Trail connects you to Lincoln Rock State Park but requires a bike that works well on both pavement and gravel.

Tiger Mountain

Tiger Mountain is one of Seattle’s most well-known places to bike. The mountain has more than 49 trails that stretch over 46 miles. Regardless of your skill level, you’ll find a favorite trail on this mountain, without a doubt.

Klickitat State Park Trail 

Klickitat State Park Trail is a little-known gem winding through the hills above the Columbia River. It traverses a rugged landscape through Swale Canyon to the Klickitat River, which empties into the Columbia. If you’re new to mountain biking, you may have to stop every so often to take in the sights.

Taylor Mountain

With 12 miles of trails, Taylor mountain is a good alternative to Tiger. Enjoy fun narrow trails recommended for those who are used to mountain biking.

Mount Spokane State Park

Mount Spokane is covered in miles of rocky, rutted dirt roads. At more than 12,000 acres, we recommend this park for experienced riders.

Squilchuck State Park

Squilchuck has over five miles of trails at a variety of skill levels. Volunteers from Evergreen Mountain Biking Alliance work hard to improve the trails and have included jumps, bumps, and thrilling downhill runs with thigh-busting inclines.

Steven’s Pass Mountain Bike Park

If you’re looking for somewhere to bike but aren’t comfortable heading up a random trail, Steven’s Pass is the place to be. Unfortunately, the park is closed due to the pandemic. Here’s to hoping it’s open next season!

Alyssa TherrienAlyssa Therrien

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