Seattleites, including many Huskies, have turned in their car keys and bus passes for pedals. Seattle isn’t just a great location for street biking, but also for mountain biking. Sure, Seattle gets a little muddy during the six months it rains, but if you’re into mountain biking, mud is part of the package.
While many parks are off-limits for biking, such as the national forests and many city parks, there are still plenty of options to choose from. These two parks are by no means the be-all, end-all of biking in Washington, but they’re a good place to start.
Saint Edward State Park
14445 Juanita Dr. NE, Kenmore, Wash., 98028
This 316-acre park is located in Kenmore, just on the other side of Lake Washington and a short drive north. It has numerous trails open to hiking and biking, but it’s the biking ones we’re interested in this week. With miles of trails hidden among towering trees and deep ravines, Saint Edward State Park is a gem in the middle of a city. All the trails are single-track for bikes and are full of roots, rocks, and features for the more experienced biker. The upper trails are mostly for beginners, softly coasting around corners with minimal effort. There is one trail that goes down to the waterfront. It’s all fun on the way down, but the trip back up is an endurance challenge. Trails go between Saint Edward and Big Finn Hill Park, a little ways down Juanita Drive, where there are more biking trails. These parks are easy for either an after-class bike trip or a weekend getaway.
Duthie Hill Park
On the Sammamish plateau
This Seattle City Park was designed with bikers in mind. While there are trails that hikers can use, it is a popular location for weekend warriors on wheels. The park boasts 120 acres of lush evergreen forest and is located a little outside of Sammamish, just across I-90. This park has a little for everyone, from beginning trails to more hardcore ones. It has a training area for anyone wanting to boost their skills on drops, bridges, jumps, and more. Also connected to other nearby parks, it creates a network that covers more than 2,000 acres, most of which are open to two-wheeled enthusiasts. Duthie Hill runs into the Grand Ridge Park and Tolt MacDonald Park, both of which offer single tracks and features for all levels of mountain bikers.
This area is closer to the greater outdoors than most city parks, though, so keep an eye out for wildlife. Deer are no joke when they’re mad at uncaring bikers.
If you’re looking for more options, check out Evergreenmtb.com and Wta.org for other biking adventures in Washington.
It’s time to dust off your mountain bikes, fellow Huskies, and head out to get the dirt under your paws.
Reach reporter Deanna Isaacs at sports@dailyuw.com. Twitter: @DeeLiteraryOne
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