Washington is celebrated for its incredible views and diverse landscape. Locals and tourists enjoy walking, recreational biking and even roller-skating to soak in the immense beauty the state has to offer. Thankfully, pedestrian trails are plentiful in Washington and provide both a great resource for physical activity and a way to see the exceptional parts of each region. Connect with nature, enjoy the views and revel in the landscape each region offers — free of motorized vehicles and mostly paved and accessible. Our INNsiders share top trails in Washington State for leisurely walking and biking.
Centennial Trail Snohomish County
Snohomish County sits just north of Seattle and is home to many trails, parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Centennial Trail is a 30-mile long spacious and paved trail frequented by walkers, hikers and bicyclists. It’s also designed for equestrian use in some areas and connects Snohomish, Lake Stevens and Arlington. There is access to picnic tables, benches and restrooms along the trail and beautiful, vibrant green pasture views throughout, making it a tranquil and smooth venture.
Chehalis Western Trail
Near Olympia, Washington’s capital, the Chehalis Western Trail serves as a multi-use paved path spanning 22 miles north to south. It boasts views of the incredible Mount Rainier and provides access to the Deschutes River, Puget Sound, Chambers Lake and an abundance of park land. It’s perfect for serene strolls and passes through the Monarch Contemporary Art Center and Sculpture park and a wide variety of ecosystems, making for an entertaining and diverse mix of nature and urban amenities. You can enter the trail from almost anywhere, and it intersects with the Yelm Tenino Trail at the south end.
Burke-Gilman Trail
Undeniably one of the most popular trails in Washington state, the Burke-Gilman trail is made of nearly 20 miles of pavement stretching from Ballard, around the northern perimeter of Lake Union and up to Bothell. The trail continues on as the Sammamish River Trail for 11 miles from Bothell through Woodinville and to Redmond. Almost entirely flat and at least 6 feet wide throughout, its proximity to the University of Washington and several waterfront parks makes it a fantastic commuter trail. It’s equally as functional for social recreation and fitness year-round as well. The path travels along the waterfront in the Fremont neighborhood where you can find ample options for local food, drinks and shopping, as well as enjoy city and lake views from the renowned Gas Works Park.
Olympic Discovery Trail
The Olympic Peninsula is the ultimate showcase for hundreds of miles of Washington’s incredible landscapes and diverse wilderness in Olympic National Park. The Olympic Discovery Trail is a grand 135-miles long. It begins in historic Port Townsend and reaches down to La Push. This trail provides a one-of-a-kind experience that may excite you: a location along the trail is close to the most northwest point of the United States. Additionally, the vast history here is worth exploring. Railroad trestles and fire barrel stations along the trail have been converted for pedestrian use.
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail: Hood River To Mosier
This wide paved trail is family friendly and offers scenic views of lush forest green mountains and the Columbia River year-round. Nearly nine miles out-and-back, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is used for hiking, mountain biking and bird watching, but has multiple benches and opportunities for appreciating the wildflowers and water views.
Pear Point Loop
This family-friendly trail is easygoing and perfect for a casual bike ride with kids or beginners. It consists of a 5.8 mile stretch of the gorgeous and serene island of Friday Harbor, ending at the ferry port. It passes through Jackson’s Beach and several rest areas to take in sweeping views of the islands and seascape.
