The Lake Washington Loop: A Classic Seattle Ride

The Lake Washington Loop is one of Seattle's most popular cycling routes—a scenic ride around Lake Washington that combines bike paths, waterfront roads, and stunning mountain views.

Route Overview

The full Lake Washington Loop is approximately 35 miles, circling the lake through Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Renton. The route uses a combination of dedicated bike paths (including the Burke-Gilman Trail and the I-90 floating bridge bike path) and roads with bike lanes or shoulders.

Key Sections

The ride starts on the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle, heads south through the University District, crosses the I-90 floating bridge to Mercer Island and Bellevue, then continues north through Kirkland and back across the lake via the SR-520 bridge trail. Each section offers different scenery and challenges.

Difficulty and Fitness

The loop is mostly flat with a few short climbs, making it accessible to intermediate riders. At 35 miles, it's a solid half-day ride. Plan for 3-4 hours of riding time, plus stops. There are plenty of cafes and restrooms along the route.

Best Time to Ride

Summer weekdays are ideal, with long daylight hours and usually dry weather. Spring and fall are also great, with cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. Avoid riding in heavy rain—the floating bridge bike path can be exposed and windy.

Tips for the Ride

Bring water and snacks, though there are plenty of places to stop for food. Use a bike with gears suitable for the distance—a road, gravel, or fitness bike all work well. Start early to avoid traffic and crowds. The route is well-marked, but bring a map or GPS as backup.