By Emily HastingsUpdated November 2026
Looking for bike trails in Washington State? The state offers everything from flat rail-trail corridors along Puget Sound to steep, root-laced singletrack in the Cascades and Olympic foothills. Choosing the right guidebook can save you hours of route planning, especially if you are new to the region or want to know which trails suit your fitness and skill level. The five guides below were selected by comparing their stated coverage areas, the trail types they focus on, publisher reputation, and the general feedback patterns owners tend to report about accuracy, map quality and usefulness. Each one is aimed at a different kind of rider, so the best choice depends on whether you prefer paved multiuse paths, backcountry mountain biking, or a broader national overview.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallRail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse TrailsView on Amazon - 2
TOP CHOICEBest for Cascades mountain bikingMountain Biking Washington: A Complete Trail Guide to the Best SingletView on Amazon - 3
TOP CHOICEBest for northwest Washington ridersMountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & AdventureView on Amazon - 4
Best for riders planning beyond the stateRail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in DView on Amazon - 5
Best for national singletrack inspiration100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States: The Ultimate GuideView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Before reading the individual entries, it helps to understand how the guides differ. Some focus on converted railroad corridors and other flat, non-motorized trails. Others concentrate on dirt singletrack and backcountry routes that demand more technical skill. A few cover a wide geographic range, which is useful for trip planning but gives less depth on any single area. Keep your own riding goals in mind as you compare.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest | Multiuse and rail-trail riders across Washington, Oregon and Idaho | Covers paved and crushed-surface rail-trail corridors |
| Mountain Biking Washington | Riders seeking Cascades singletrack and backcountry routes | Focus on dirt trails and longer backcountry rides |
| Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington | Riders based in or visiting northwest Washington | Regional focus with trail descriptions and adventure context |
| Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic | Riders who want rail-trail coverage beyond Washington | Multistate rail-trail coverage, useful for longer tours |
| 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States | Riders looking for national singletrack ideas | Broad selection of top-rated singletrack trails nationwide |
Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Idaho, Oregon & Washington
Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Idaho, Oregon & Washington
Best for: Multiuse and rail-trail riders who want flat, low-traffic routes across Washington and neighboring states.
This guide suits families, commuters and touring riders who prefer converted railroad grades and paved or crushed-stone paths over steep dirt climbs. It is also a sensible starting point for riders who want to combine Washington trails with rides in Oregon or Idaho.
Key specs
- Covers three Pacific Northwest states: Idaho, Oregon and Washington
- Focuses on multiuse trails, including rail-trail corridors
- Organized by region, so you can plan rides by location
Pros
- Strong fit for flat, family-friendly and commuter-style riding
- Multistate scope helps with longer, linked tours
- Route information is aimed at riders who want to plan quickly
Cons
- Limited value for riders focused on technical mountain biking
- Coverage across three states means less depth per region
Bottom line: The best pick for riders who mostly want paved or gravel rail-trail routes and may cross into neighboring states.
Mountain Biking Washington: A Complete Trail Guide to the Best Singletrack and Backcountry Rides in the Cascades
Mountain Biking Washington: A Complete Trail Guide to the Best Singletrack and Backcountry Rides in the Cascades
Best for: Mountain bikers who want Cascades singletrack and backcountry routes.
This guide is aimed at intermediate and advanced riders who are comfortable with loose surfaces, climbing and route-finding. If your idea of a good ride involves roots, rock gardens and alpine views, this is the book to look at first.
Key specs
- Focus on Washington singletrack and backcountry riding
- Emphasis on Cascades terrain
- Describes dirt trails rather than paved paths
Pros
- Specialized focus on mountain biking rather than general cycling
- Good match for riders planning multi-hour backcountry days
- Covers terrain that many general guides skip
Cons
- Not suited to riders looking for flat or paved routes
- Technical trails may be beyond beginners, so check difficulty notes carefully
Bottom line: Choose this if Cascades singletrack is your main goal and you are ready for demanding terrain.
Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & Adventure
Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & Adventure
Best for: Riders based in or visiting northwest Washington who want a regional mountain biking guide.
This guide works well for locals and visitors who plan to stay within one part of the state. The regional scope makes it easier to find trails near where you are staying, without wading through statewide coverage.
Key specs
- Regional focus on northwest Washington
- Mountain biking trail guide with adventure-oriented descriptions
Pros
- Regional scope keeps planning focused and practical
- Useful for riders who want trail context, not just route lists
- Good fit for short trips based around one area
Cons
- Narrower coverage than statewide guides
- Information may need checking against current trail conditions
Bottom line: A solid choice if your riding is concentrated in northwest Washington.
Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: The Definitive Guide to Multiuse Trails in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
Best for: Riders who want rail-trail coverage beyond Washington State, especially those who might combine trips with the East Coast.
Despite the name, this guide is not focused on Washington State. Its primary coverage is Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. Note that “Washington” in the title refers to Washington, D.C., so it is a poor match if you are searching for Washington State trails. It is included here for riders who want a companion rail-trail guide for the East Coast.
Key specs
- Covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
- Focus on multiuse rail-trail routes
Pros
- Strong rail-trail focus for flat, accessible riding
- Useful companion guide for East Coast travel
- Consistent format with the Pacific Northwest edition in the same series
Cons
- Does not cover Washington State, despite the similar-sounding title
- Not relevant for Cascades or Olympic Peninsula riding
Bottom line: Skip this one for Washington State trips, but consider it if you are planning rides on the East Coast.
100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States: The Ultimate Guide to America’s Top Singletrack — From Epic Rides to Hidden Gems
100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States: The Ultimate Guide to America's Top Singletrack — From Epic Rides to Hidden Gems
Best for: Riders looking for national singletrack ideas, including Washington entries alongside trails in other states.
This is a broad, nationwide survey. It works well as an inspiration book or for planning a trip that includes Washington among other destinations. Expect less route-level detail for any single state than you would find in a dedicated regional guide.
Key specs
- Nationwide coverage of mountain bike trails
- Singletrack focus across many states
Pros
- Good for discovering trails you might not have heard of
- Useful for comparing Washington trails with destinations elsewhere
- Broad scope suits riders planning multi-state trips
Cons
- Limited depth for any single state, including Washington
- Less practical for on-the-ground navigation than regional guides
Bottom line: Best as a companion or inspiration book for riders who want national context.
Buying Guide
Use the factors below to narrow your choice. Most riders find that one or two of them matter far more than the rest.
Trail type: paved, gravel, or singletrack
Decide early whether you plan to ride converted rail corridors, crushed-stone paths or dirt singletrack. Rail-trail guides and mountain bike guides overlap less than their covers suggest, and a book built around one type will often be thin on the other.
Good picks for this: Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest, Mountain Biking Washington
Geographic scope
Statewide guides help with long-distance planning, while regional guides give more detail about specific areas. If you are staying in one part of Washington for a weekend, a regional book may serve you better than a multistate survey.
Good picks for this: Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington, Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest
Skill level and difficulty notes
Look for clear difficulty ratings or descriptions. Technical singletrack in the Cascades can differ sharply from a flat rail-trail. Guides that describe climbs, exposure and surface type give you more to work with than those that list only distance.
Good picks for this: Mountain Biking Washington, 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States
Map quality and navigation
Printed maps and clear trailhead directions matter most in areas with patchy cell coverage. Owners of guidebooks often mention whether maps are legible at a glance and whether trail names match what is signed on the ground. Carry a phone-based map as a backup, but do not rely on it alone in the backcountry.
Good picks for this: Mountain Biking Washington, Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington
Currency of information
Trails change. Closures, reroutes and new construction can make a guide outdated within a few years. Check the publication date and confirm closures with land managers before you ride, particularly on public lands.
Good picks for this: Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest, 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States
Use case: trip planning versus day rides
If you are planning a multi-day tour, look for guides that describe connections between trails, camping options and town stops. For single day rides, trailhead information and mileage per loop are more useful.
Good picks for this: Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest, Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington
Portability and format
A book that fits in a handlebar bag or jersey pocket is easier to use mid-ride than a large atlas-style volume. Consider whether you will carry the book or prefer to photograph key pages before you leave.
Good picks for this: Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington, Mountain Biking Washington
FAQ
What is the best guide for bike trails in Washington State?
For a general, multiuse-focused guide covering Washington and neighboring states, Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest is a strong starting point. For singletrack and backcountry riding in the Cascades, Mountain Biking Washington is the more specialized choice.
Are there rail-trail bike paths in Washington State?
Yes. Washington has several converted rail corridors and multiuse paths that are popular with commuters, families and touring riders. Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest covers many of these routes.
Do I need a mountain bike for Washington trails?
Not for every route. Paved and crushed-surface rail-trails can be ridden on a hybrid or road bike with suitable tires. Technical singletrack, especially in the Cascades, generally calls for a mountain bike with suspension and wider tires.
Is Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic a guide to Washington State?
No. Despite the title, the Mid-Atlantic guide covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. “Washington” in that title refers to the District of Columbia, not Washington State.
Should I check trail conditions before riding?
Yes. Trail closures, seasonal restrictions and weather damage can affect access. Check with local land managers, park agencies or trail organizations before you ride, especially in spring and after storms. Consult local authorities for official closure information.
Can a guidebook replace a digital map?
A guidebook is useful for route ideas and context, but many riders carry both. A downloaded offline map on a phone or GPS device provides a backup if you lose your way or the book becomes damp or damaged.
Conclusion
For most riders searching for bike trails in Washington State, the choice comes down to trail type and region. Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest is the most versatile option for multiuse and rail-trail riding across the state and nearby areas. Mountain Biking Washington is the better fit for dirt singletrack and Cascades backcountry routes. Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington suits riders focused on the northwest part of the state, while 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States works as a national inspiration book. Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic is useful for East Coast rides but is not a Washington State guide. Match the book to the riding you actually plan to do, and confirm current conditions before heading out.
Sources
- Federal guidance on public lands, trail access and recreation planning (nps.gov)
- Information on national forest trail systems and mountain biking access in the Pacific Northwest (fs.usda.gov)
- Washington State Parks trail information, rules and current conditions (parks.wa.gov)
Related reading
- Bike Trails in Washington DC: 7 Best Routes and How to Ride Them
- 6 Best Bike Trails in United States for Every Riding Style (2026)
- Wilmington Nc Bike Trails: 6 Best Routes and Guides Compared (2026)
- Top 8 Mountain Bike Trails Sedonas: Routes for Every Skill Level
- Top 8 Mountain Bike Trails Sedona Arizonas for Every Skill Level
- Top 8 Bike Trails in Marylands for Every Riding Level
About Emily Hastings
Emily puts together our bike touring & bikepacking guides, digging through specifications, manufacturer details and owner reviews so you don't have to.
