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Looking for bike trails in Washington State? The state offers everything from flat, crushed-gravel rail-trails along Puget Sound to steep, root-laced singletrack in the Cascades. Choosing the right route depends on your riding style, your fitness and how much planning you want to do before you leave the driveway. This guide looks at five well-regarded resources for finding those routes: two rail-trail and multiuse guides, two mountain bike guidebooks focused on Washington and the Northwest, and one broader national singletrack compendium. Selection was based on published specifications, brand reputation with outdoor readers, and the patterns owners tend to report, such as whether route descriptions include mileage, elevation and trailhead directions. We did not ride these routes ourselves, so treat the picks as research-based recommendations rather than field reviews.
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest | Gravel and paved rail-trail riders | Covers Idaho, Oregon and Washington multiuse trails |
| Mountain Biking Washington | Experienced singletrack riders | Dedicated Cascades backcountry coverage |
| Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington | Riders focused on the Puget Sound region | Regional trail guide with adventure routes |
| Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic | Riders who also travel east | Multiuse trail coverage beyond the Northwest |
| 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States | Riders planning a national singletrack tour | Broad selection that includes Washington routes |
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
This guide suits riders who want flat or gently graded routes, families, and touring cyclists who prefer converted railroad corridors to steep climbs. It is a strong starting point if you are new to bike trails in Washington State and want routes with predictable surfaces.
Key specs
- Format: trail guidebook covering multiuse rail-trails
- Geographic scope: Idaho, Oregon and Washington
- Focus: converted rail corridors suitable for bikes, walkers and other users
Pros
- Good fit for relaxed, low-elevation riding
- Covers trails across three states, useful for longer regional trips
- Route focus helps riders plan around surface type and access points
Cons
- Rail-trail focus means fewer technical mountain routes
- Trail conditions change, so verify current status before riding
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
This book is aimed at mountain bikers who want technical singletrack and backcountry rides in the Cascades. Riders with intermediate to advanced skills and an interest in longer, higher-elevation loops will get the most from it.
Key specs
- Format: mountain bike trail guide
- Geographic focus: Washington, with emphasis on the Cascades
- Route type: singletrack and backcountry rides
Pros
- Strong focus on the terrain most Washington mountain bikers seek out
- Backcountry coverage suits multi-hour loops
- Useful for planning shuttle or out-and-back rides
Cons
- Technical routes may exceed the skill level of beginners
- Cascades weather can change quickly, so check conditions before heading out
Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & Adventure
Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington: A Guide to Trails & Adventure
This guide suits riders based in or visiting northwest Washington who want a regional overview of trails and ride options. It works well as a planning companion for weekend trips around the Puget Sound area.
Key specs
- Format: regional mountain bike guide
- Geographic focus: northwest Washington
- Content: trail and adventure route descriptions
Pros
- Regional focus keeps route choices relevant for local riders
- Good for weekend trip planning
- Pairs well with a map for navigation
Cons
- Narrower geographic scope than a statewide guide
- Some route details may age, so cross-check trail status
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
This guide is for riders who want a rail-trail resource covering the eastern seaboard as well as a planning tool for travel beyond Washington State. Note that its geographic focus is the Mid-Atlantic, so it is not a Washington State guide. Consider it if you plan to ride both coasts or want the same rail-trail format you find in the Pacific Northwest edition.
Key specs
- Format: rail-trail guidebook
- Geographic scope: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia
- Note: the “Washington” in the title refers to Washington, D.C., not Washington State
Pros
- Consistent rail-trail format with the Pacific Northwest edition
- Useful if you ride in multiple regions
- Clear route-focused layout for planning
Cons
- Does not cover Washington State routes
- Title can cause confusion, so check the scope before buying
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
This national guide suits riders who want a broad overview of singletrack across the country and who may want to combine a Washington trip with routes in other states. Because it covers the whole United States, Washington State will be only one part of the book.
Key specs
- Format: national mountain bike trail guide
- Geographic scope: United States
- Route type: singletrack, including popular and lesser-known rides
Pros
- Helpful for comparing Washington routes against other regions
- Broad selection suits riders building a multi-state itinerary
- Mix of well-known and hidden-gem trails
Cons
- Limited depth for any single state, including Washington
- Better as an inspiration source than a detailed local planner
Buying Guide
Choosing a resource for bike trails in Washington State starts with the type of riding you want. Rail-trails and mountain bike singletrack require different guides, and some books cover only one or the other.
Selection criteria
- Geographic focus: Confirm the guide covers Washington State, not just a neighboring state or a similarly named region.
- Trail type: Decide whether you want paved or gravel rail-trails, backcountry singletrack or a mix.
- Route detail: Look for mileage, elevation gain, surface type and trailhead directions.
- Currency: Trail conditions and access rules change, so check publication dates.
Important features to look for
- Clear difficulty ratings, with a definition of what each level means
- Maps or map references that work with a phone app or GPS unit
- Notes on seasonal closures, snow levels and permit requirements
- Information on parking, water and services near the trailhead
Specs to check
Guidebooks do not have specs in the traditional sense, but you can still compare them on the details they list: number of routes, mileage data, elevation profiles and whether maps are included. Owners often report that the most useful guides include a short summary table for each route, so a quick scan lets you compare options before you commit to a ride.
Choosing by need
- Relaxed or family riding: Start with a rail-trail focused guide.
- Technical mountain biking: Choose a Cascades or Washington-specific singletrack guide.
- Regional weekend trips: A regional guide keeps the options close to home.
- Multi-state or national travel: A national guide helps you compare Washington with other destinations.
Things to watch out for
- Titles that name a region can refer to a different place, as with the Washington, D.C. reference in some Mid-Atlantic guides.
- Printed trail information can go out of date. Check land manager websites before a ride.
- Mountain routes can demand more skill and fitness than they appear to on paper. Consider a skills check or a guided ride if you are new to technical terrain.
FAQ
What are the best bike trails in Washington State for beginners?
Rail-trails and multiuse paths are generally the easiest starting point. They tend to have gentle grades and consistent surfaces. A rail-trail focused guide will help you find those routes and their access points.
Do I need a guidebook to ride bike trails in Washington State?
You do not strictly need one, but a guidebook or detailed map saves time on route planning, especially for backcountry routes where signage can be limited. Pair any printed guide with a current map or navigation app.
Are there trails for mountain biking in Washington State?
Yes. The Cascades and several other regions offer singletrack and backcountry routes. Guides focused on Washington mountain biking will list technical rides, elevation profiles and trailhead details.
Is the Mid-Atlantic rail-trail guide useful for Washington State?
Not for routes within Washington State. That guide covers Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The “Washington” in its title refers to the nation’s capital.
How do I check current trail conditions before riding?
Check the website of the managing agency or land owner for the trail. Many agencies post closures, construction notices and seasonal updates. Local bike shops and riding groups can also provide recent condition reports.
What should I consider about weather and season?
Western Washington rain can make trails muddy for much of the year, while higher Cascades routes often have snow into early summer. Plan rides around seasonal access, and consider a shell or extra layer even on warm days.
Can I combine Washington routes with other states?
Yes. A national singletrack guide or a multi-state rail-trail guide can help you plan a longer trip that includes Washington and nearby regions. Check the scope of each book to confirm which areas it covers.
Conclusion
For bike trails in Washington State, the right resource depends on what you want to ride. Choose Rail-Trails Pacific Northwest for gentle, multiuse routes across the region. Choose Mountain Biking Washington if you want technical Cascades singletrack. Mountain Bike! Northwest Washington works well for regional weekend planning. Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic is useful only if you also ride in the eastern states, and does not cover Washington State. 100 Best Mountain Bike Trails in the United States is best as an inspiration source for a national itinerary. Whichever you choose, verify trail status with the managing agency before you ride, and match the route to your current fitness and skill level.
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