Skagit’s Land O’ Lakes Loop

By Josh Cohen | Published July 23, 2015

Skagit has tons to offer road cyclists with quiet country roads, a nice mix of flat terrain and rolling climbs, Cascade mountain views, and plenty of lakes, rivers and forests. Find more bicycle adventures on Washington Bikes’ Where to Ride page.

Baker
Distance: 52 miles
Elevation: 2065 ft
Good for: Beginners to Intermediate
Highlights: Farmland scenery, rolling climbs, mountain views, low traffic

Skagit County is famous for its colorful tulips and vast farmland. That alone probably makes it a worthy riding destination, but with quiet country roads, a nice mix of flat terrain and rolling climbs, Cascade mountain views, and plenty of lakes, rivers and forests, Skagit has tons to offer road cyclists. It’s no wonder the ALS Association’s Evergreen Chapter used to host their two-day fundraiser ride on the roads around Mt. Vernon each year. The fundraiser is now held in Snohomish County, but the roads are still out there for anyone to enjoy.

The Land O’ Lakes loop was traditionally day two of the ALS ride weekend. It takes you counterclockwise to the east of Mt. Vernon and has a little bit of everything that makes riding in Skagit so great. You’ll pass by a number of lakes, ride along farms on flat roads, parallel the Skagit River for a bit, and do just enough climbing to keep you honest.

The ride starts in downtown Mt. Vernon. Fuel up with coffee and a pastry at Ristretto Coffee on 1st Street, or grab some snacks at the ever-wonderful Skagit Valley Food Coop just a block off your route. As is often the case with urban riding, when you start you’ll have to do a bit of a zig-zag to get out of town. Head north on 1st, take your first right on Montgomery, then your next left onto 2nd. You’ll climb up a gentle bridge grade to get over I-5.

After you cross the bridge, take a right on Fulton St then your second left on 6th Ave.  When 6th Ts into Division hang another left. After .3 miles on Division take a right on 13th Ave. Stay on 13th for 1 mile. Take a right on Blackburn Rd then take your second left onto Cedardale Rd. (You’re almost out of town!). Cedardale parallels the freeway and is noisy, but it’s nice and flat and passes along a few farms.

After 1.6 miles, take a left onto Hickox Rd then your immediate next right onto Burkland Rd. When Burkland Ts into Johnson Rd at mile 6 take a Right then take a Left to get back on Cedardale. When you reach WA-534 at mile 7.6, take a left.

This is where the ride really starts getting great. You’ll climb up into the forested foothills for a few miles and quickly get a taste of rural Skagit County. You’ll be sweating uphill for a few miles, but you’ll be rewarded with a fun descent at Lake McMurray.lakes

After 5 miles on WA 534, take a left on WA 9 (mile 12.6). Though it is a state highway, there isn’t much traffic to worry about. This stretch of WA 9 has lots of fun rolling climbs, nice views of the lake, and opens up back up into lovely farmland. After 3.6 miles take a left onto Big Lake Blvd (mile 16.2).

As the name indicates, Big Lake Blvd takes you along the western shore of Big Lake and into the small, unincorporated community of the same name. Stay on Big Lake Blvd for 4.4 miles. Take a left to get back on WA 9. Stay on WA 9 for 2 miles then hang a right onto Knapp Rd. You’ll ascend a punchy little climb up Knapp, then hang a left onto Baker Heights Rd. After .7 miles on Baker, take a right on Gunderson. Stay on Gunderson as it curves 90 degrees around a bend. There are a few more punchy rollers before Gunderson rewards you with a nice long downhill. You’ll ride for 3.5 miles past more farms and forest and continue straight as Gunderson becomes Beaver Lake Rd where the road continues to point down hill for a while. At mile 29.2 take a hard right to stay on Beaver Lake. After another 1.8 miles take a sharp left to stay on Beaver Lake again. Ride 1.3 miles then take a right onto Front St.

Front St Ts into WA 9. Hang a right into the small town of Clear Lake. If you need to stop for re-supplies, the Clear Lake Market will be on your right a few blocks up. As you reach the edge of town (all several blocks of it) the road Ys. Stay right on Front St then take a right again on Old Day Creek Rd.

farm

Old Day Creek leads you straight into the biggest climb of the ride. Three miles long and nearly 600 feet of elevation gain, it’s definitely a bit of a grunt. But put your head down, keep the pedals turning, and rest easy knowing the ride is nearly flat all the way back to Mt. Vernon once you’re up and over this hill. Once you’ve crested the hill, enjoy the descent back off the other side all the way to the Skagit Hwy at mile 38. When you reach Skagit Hwy, take a left. It will take you along the Skagit River for 5.5 miles before curving you back onto WA 9.

When you reach Hwy 9 take a right and head back towards Clear Lake. You’ll briefly backtrack through town before taking a right on Mud Lake Rd at mile 44.8. Stay on this for 1.8 miles then take a right on Swan Rd. Swan Ts into Francis Rd at 48.4. Take a left. Continue straight on Laventure Rd at 49.2 then take a right on Fir St at 50.4. You’re almost done!

Continue on Fir for 1 mile then take a left onto 4th St. This will take you back across I-5 and down the hill into downtown Mt. Vernon where there a bevy of places to grab a post-ride meal. If, like many cyclists, you enjoy a post-ride pint, the Skagit River Brewery  is waiting for you at the corner of 3rd and Montgomery.

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Posted in Adventure, Economic Impact, Events, Rides, Rural, Skagit County, Tourism, Travel | 1 Comment

Governor Inslee is Threatening a Once-In-A-Generation Opportunity – Tell Him to Stop

By Blake Trask | Published July 20, 2015

Washington’s historic transportation investments in bicycling, health, and safety are in jeopardy because of potential action by Governor Inslee on a low carbon fuel standard. It doesn’t have to be this way. Take action today.

Over the past six months, thousands of caring Washingtonians like you have asked state leaders in Olympia to make bold investments in our transportation future by making it safer and easier to bike and walk.

Governor Inslee threatens to eliminate all state Safe Routes to School funding.

Governor Inslee threatens to eliminate all state Safe Routes to School funding. Tell him to stop.

Our leaders listened, but now Governor Inslee threatens to take away this once-in-a-generation opportunity to build bikeways and safer sidewalks for Washingtonians.

Tell Governor Inslee to protect biking and walking safety investments – take action today!

Just a few days ago, Washingtonians were told historic investments had been made in creating safe streets, new sidewalks and bike pathways for our school kids and communities. Now they’re being told those investments could be wiped away through a potential action by the Governor on a low carbon fuel standard. There doesn’t have to be a choice between safer and healthier communities and climate change – Governor Inslee knows he has other avenues to implement his climate change agenda. This isn’t it.

According to the Seattle Times, Governor Inslee is considering eliminating all our hard-won future state investments for Safe Routes to School, as well as $235 million for biking improvements statewide.

All told, almost $2 billion in special needs transit, rural transit, King County transit, environmental improvements, and walking and biking are on the line.

We don’t need to trade the safety of our kids at schools, special needs transit, and critical biking connections for lasting action on climate change – we can have both. This is a false choice driven by politics in Olympia.

It’s all up to Governor Inslee.

Tell Governor Inslee today to protect biking and walking safety investments so we can fulfill our promise to help every child grow up healthy and to create safer biking connections.

Posted in Advocacy, Alert | 6 Comments

Mount Rainier Bike and Hike: Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground

By Louise McGrody | Published July 15, 2015

Mount Rainier - Indian Henrys

I love Mount Rainier National Park and I feel incredibly fortunate to have this natural wonderland in my back yard. An active volcano and the highest peak in Washington state, the mountain dominates the landscape for many of us. For me, the park is a year round destination to hike, bike, ski, and stay connected to nature.

The park is home to subalpine meadows that produce an amazing display of wildflowers, and this is what lures me there in the summer. I recently visited Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground—one of my favorite wildflower meadows at Mount Rainier—but this year I incorporated a bike ride into my approach. Yes, a bike ride. Instead of hiking to Indian Henry’s on the Kautz Creek Trail, my usual approach, I biked up the closed-to-motor-vehicles Westside Road to access the Tahoma Creek Trail and Wonderland Trail to the meadow.

Mount Rainier Westside RdWestside Road was once part of a grand vision to encircle Mount Rainier with a road but lack of funds, challenging topography and repeated washouts killed the dream. Today, vehicles can only travel the first couple of miles of road. The remaining nine miles of Westside Road, which ends at Klapatche Point, is now accessible to hikers and bikers only.

Use the Nisqually entrance via the community of Ashford to the park. It will cost you $20 if you enter with a motor vehicle and $10 per person if you arrive by bike. (Park fees and passes info here.) Look for Westside Road on your left about a mile after the park entrance.

You’ll only ride a couple of miles up the road before you switch from biking to hiking, but it’s a pretty ride. It’s a wooded ride with views of Fisher Creek and a peek at Mount Rainier. You’ll want fat tires for the ride. The road is not paved, rough in spots, and you have a water crossing. As you approach the first switchback, look for the unsigned Tahoma Creek Trail on your right. Walk a short distance in and find a place to stash your bike. Be sure to bring a cable lock to secure your bike to a handy tree.

Pyramid Peak at Mount RainierNow the hiking begins. The Tahoma Creek Trail, two miles in length, is unmaintained and washed out in spots. At a trail junction, follow the Wonderland Trail to cross Tahoma Creek on a suspension bridge and climb the flank of Mount Ararat to the fairy tale meadows of Indian Henry’s. Wander among the wildflowers to the historic ranger cabin. Follow a path to Reflection Lake, Pyramid Peak and more stunning wildflowers. Listen for whistling marmots and singing birds. Watch for bears.

When you’ve had your fill of wildflowers and Mount Rainier views, retrace your steps back down to your waiting bike. You can practically coast back to your car and load up your bike.

Ready for a post bike and hike food stop? Check out the historic Copper Creek Inn in Ashford. Burgers, pasta, stew, salads, and more are on the menu. And don’t miss their popular blackberry pie!

August 14, 2014 Update:

Westside Road is temporarily closed due to a glacial outburst that rumbled down Tahoma Creek. Please consult Mount Rainier National Park at nps.gov/mora for current conditions.

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The Magic of Bike Camping at Fay Bainbridge Park

By Josh Cohen | Published July 14, 2015

Fay Bainbridge Park is perfect for weeknight adventures and a great spot to discover (or help your friends discover) bike traveling magic for the first time.

Fay Bainbridge State Park Moon
Distance: 14.2 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 1,083 feet (round trip)
Highlights: easy overnight bike camping, beach-side camping, views of Rainier and the Cascades, weeknight camping

Bike touring is a special thing. It provides a sense of adventure, an escape from routine, and the unique satisfaction of traveling by your own power. And while long-distance touring has its own rewards, it only takes an overnight trip to capture a little bit of that bike travel magic.

Luckily for Seattlites, there is a laundry list of nearby campgrounds to choose from for easy adventures. Of those options, Fay Bainbridge Park on Bainbridge Island is about as easy as possible. It is a mere 7 miles of pedaling from the ferry dock to the park, there’s easy access to grocery stores for your campground feast, the campsites are right on a Puget Sound beach, and on clear days there is a terrific view of Mount Rainier. It is a gem of a resource for novice and experienced bike campers alike.

The adventure starts in downtown Seattle at the Seattle Ferry Terminal. Take the 35 minute ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. When you get off the ferry, head north on Olympic Drive. When you reach the first major intersection with Winslow Way head right to continue towards Fay Bainbridge or left if you need to stock up on provisions. The Town and Country grocery store is a few blocks up Winslow on your left.

Continuing towards the park, head .4 miles down Winslow and take a left onto Ferncliff Ave. At mile 2.1 Ferncliff curves left and becomes Lofgren Rd. After another .4 miles, Lofgren curves right onto Moran Rd. Continue on Moran until it Ts into Madison Ave. Take a right on Madison then your immediate next right on Manitou Beach Dr.Bainbridge Island Road

Continue on Manitou for 1.3 miles until it curves left and becomes NE Valley Rd. After .3 miles on Valley, take a right on Sunrise Dr. Continue on Sunrise Dr. for another 2.5 miles. The entrance road to Fay Bainbridge will be on your right at mile 7.1.

Fay Bainbridge has 42 campsites including three sites specifically for people arriving by bike, foot, or kayak. Starting summer 2015, most of the campsites can be reserved in advance by calling 206-842-2306 x118 during business hours. 12 of the sites will still be available first come first served along with the hiker biker specific sites.

When you’re ready to head home, just retrace your turns back to the ferry. If you don’t time things right or just aren’t ready to head back to reality, downtown Winslow has lots of great coffee shops and restaurants. The cash-only Blackbird Bakery at Winslow Way and Madrone Lane has spectacular pastries.

Bike camping can’t get easier than a trip from Seattle to Fay Bainbridge which makes it perfect for weeknight adventures and a great spot to discover (or help your friends discover) bike traveling magic for the first time.

Rainier_Fay

 

Update: This post originally referred to Fay Bainbridge State Park. Thank you to those of you who let us know it was transferred to City of Bainbridge Island and is no longer a state park.

 

Posted in Adventure, Bike Camping, Family biking, Ferries, Kitsap County, Tourism, Travel | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Bike Theft: Don’t Be a Victim

By Guest Blogger | Published July 13, 2015

Today’s post is written by life member Kristi Knodell of Marysville. She is the Shop Manager for Sharing Wheels, a community bike shop in Everett. She offers up tips to prevent bike tips and advice on recovering a stolen bike. This post first appeared on Sharing Wheel’s blog.

“My bike was stolen.”

A day does not go by without hearing about someone losing their bike to a thief. Every one insists they had their bike locked up but I suspect they wouldn’t admit otherwise.

Bike theft in Everett and Snohomish County is on the rise. Some thieves are trying to get from point A to point B and sees an opportunity to do it easier and faster than walking. They often abandon the bike after getting to their destination. Some of the thieves sell the bikes or trade for something they want, usually for pennies on the dollar. And sadly, some thieves turn the aluminum or steel bikes into scrap for pennies per pound.

Many of us use our bikes for transportation to work, grocery shopping, school and anywhere else we want to go. Some of us have transportation choices and also have cars or trucks but choose to use our bikes, opting for an affordable and healthier way to travel. For some of us it is our only means of transportation, lacking the financial, legal means or desire for a motor vehicle.

Losing a bike can be especially hard on those with limited resources. Replacing what is taken can be hardship.

It sounds silly but we have special bonds with our bikes. They give us the ability to move great distances under our own power, allowing for self-sufficiency.

Those who steal bikes are heartless, the scum of the earth. There are movies produced on the theme of bike theft: Beijing Bicycle, Pee Wee’s Big Adventure and The Bicycle Thief. All depict how much the victims loved their bikes and illustrate the great efforts they are willing to make to get their bikes back.

Sharing Wheels does not buy or trade bikes. We have a strict policy we adhere to in order to prevent accidentally obtaining stolen bikes. We rely strictly on donations. Some other bike shops and of course pawn shops buy bikes, making a great outlet for the thieves. The pawn shops are supposed to submit the serial numbers to the local police. There is no one database storing the reported thefts, allowing thieves to travel to neighboring cities and unload. These shops pay pennies on the dollar, begging the question, why would someone sell “their” bike for so little. By purchasing from these shops you contribute to the problem, creating a demand for stolen bikes.

There are some online bike registries. The  National Bike Registry and  Project 529 are two such sites. The City of Arlington Police Department also has a Bicycle Registry  program. Check these programs out if you want to register your bike.

serial numberDo the police care? Maybe, maybe not. But there is nothing they can do if you don’t report the theft. Only 56% of thefts are reported (I read that somewhere). When you make a report, you need to have some information from your bike that you write down before it is stolen.

Almost all bikes have a serial number, usually located on the bottom bracket (the cylinder-looking thing that the cranks and pedals come out of). Write down the serial number, make, model, and color and put it in two different safe places with a good photo of your bike. That number is the one thing distinguishing your bike from other bikes, like the VIN for a car. Without it, there is not much to be done.

To avoid having to use this information, it’s important to prevent a theft. Some places you can bring your bike inside (hopefully your home is one of them). But even being inside doesn’t guarantee you will have your bike when you return. Open or unlocked garages can be an easy target. The more locks you can afford the better. Thieves are generally looking for the easy target, but they are getting more sophisticated. Check out Hal Ruzal of New York City on how to properly lock up your bike .

To a Northwesterner,  New York city can seem like a crime mecca and Hal’s advice may seem appropriate for NYC, but what about here in Snohomish County? As I said, a day does not go by without me hearing about someone losing their bike to a thief.

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Experience the Olympic Discovery Trail – Part 2

By Guest Blogger | Published July 11, 2015

Port Angeles to the Pacific Ocean

Deborah Anastasi Black is a public relations consultant specializing in results-driven media relations, marketing communication and project management. She focuses her practice on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula region, where she works with clients in the wine, culinary and tourism industries.

Summer is a fantastic time of year for two-wheeled adventure in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re an expert cyclist or simply enjoy riding with the kids on a sunny day, the Olympic Discovery Trail is a great place to take your wheels for a spin. Start with breakfast in historic Port Townsend, peddle through lavender fields in full bloom in Sequim, and meander along coastal shores in Port Angeles. Or if mountain biking is more you’re speed, you’ll want to check out the Adventure Route adjunct to the trail. Along the way, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for a cool drink, take in a scenic attraction, visit a farmer’s market, and more. Extend your trip with an overnight stay at a local campground, hotel or B&B. The Olympic Discovery Trail offers something for everyone!

Yesterday we traveled the trail from Port Townsend to Port Angeles. Today our journey resumes in Port Angeles and takes us to the Pacific Ocean.

West Central

The West Central section of the Olympic Discovery Trail is 31.7 miles long, running from Port Angeles across the Elwha River, and continuing to Lake Crescent. Approximately half of the distance is comprised of separated trail; the other half is roadway.

Beyond Port Angeles’ historic downtown, the trail continues out Ediz Hook, a three-mile long sand spit that extends northeasterly into the Strait of Juan de Fuca approximately 15 miles west of the Dungeness Spit, forming the natural harbor in Port Angeles. Orcas and Harbor Seals can be sighted to the north, depending on the time of year.

ODT crossing Elwha RiverThe end of the spit is occupied by the Coast Guard Air Station, which is closed to the public. The Ediz Hook Lighthouse, also located at the end of the spit, helps ships to safely maneuver the surrounding waters.

Retracing the path back to the mainland, the ODT traverses city streets and packed dirt railroad grade to the Elwha River. There it crosses a suspended bridge below a car deck with views of the river and flood plain below.

West beyond the bridge, the trail follows a temporary route toward Lake Crescent and the Pacific Ocean along Elwha River Road to State Hwy. 112. 

ODT Adventure RouteAttraction: Mountain bike enthusiasts will be interested in the Olympic Adventure Route adjunct to the ODT, which can be accessed on the west side of Hwy. 112, one quarter mile past the Elwha River Bridge. The Adventure Route consists of 21 miles of single track and four miles of logging road running from the west side of the Elwha river to the east end of Lake Crescent, offering spectacular views. Intended for hikers and equestrians as well, the terrain is hilly and forested.

There are three additional access points with roadside parking along different segments of the Adventure Route. These include the Joyce Access Road crossing, the Joyce-Piedmont Road crossing and Olympic National Park East Beach Trailhead.

Continuing through the town of Joyce en route to Lake Crescent, the route crosses the Lyre River and enters the Olympic National Park trailhead. This trail follows the route of the Spruce Railroad, which was originally built during WWI to carry spruce logs out of the forest for airplane manufacturing. It follows the north shore of serene Lake Crescent for about four miles, ending at the intersection with Hwy. 101. 

Point of Interest: Historic Lake Crescent Lodge, formerly known as the Singer Tavern, is located on the lake’s south shore. Built in 1914 by Avery and Julia Singer, the lodge was purchased by the National Park Service in 1951. Five of the original rooms in the main lodge are still in use; additional lodging includes 10 cabins and modern motel-style units. The lodge restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from early May to January 1. Recreational activities include hiking, fishing and boating. 

West End

The final 41.6 mile section of the Olympic Discovery Trail, which ends at the Pacific Ocean, is not yet constructed. Those who wish to cycle to the ocean beaches can follow a temporary route along U.S., State and County paved roads to the community of Forks and onward to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean at La Push.

For more information on the Olympic Discovery Trail, visit http://www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com or call the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce at 360.452.2363.

Washington Bikes has a small supply of Olympic Peninsula bike maps (includes portions of the Olympic Discovery Trail) available. These maps cover the northern peninsula from Port Townsend to Port Angeles. Please complete this form if you would like to receive a map set.

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Washington State Transportation Package Puts Biking Dollars at All-Time High

By Blake Trask | Published July 10, 2015

In the Washington state transportation package “compromise,” biking and Safe Routes to School investments grow sevenfold from the 2005 transportation package. Thank your legislators today for making these investment in biking a reality.

Today we at Washington Bikes are elated to announce a huge advance toward long-lasting biking investments across Washington state. No matter where you stand on other elements in the Washington state transportation spending package, one message is clear: we won big for biking and walking projects.

Through most of the session, this outcome wasn’t guaranteed. Let’s review the timeline:

  • Prior to the Senate Transportation Committee’s transportation spending proposal release in February, concerns were high that the proposal would include little to no money for biking. After a big push by Washington Bikes, the Senate proposal included $106 million for biking and Safe Routes to School investments.
  • In its April proposal the House Transportation Committee increased biking and Safe Routes to $236 million.

Kids on bikes waving. Text: Thank your legislators today!!! (Photo property of Washington Bikes, WAbikes.org)So what happened? Instead of a compromise to meet in the middle, biking and walking investments actually grew by $86 million to $320 million in the final negotiated agreement. That’s right, our numbers grew. Biking and Safe Routes to School projects investments at the state level now will retain a stable base of funding of nearly $40 million per biennium for the next 16 years.

“Washington Bikes worked with legislators to highlight that biking is about healthier kids, increased public safety, stronger local economies and more transportation options,” said state policy director Blake Trask. “This is a new kind of bicycle advocacy, but most importantly this work was aided by the thousands of emails from Washingtonians who care about trails, public health, protected bicycle lanes, and school safety.”

Please take a moment to thank your legislators for voting for the biggest ever increase in Washington state for biking, walking, and Safe Routes to School investments.

Here’s the breakdown over 16 years:

  • $75 million for the state Bicycle and Pedestrian Grant Program
  • $56 million in state funding for the state Safe Routes to School Grant Program
  • $86 million in federal commitments for the state Safe Routes to School Program
  • $89 million for 23 projects identified in a statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Project List
  • $15.5 million for the Northgate Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge and for Puget Sound Bike Share expansion to the east side of Lake Washington
  • Combined total = $320.6 million

Additionally, the agreement includes other important investment wins:

  • Existing funding for biking and walking safety projects has been retained, meaning $56 million over the coming years will go to hundreds of new biking projects.
  • The Transportation Improvement Board will administer $106 million for the finally funded Complete Streets Grant Program. This program, established in 2011 thanks in part to advocacy by Washington Bikes and partners at Transportation Choices, has been unfunded until now.
  • Funding for significant road projects includes multimodal features, notably the SR 520 west approach in Seattle, as well as the North Spokane Corridor.

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All combined these projects and programs result in well over $500 million (arguably closer to $600 million) in investments in safer streets, safer schools, and connections across Washington state over the coming 16 years. Compare this with the previous 2005 package that committed $72 million over a similar 16-year timeframe and you can see that the now-passed package equates to a sevenfold increase in investments that make safer streets and better bike connections.

“We’re pleased to see that legislators saw the merit in making investments to grow bicycling statewide,” said Washington Bikes executive director Barb Chamberlain. “Representatives and senators from both parties not only held the line for biking, but ultimately increased the numbers in the final compromise agreement.”

Regardless of where you stand on many of the spending priorities, today we at Washington Bikes ask you to thank legislators for supporting this huge advance toward long-lasting biking investments across Washington state.

Please take a moment to thank your legislators for voting for the biggest ever increase in Washington state for biking, walking, and Safe Routes to School investments.

 

Many thanks to our members and donors who make our work possible with your tax-deductible donations for statewide bike advocacy. Join the thousands of people like you who make bicycling better.

Posted in Advocacy, Alert, Federal, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, Legislature, Safe Routes to School, Safety, Trails, Transportation, WSDOT | 1 Comment

Experience the Olympic Discovery Trail – Part 1

By Guest Blogger | Published July 10, 2015

Port Townsend to Port Angeles

Deborah Anastasi Black is a public relations consultant specializing in results-driven media relations, marketing communication and project management. She focuses her practice on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula region, where she works with clients in the wine, culinary and tourism industries.

Where can cyclists encounter old growth forest, mountain vistas, rolling farmland, serene lakes, flowing rivers and ocean beaches, and even catch a glimpse of our Canadian neighbors to the north, all within a 130-mile radius? Nowhere but on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula!

Olympic Discovery TrailThe Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) traverses this most scenic region of the state from historic Port Townsend on the east side to the ocean beaches of La Push on the west side. With 69 miles of trail currently completed, the route is a mosaic of paved off-road trail, backcountry roads, restored railroad trestles and small town streets, with short stretches of highway shoulder. Multiple access points make it easy to enjoy one or more segments of the trail at a time, with attractions, restaurants and lodging facilities just a short detour away.Interested riders can access an interactive online ODT route map created by the Peninsula Trails Coalition at www.olympicdiscoverytrail.com. The map divides the trail route into four sections: East End, East Central, West Central and West End. Viewers can use the map’s GPS feature to view locations and elevations, and can also download GPS coordinates into their own GPS from the Ride with GPS website.

Enjoying the Trail One Section at a Time

East End

Heading east to west, the first section of the ODT is 27 miles long, from Port Townsend to the community of Blyn. The route begins with a 7.3 mile off-road stretch known as the Larry Scott Trail, and continues for another 20 miles along Hwy. 20, Hwy. 101, and peaceful Old Gardiner Road with its fantastic views of Discovery Bay.

Side Stop: Just off Hwy. 101 in the community of Gardiner near Blyn, Wild Birds Unlimited is worth a stop for birders and non-birders alike! Stroll through the beautiful public garden with a stunning view of Discovery Bay.  Pick-up a bag of Lavender Mocha Mix in the store, a local culinary delight, and a hint at what lies ahead as the next section of trail passes through Sequim, the Lavender Capital of North America!

The stretch from Gardiner to Blyn requires a 1.5 mile ride on the shoulder of Hwy. 101 before accessing a trail head at the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Center. Known as “the Strong People,” the S’Klallams have lived and prospered on the Olympic Peninsula for generations.

East Central

The East Central section of the trail connects Blyn to Port Angeles via the city of Sequim. It is 26.4 miles long with 24.4 miles paved and completed, and two miles of temporary connectors. Riders will peddle alongside heritage farmland, pass through Sequim Bay State Park, a 92-acre marine camping park on saltwater coast, set among huge fir and cedar trees, cross the Johnson Creek Trestle, which rises 85 feet above the creek, and wind through Carrie Blake Park before arriving at Sequim Avenue. Here is the best access to downtown Sequim with its thriving Farmers Market, restaurants featuring local cuisine, and a variety of lodging options. In July, ride amongst fragrant lavender fields at peak bloom and enjoy the annual three-day Sequim Lavender Weekend, July 17 – 19, 2015.

Agricultural Attraction:  Sequim Lavender Weekend is a signature event, drawing visitors from across the country and abroad. Now in its 19th year, the celebratory long weekend features lavender farm tours, a world-class  street fair, myriad lavender products, lavender-infused food and beverages, and a host of community events including art shows, live music, wine tasting and much more.

Cycling Event: Pedal Power Weekend, August 1-2, 2015
Pedal Power Weekend combines two diverse cycling events, Tour de Lavender and Ride the Hurricane.

Olympic Disco Trail trestleTour de Lavender comprises two events, the Metric Century Plus Ride on Saturday, Aug. 1 and the Family Fun Ride on Aug. 1 – 2. A journey along the pastoral rural roads of the Sequim Dungeness Valley, the Metric Century Ride takes in Sequim’s world-renowned lavender farms before heading taking west along the Olympic Discovery Trail to the Port Angeles waterfront and looping back. Recreational riders of all ages and ability levels will enjoy peddling among the lavender farms on the Family Fun Ride. Registration and information at https://tourdelavender.wordpress.com/.

Ride the Hurricane on Sunday, Aug. 2, is a unique event during which Hurricane Ridge Road in Olympic National Park will close to traffic from 7am – Noon. It is not a race but a recreational ride open to all abilities and ages. For registration information, visit www.portangeles.org and click on Ride the Hurricane.

Continuing west from Sequim toward Port Angeles, the trail passes through Railroad Bridge Park, crossing a 1915 Howe Truss Railroad Bridge listed on the National Historic Register. The bridge is currently closed, however, awaiting repair to damage caused by a rise in the raging Dungeness River this past winter. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, which owns the bridge, has begun the permitting process for a redesign of its support structure. In the meantime, a recommended detour route to the north has been established and posted.  From east to west, it exits the trail in Sequim at 5th Avenue, then heads north on 5th to the Old Olympic Highway. The route crosses the river via the highway bridge, continuing southward on Heath Road where it rejoins the trail.

A few miles beyond Railroad Bridge Park at Kitchen-Dick Road, riders can access to the Dungeness Recreation Area and campground. A trail leads from there to the adjacent Dungeness Spit National Wildlife Refuge. One of the world’s longest sand spits, Dungeness extends five miles into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Refuge was established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1915 as a preserve and breeding ground for native birds. It is open to the public year-round for hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing and shell fishing. Touring the New Dungeness Lighthouse at the end of the spit is a popular tourist activity. Bicycles are not permitted in the Refuge so as not to disturb the migrating birds.

Beyond Kitchen-Dick Road, ODT continues through Robin Hill Farm County Park with 195 acres of meadow and forest and several miles of trails open to bicycles and equestrians. Then it’s on to the shore of the Juan de Fuca Straits with many opportunities for beach access.

The Olympic Discovery Trail enters the city of Port Angeles along the popular Waterfront Trail with its spectacular view of the Olympic Mountains. From City Pier, Victoria, B.C. is a mere 18 miles across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Black Ball Ferry Line’s M.V. Coho provides opportunity for an international side trip – just a 90 minute crossing. The Coho departs Port Angeles four times daily during the summer months between June 18 and Sept. 8, 2015.

Port Angeles Attractions: Located on City Pier, the Feiro Marine Life Center enables visitors of all ages to experience the marine waters of the North Olympic Peninsula by showcasing sea life collected in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and through exhibits, a microscope station and educational programs for youth and adults.

Historic downtown Port Angeles is an easy ride from the Waterfront Trail. The former logging town has evolved over the years to a center for art and culture, with outdoor sculpture exhibits, unique shops and galleries, restaurants serving expertly prepared cuisine made with fresh local ingredients and paired with local wines, and a music scene that will have you dancing the night away.

Lodging options vary from waterfront inns to historic boutique hotels to luxurious B&Bs with excellent views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains.

Tomorrow we continue the journey on the Olympic Discovery Trail from Port Angeles to the Pacific Ocean.


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Legislature’s Capital Budget Reaches All-Time High for Trails

By Blake Trask | Published July 9, 2015

The 2015-17 Capital Budget invests $15.6 million, or almost a 50% increase from the previous two-year capital budget, for trails.

We at Washington Bikes are excited to report that trail funding in the two-year Washington State Capital Budget will reach an all-time high of $15.6 million funding 18 iconic trails, long-distance trails, and trails that will help rebuild local economies.

Thursday afternoon, the Washington State Senate passed 43-1 (5 absent) legislation authorizing bonding for the Capital Budget. This legislation represents the last piece of the State Capital Budget puzzle held up for over a week due to other legislative conflicts. While lesser known than the transportation budget, the State Capital Budget serves as an important role in building out Washington state’s bicycle trail network. This trail network helps fuel the $3.1 billion in spending that bicycle riders contribute to the state economy.

Trails funded in the 2015-17 Capital Budget
Trails funded in the 2015-17 Capital Budget

“Investments in trails across the state help build local economies by attracting bicycle travelers who want safe and inviting facilities,” said Washington Bikes’ Executive Director Barb Chamberlain. “We’re pleased that the Washington Bikes policy team was able to collaborate with legislators from both parties to bring trail funding to an all-time high in the state capital budget.”

Strong funding for the Capital Budget’s Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) was one of Washington Bikes’ top legislative priorities heading into the 2015 session. Assuming substantial WWRP funding, Washington Bikes sought to see another biennium with $6-10 million in trail project investments statewide.

Instead, due to several dramatic twists and turns in program funding and capital budget prioritization, funding for 18 priority trails actually grew to the record level of $15.6 million spread across three different program areas in the Capital Budget.

The budget funds numerous projects that are high priorities for advocates and communities statewide. It funds important connectors and improvements for the Olympic Discovery Trail, the Whitehorse Trail, the Ferry County Rail Trail, the East Lake Sammamish Trail, Spokane Valley’s Appleway Trail, the Foothills Trail in Pierce County, the emerging Sound to Olympics Trail, as well as one of the larger but more undeveloped trails in the state – the Willapa Hills Trail.

What’s more exciting than announcing new trails funding? The prospect of completing critical connectors in some of our best trails across Washington state. Stay tuned over the coming years as these trail projects reach completion and help Washington Bikes grow bicycling statewide.

Donate Today to Keep Washington Bikes’ Legislative Work Rolling!

 

Posted in Advocacy, Darrington, Ferry County, Funding/Policy, Infrastructure, Issues & Advocacy, King County, Kitsap County, Legislature, Lewis County, News, Olympic Peninsula, Pierce County, Politics, Rural, Snohomish County, Spokane County, Tourism, Trails, Transportation | 3 Comments

Easy Overnighter to Manchester State Park

By Josh Cohen | Published July 6, 2015

Overnight at a lovely campground is just a quick ferry and 8-mile bike ride away at Manchester State Park.

Manchester State Park
The bodies of water and mountains that surround the Seattle-area are an incredible asset to the cyclists living and riding here. Even a mundane ride feels special when you grab a glimpse of Mount Rainier, snow-capped Olympic peaks, or the Puget Sound’s beautiful expanse on a sunny day. Those immovable geographic boundaries are also a boon for bike campers. A quick ferry ride across the Sound or a short ride towards the Cascades leads to a half dozen or more places to camp, some as little as 8 miles from downtown Seattle!

Riding to Manchester State Park

Manchester State Park falls into that category of easy to access, but still lovely campgrounds near Seattle. It sits right on the water in theKitsap Peninsula and has beach access and hiking trails through the woods, has 3 first come first served hiker-biker campsites, 35 reservable sites, and bathrooms with potable water. As such, it makes for an excellent intro to bike camping for novices or easy escape for seasoned pros. You could even head out after work on a weeknight and make it back to your desk at the regular time the next morning.

There is a small convenience store on the right as you get off the Southworth ferry. It has snacks and drinks and beer, but not much in the way of real food. There are no grocery stores on route, so you’re better off stocking up on groceries before you head out. If you do need real groceries, you can detour a few miles on the appropriately named Mile Hill Rd into Port Orchard where there is an Albertsons and a QFC.

The ride starts after taking the Washington State Ferry from Fauntleroy in West Seattle to Southworth. After getting off the ferry head straight on SE Southworth Ferry Dr. At mile 3.1 take a right onto Yukon Harbor Rd and enjoy a little beachside riding on a quiet neighborhood road. At mile 4 take another right onto Colchester Dr SE. At mile 5.4 take a left onto Main St then your immediate next right on to Beach Dr. Stay on Beach for about 2 miles, then take a right on E Hilldale Rd into Manchester State Park.

Beach at Southworth

View from the beach at Southworth

That’s right, it’s 7.5 miles of riding from West Seattle to forested camping in a state park. Even if you’re riding from your home and office in Seattle it’ll be a sub-20 mile ride to lovely, forested camping.

When you’ve had your fill of campfire stories, s’mores, and sleeping under the stars, simply retrace your steps to the Southworth Ferry. If you want to make a loop of it, or are really pressed for time, take a right on Beach Drive as you leave the park instead of a left. Stay on it as it hugs the shoreline and turns into Bay St. This will take you into Port Orchard where you can catch the Port Orchard-Bremerton Foot Ferry (bikes are allowed). Note the foot ferry does not run on Sundays. From there you can hop on the Bremerton-Seattle ferry that will drop you off right in Downtown Seattle.

Posted in Adventure, Ferries, Kitsap County, News, Tourism, Travel | 2 Comments