Biking Near Seattle? Visit Bayside Bikes

Seattle NorthCountry is mountain biking heaven. From the Cascades to the Salish Sea, there are plenty of trails to ride and scenery to take in, no matter your skill level.

Eric Smith from Bayside Bikes in Everett (2707 Colby Ave, Unit H) gave us some of his favorite trails to ride and places to check out to make your Seattle NorthCountry mountain bike trek something special.

Before you go

Smith recommends a good helmet that fits correctly (but you knew that) and to ask other riders questions before riding a new trail. Popping into a bike shop like Bayside is a good way to get familiar with a new trail, and you might even find a new riding buddy.

Smith also says to remember to breathe and stay loose on the trails.

Japanese Gulch - Mukilteo
1301 5th St
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Skill level: Beginner

Japanese Gulch has many loops on which to get familiar with your bike and have a leisurely ride through the woods. If you want to step it up, there’s some hill climbs and jumps to really test how extreme you may be.

After the ride, head down to Mukilteo for a post-bike pint at Diamond Knot Brewing (4602 Chennault Beach Rd B2) or Ivar’s Seafood Bar (710 Front St.) for some fish and chips.

Lord Hill Regional Park - Snohomish
12921 150th St SE
Snohomish, WA 98290
Skill level: Beginner/Intermediate

Another beginner spot to test your mettle, Lord Hill has 12 miles of trail—from gravel road to single-track riding. Lord Hill offers varying degrees of difficulty on its many trails if you’re ready to step up.

Done riding for the day? Downtown Snohomish is only a 10 minute drive from Lord Hill. Check out some antique shops or indulge yourself at Roger’s River View Bistro (1011 First Street)—a delicious farm-to-table restaurant featuring local Seattle NorthCountry growers.

Paradise Conservation Area - Woodinville
23210 Paradise Lake Rd
Woodinville, WA 98077
Skill level: Intermediate/Advanced

Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Paradise Conservation Area (also known as Paradise Valley), is all single-track and waiting for you to tear its trails up. Offering beautiful views of the mountains, Paradise Conservation Area is the place to go if you’re looking for a challenge and amazing vistas.