By reversing the last ride and finishing up in Marymoor Park instead, you'll be perfectly situated for some of the best road riding in the Puget Sound area. Marymoor is located in Redmond, Washington, the self-proclaimed bicycle capital of the Northwest—lucky for us, the cycling here makes good on that boast.

Downtown Seattle bike path
and view of the Olympics

Marymoor Park is on the north end of Lake Sammamish. The lake is a shared recreation area to boaters, waterskiers, and fishermen alike. Fortunately for us bikers, a bike lane is paved around most of the lake on an adjoining road and provides a round-trip distance of about 40 miles.

Begin at the west entrance of Marymoor Park, take a left at the stoplight, and exit onto Bellevue-Redmond Road for about one mile. Take a left onto West Lake Sammamish at the second stoplight. This route around the lake follows the natural flow of traffic, and the bike lane is on both sides of the road once you get to the other side of the lake.

Traveling south on West Lake Sammamish Parkway, you may see an occasional owl or hawk living in the trees hanging over several parts of the road. They can also be seen soaring high above the lake looking for a catch.

Cycling around the lake is relatively flat except for a few spots on the west side, which rise up to meet the curvature of the hill surrounding the lake.

You'll want to make sure you connect to the east side of the lake via SE 56 St. and go east down the frontage road on the north side of I-90. You will run into East Lake Sammamish (conveniently named). Take it and head north on this side of the lake.

East Lake Sammamish is a bit smoother and you may want to do an out-and-back going on this side. Either way you'll get great views of the lake and a bit cooler air in the summer.