pavedwave longboarding

pavedwave · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 1115 Location: seattle wa usa

Trails and Roads - Washington

Alaskan Way Trail (Seattle, WA)
Length: 3 miles

The Alaskan Way Trail runs along Seattle's waterfront from Myrtle Edwards Park at Pier 70 to Safeco Field and points south. The surface is fairly good, but there are numerous obstacles (intersections, train tracks, tourists, etc.) that require good stopping skills. This trail is flat and very scenic.

Alki Beach (West Seattle, WA)
Length: 3.5 miles

The Alki trail is flat and smooth with great food, incredible scenery, and beautiful sunsets. Be cautious of trail traffic right around the main beach area during the summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK-tzYINOdQ

Apple Capital Loop Trail (Wenatchee, WA)
Length: 13 miles

This trail is excellent for bikers and skaters. It's a beautiful trail and
especially nice because it's a loop. You can start wherever you want and
end up never having to see the same thing twice!

Apple Capital Loop Trail
http://www.eastmontparks.com/apple-capital-recreation-loop-trail.shtml

Bill Chipman Trail (Moscow, ID to Pullman, WA)
Length: 7 miles

This trail runs between Pullman, Wa and Moscow, Id.

Burke-Gilman Trail/Sammamish River Trail (Redmond, WA to Ballard)
Length: 27 miles

The Burke-Gilman/Sammamish River Trail is a series of linked trails which start at Marymoor Park in Redmond and run around the north end of Lake Washington, past the UW, to 11th Avenue NW in Ballard. This is where we have held part of our 24-hour longboarding ultraskates. The Burke has varied terrain, from extremely smooth to a little rough. There are a few small hills and busy street crossings, combined with some fast bike traffic means you really need to keep your ears and eyes open, and stay to the right of the trail.

King County's website for the Burke Gilman Trail
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/burkegilman.html

Friends of the Burke Gilman Trail
http://www.burkegilmantrail.org/

Cedar River Trail (Renton, WA)
Length: 16 miles

The Cedar River Trail has been extended to 11 miles and has a fantastic new surface. The only challenging part is a tight spiraling hill which turns into a tunnel. A good place to start on this trail is Liberty Skate Park in Renton.

King County's Cedar River Trail
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/cedarriver.html

Centennial Trail (Snohomish, WA to Lake Stevens)
Length: 17 miles

The Centennial Trail is nicely paved and mostly flat, although you will definitely notice a long, gradual incline from south to north. The recommendation therefore is to start at the south end, and go until you've reached the "peak" which is I think around the 13-mile marker, then turn around and blast back. Or just go the full 17 miles and make a 34-miler of it! Oh yeah....watch out for cougars Very Happy

Snohomish County's Centennial Trail Website
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/De...gional_Parks/Centennial_Trail.htm

Chief Sealth Trail (Seattle, WA - Beacon Hill)
Length: 3.6 miles

This trail is brand new and runs through the Beacon Hill area. I rode this one with Sheldon, and it had some pretty sketchy parts, with a lot of gravel. Not a long, flat LDP trail, more like an adventure in hills and sharp turns. A fun buzz through the inner-city.

Seattle DOT Chief Sealth Trail Website
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/chiefsealthtrail.htm

Chehalis Western Trail (Chehalis, WA)
Length: 15 miles

This is another Rails to Trails project. According to skatenw members, the most skatable part is south from the 14th ave access point for about 8 miles. There is a map on the website listed below.

Thurston County Chehalis Western Trail website
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks/Trails/cw-trail.htm

Spokane River/North Idaho Centennial Trail (Spokane, WA to Coeur d' Alene, ID)
Length: 37 miles in WA and 23 miles in Id

The Spokane River Centennial Trail runs from Nine Mile Falls along the Spokane River all the way to the Idaho state line. Pavement quality is good, with some frost heaves and patches in several places. There are a few hills which require good stopping skills to avoid the other users. Use caution on the pedestrian overpass at mile 21 near Gonzaga. At mile 15 the trail is a narrow and follows a rough road section. From there to the border it gets scenic, and has several wooded sections. At the Washington border, the trail continues into Idaho for 23 more miles into Coeur d'Alene. Please see the North Idaho Centennial Trail entry below.

Spokane Centennial Trail website
http://www.spokanecentennialtrail.org/index.htm

North Idaho Centennial Trail website
http://www.northidahocentennialtrail.org/

Foothills Trail (Orting, WA)
Length: currently 7 miles + 1.8 miles

The Foothills Trail currently has 8.8 paved miles available for use beginning at Orting City Park. There are plans to extend the trail up to 26 miles which will run from McMillan through Orting and South Prairie to Wilkeson and Carbonado. Don't miss the incredible views of Mt. Rainier.

Pierce County's Foothills Trail website
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/pc/abtus/ourorg/parks/Foothill-trailhds.htm

Green Lake (Seattle, WA)
Length: 2.8 miles

Greenlake is surrounded by a beautifully paved trail which, on nice days, is packed with people enjoying the view, the food, and the fresh air. It is a great place for beginner and social skaters, but not so great for those interested in skating faster than 15 mph due to the heavy foot traffic.

Green River Trail (Tukwila, WA to Kent, WA)
Length: 12 miles

The Green River Trail follows the Green River. It starts in Fort Dent Park in Tukwila and winds its way south to just east of Hwy 167 in Kent. At the bridge there is a path that connects to the Interurban Trail. King County has stated plans to connect the Green River Trail all the way up to Alki.

King County's Green River Trail website
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/greenriver.html

Our longboarding adventure on the Green River Trail
http://pavedwave.myfastforum.org/about86.html

I-90 Trail (Seattle, WA to Bellevue, WA)
Length: 6 miles

The I-90 trail runs from Bellevue Way on the east side, across Mercer Island, to Rainier Avenue South on the west side. The surface is asphalt in places, and otherwise textured concrete, but has several large expansion joints. There are usually a lot of cyclists and runners, so be aware. Strong braking and maneuvering skills are required for this trail. One of the more popular starting points is at the Metro Park & Ride Lot on Mercer Island. From either way on I-90, take the second Mercer Island exit. The Park & Ride is on the north side of the exit intersection.

Interurban Trail (Everett to Montlake Terrace, WA)
Length: 15.4 miles

This trail winds its way from South Everett to NW Mountlake Terrace, ending 1-1/2 miles North of the King County border. There are a lot of street crossings and areas where sidewalks/roadside bike paths are used as well as a few continuous sections without any crossings that are each about 3 miles long. The overpass across I-5, just North of the Alderwood Mall, doesn’t have much of a path and is a bit challenging.

Snohomish County's Interurban Trail website
http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/De...gional_Parks/Interurban_Trail.htm

Interurban Trail (Pacific, WA to Tukwila, WA)
Length: 14 miles

The Interurban Trail intertwines with the Green River Trail and, when completed, the two systems will cover 46 miles. The King County website lists access points.

King County's Interurban Trail website
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/interurban.html

Clarkston/Lewiston Levee Trail (Clarkston, WA to Lewiston, ID)
Length: about 18 miles

The Lewiston/Clarkston levee trail runs for about 6 miles on the Washington side of the Snake River from Clarkston to Asotin and continues on the Idaho side of the Snake River for about 6 miles before turning east in Lewiston and heading up the Clearwater River for about 6 more miles. The entire route is very scenic and, although there are a few rough areas, much of the trail is newly repaved and ideal for skating. The dry eastern Washington weather makes this trail accessible almost year round. There are only a few minor obstacles. First, there are three bridge crossings, but very minimal contact with traffic. Second, watch out for dogs on long leashes and pass with care. The users tend to be very courteous, but are not used to higher speed trail traffic. Third, watch out for the ducks and geese. They've made a few areas extremely slippery.

www.clarkston.com

Myrtle Edwards Park (Seattle, WA)
Length: 1.25 miles

Myrtle Edwards Park is located on the Seattle waterfront with excellent views of Elliot Bay and Mount Rainier.

Seattle Parks and Recreation - Myrtle Edwards Park
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=311

Olympic Discovery Trail (Sequim, WA)
Completed sections in Sequim, Port Angeles, and Joyce.
100 miles planned.

http://www.peninsulatrailcoalition.com/

Point Defiance Park (Tacoma, WA)
Length: 5 miles+

Point Defiance Park is an extremely difficult skate and is not suited for anyone lacking confident and advanced control on hills and in traffic. The main road (5 Mile Drive) is a long hilly park road with no level areas and some steep fast downhills. There are a few side tracks worth taking. One bonus is that 5 Mile Drive is closed to motorized traffic every Sunday until 1 p.m.

Metro Parks Tacoma - Point Defiance (link...)

Ruston Way Trail (Tacoma, WA)
Length: 2.5 miles

The Ruston Way Trail is located on Tacoma's northwest waterfront and is a great recreational trail.

Metro Parks Tacoma - Ruston Way (link...)

Seward Park (Seattle, WA)
Length: 1 km

Seward Park has a windy road which circles around a hill through parking areas. It is a great skate, but should only be attempted by those with good control on hills and in traffic and those who want a good uphill cardio workout. The views are incredible.

Seattle Parks - Seward Park
http://www.cityofseattle.net/Parks/environment/seward.htm

Soos Creek Trail (Kent, WA)
Length: 4 miles

This is an extremely fun and scenic trail that consists of several gentle uphill and downhill slopes. Please note that many of the hills have corners and turns so please make sure that you have decent hill and braking control before setting out. There are a few road crossings to watch for, but they are not difficult. The last quarter mile at the south end should only be attempted by skaters with good hill control. It consists of 4 steep drops with a 90 degree turn and a bridge. If you can handle it, it is a great rush. It is highly recommended that you have people stand watch at the corners to help avoid collisions with oncoming trail traffic.

King County's Soos Creek Trail website
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/sooscreek.html

Volunteer Park (Seattle, WA)
Length: 1 km

Volunteer Park has a hilly park road that is suitable for skating. It is newly repaved and can be fun. Just be aware of the hills and traffic.

Seattle Parks - Volunteer Park
http://www.seattle.gov/parks/park_detail.asp?ID=399

Trails and Roads - Oregon

Mark Hatfield Trail (Twin Tunnels Trail) (Columbia Gorge, OR)
Length: 10 miles

This trail is open only to non-motorized traffic and is very smooth and wide and during the late spring and summer and early fall is kept very clean - regularly swept free of debris. You will rarely find a wider and smoother stretch of asphalt pavement anywhere. However - the trail is VERY hilly and if one intends to skate it's length - it should ONLY be attempted in an East to West direction..

From the gated entrance on the Mosier Or side the trail begins with a long and moderately steep 2.5 kilometer climb that is relentless. The climb terminates at a beautiful paved overlook over the Columbia River.

Going from the West entrance Toward Mosier - one should NOT attempt to skate west past this overlook if you're not ready for some SPEED and have good sliding or footbraking skills.

Continuing East past the Overlook - you will encounter several moderate descents. The pavement is wide enough to allow carving and shaving off speed.

This trail does require the purchase of a $3 day pass. If anyone has more info on this location, please contact us.

Oregon State Parks - Historic Columbia River Highway State Park
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_155.php

Rooster Rock State Park (Corbit, OR, exit 35 off I-84)

The park is on the Columbia River and has a very smooth - huge parking lot that is almost exactly 2 miles long! On weekdays there is hardly ever more than a few dozen cars in the lot that hold over 1000 cars -- fun elevation changes between the sections of the lots. There is very little traffic and the Park staff are friendly.

13 laps on this lot = 26 miles. It may sound boring but because the river is always in view and the lots are large - you can get quite a bit of variety by choosing different routes through the interconnected lots and skating them in different directions. A state park entrance fee is required (either a day pass $3.00) or state park annual sticker.

South Beach State Park (Central Coast, OR)
Length: 1 mile

This trail is short, but the park sounds great for more than just skating

Oregon State Parks - South Beach State Park
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_209.php

Tryon Creek State Natural Area (Portland, OR)
Length: 3 miles

This path parallels Terwilliger Blvd on the east side of the park from Boones Ferry Road to State Street in Lake Oswego. It is part of the Portland metropolitan bikeway system 40 mile loop

Oregon State Parks - Tryon Creek State Natural Area
http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_144.php

Trails and Roads - Idaho

Bill Chipman Trail (Moscow, ID to Pullman, WA)
Length: 7 miles

This trail runs between Pullman, Wa and Moscow, Id.

North Idaho/Spokane River Centennial Trail (Idaho state line to Coeur d' Alene, ID)
Length: 23 miles in Id and 37 miles in WA

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is an extension of the Spokane River Centennial Trail. The two trails connect Spokane to Coeur d' Alene. Please see the Spokane River Centennial Trail entry above.

North Idaho Centennial Trail
http://www.northidahocentennialtrail.org/

Spokane Centennial Trail website
http://www.spokanecentennialtrail.org/index.htm

Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes (Coeur d' Alene, ID)
Length: 72+ miles

This trail is newly paved and is an old railway which has been converted for recreational use. It runs through Silver Valley, into the Chain Lake Region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d' Alene, and through Heyburn State Park and the Coeur d' Alene Indian Reservation. It is a beautiful train with a lot of history.

Coeur d' Alene Visitor's Bureau - Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes
http://www.coeurdalene.org/member...asp?memberId=1052&type=things

Friends of the Coeur d' Alene Trails
http://www.friendsofcdatrails.org/

Lewiston Clarkston Levee Trail (Lewiston, ID to Clarkston, WA)
Length: about 18 miles

The Lewiston/Clarkston levee trail runs for about 6 miles on the Washington side of the Snake River from Clarkston to Asotin and continues on the Idaho side of the Snake River for about 6 miles before turning east in Lewiston and heading up the Clearwater River for about 6 more miles. The entire route is very scenic and, although there are a few rough areas, much of the trail is newly repaved and ideal for skating. The dry eastern Washington weather makes this trail accessible almost year round. There are only a few minor obstacles. First, there are three bridge crossings, but very minimal contact with traffic. Second, watch out for dogs on long leashes and pass with care. The users tend to be very courteous, but are not used to higher speed trail traffic. Third, watch out for the ducks and geese. They've made a few areas extremely slippery.

www.lewiston.com

Sandpoint Area Trails (Sandpoint, ID)
Length: ?

This is a series of existing and proposed trails around Sandpoint, Id. If anyone has more info on the status of these trails, please contact us.

North Idaho Trails - Sandpoint Area Trails (link...)

Trails and Roads - British Columbia

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve (Vancouver, BC)
Length: 10 km

This new trail opened in June 2002 and the pavement is very good (6 meters wide). The first downhill comes at the 2 km mark with a right hand turn at the bottom. The first steep uphill is at the 3 km point and from that point it is a long climb to the 6 km mark. Once you reach the 7 km point you will find one of four rest stops. You will also find a 3 km downhill grade to the Seymour River. At the 10 km point the pavement ends and it is a short walk to the Seymour River. The Seymour Valley Trail requires some braking skills. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists and other skaters on the trail. Take Exit 22 off the Second Narrows Bridge and follow the signs north on Lillooet Road to the Rice Lake parking lot.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Website
http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/water/LSCR.htm

Stanley Park (Vancouver, BC)
Length: about 9 km

Stanley Park is a great place for a skate. It has a wide paved trail which is great for skaters of all skill levels and the scenery is incredible.

Vancouver Park Board - Stanley Park
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

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I want to extend thanks to the inline distance community at skate northwest that originally posted much of this list -- they're the same people who organized the MS Skate Marathons we longboarded in, around 2002-2005.

I'm going through it to fix all the broken links, and will continue to add photos, links, and stories about all these trails as we get out and explore.

Please add to this list and let me know of any news / construction updates, impressions, anything as you get out and shred the awesome trails of the Pac NW!!

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