Gravel Around Puget Sound

I got into riding gravel/unpaved trails and roads a few years ago and I gotta say, it’s pretty great! I am lucky to live in Seattle which is surrounded by lots of forests with publicly accessible logging roads and unpaved trails on old rail lines. Here is an non-comprehensive list of some gravel routes I have enjoyed in Western Washington!

Dirty Chilly

This is a classic route around Bainbridge Island that links some established dirt trails with gravel driveways and random access roads. It doesn’t look like much but trust me, it’s a butt kicker!

Capitol Forest Gravelpalooza

This is a really great intro route for people who are newer to gravel, or want a gravel route that isn’t going to take all day! The Capitol State Forest is a really awesome place, and I highly recommend getting down there and getting lost for a while. Be aware that the Capitol State Forest is an active logging area and there can be heavy machinery and logging activity throughout the year (mostly in the Fall). People also like to come here to shoot skeet and ride motorcycles/4x4s, so be prepared for sudden loud noises and to share the road with people going fast sometimes.

Carnation Grinder

This is a great loop that starts in Fall City at the Community Park, but could easily start in Carnation. It loops through the Snoqualmie Forest which is also an active logging area, so be wary of heavy machinery and logging activity (again, usually in the Fall).

Not-So-Chillass Century

If you have always wanted to attempt a century but are nervous about riding for that long, this is a great option! It loops around Round Mountain in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie Forest so there are gorgeous views throughout. This route links together several gravel trails, but there are several paved segments; you can also parallel this route on paved highways as well if you get sick of the gravel.