Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is one of the most popular things to do at Saint Edward State Park. Washington State Parks describes a labyrinth of trails through lush forest down to the shore of Lake Washington, with many trails open to mountain bikes and others kept for hikers only. The park is in Kenmore, on the north end of the lake, open 8 a.m. to dusk all year.

Where You Can Ride

The agency map marks trails with a bicycle symbol where bikes are expected. The densest cluster is the network of trails in the southeast corner of the park, east of the large private parcel and along Holmes Point Drive. The map also shows bicycle symbols near the Volunteer Trail by the entrance and near the Perimeter Trail west of the picnic area.

Other trails are hiking only. The agency doesn't publish a list, so read the signs at each trailhead and turn around where bikes aren't allowed.

How Hard the Riding Is

The same map rates every named trail with ski-style symbols: a round symbol for easiest, a square wave for more difficult and a diamond for most difficult. The southeast network has all three. The ravine trails that drop to the lake on the west side are mostly rated most difficult. See the trail map for the legend.

Riding Rules

• Share the trail: hikers and dogs use the same paths. Slow down on blind corners.
• Respect hiking-only trails: the agency closes some trails to bikes for the safety of other visitors.
• No motorized bikes: the park brochure bans motorcycles of all kinds on trails.
• Stay inside the park: private property borders the park, including a large parcel in the middle of the east side.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk. No night riding.

Parking and Getting There

Cars need a Discover Pass, $10 a day or $45 a year, sold at the park's pay station. If you ride your bike in from home, you don't need a pass at all. The park entrance is on Juanita Drive NE in Kenmore. See parking and directions.

Why Riders Come Here

For riders on the east side of Lake Washington, Saint Edward is close to home: Washington State Parks' own list of state parks near Seattle puts it about 25 minutes from the city.