The best road cycling routes around Steilacoom
4.8
(7)
334
riders
28
rides
Road cycling around Steilacoom features routes that navigate a landscape characterized by lakes, reservoirs, and connecting urban and suburban areas. The region offers varied terrain, including waterfront sections and routes that traverse multiple communities. Elevation gains are moderate, providing a balance for different cycling preferences. The area's road cycling routes often incorporate scenic views of bodies of water and established pathways.
Best road cycling routes around Steilacoom
- The most popular road cycling route is University Place & Fircrest loop —South Tacoma, a 30.5 miles (49.0 km) trail that takes 2 hours 30 minutes to complete. This moderate route connects several communities, offering a varied urban and suburban cycling experience.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Lacey, Dupont & Lakewood loop, a moderate 60.9 miles (98.1 km) path. This longer route links multiple towns, providing an extended ride through diverse landscapes.
- Local road cyclists also love the Lake Steilacoom & Chambers Creek Reservoir loop, a 21.8 miles (35.0 km) trail leading through lakeside and reservoir areas, often completed in about 1 hour 36 minutes.
- Road cycling around Steilacoom is defined by lakeside paths, urban connectors, and waterfront views. The network offers options for easy and moderate ability levels.
- The routes in Steilacoom are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 240 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Steilacoom's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
14
riders
49.0km
02:30
570m
570m
This 30.5-mile moderate road cycling loop near Point Defiance Park offers varied scenery and a good workout in 2 hours and 29 minutes.
6
riders
98.1km
04:19
730m
730m
This moderate 60.9-mile road cycling loop near Tacoma offers diverse scenery and a good workout with 2395 feet of elevation gain.
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4.0
(1)
6
riders
35.0km
01:37
340m
340m
Cycle the moderate Lake Steilacoom & Chambers Creek Reservoir loop, a 21.8-mile route with views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
5.0
(1)
44
riders
40.1km
02:03
420m
420m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
29
riders
66.5km
03:18
750m
750m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Steilacoom
Tips from the Community
Caution is needed along the route, as homeless individuals often leave trash everywhere.
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A nice paved trail runs along this beach area, accompanied by a small park right next to the beach. The park features a beach pavilion, a whale sculpture play area, and plenty of benches, making it a great spot to take a break.
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The views from the bluff overlooking Gig Harbor are amazing from this area. This spot is a perfect place to stop, rest, have a picnic, or simply take in the beauty, with several benches and restroom facilities available here.
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American Lake Park sits on the largest natural body of water in the county and offers a wide variety of water sports and activities, excellent fishing, and fantastic views of Mount Rainier. The lake contains several islands, a boat dock, and Summer's Cove, a quiet spot at the north end of the lake, away from the more populated areas of the Park.
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Long Lake Park, with its beautiful evergreen entrance, opens up to 285 feet of sandy shoreline and is one of the best swimming beaches in the area. There are volleyball and picnic areas in the sand, making it a great pit stop to have a snack and cool off during a long ride.
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The ferry ride to Vashon Island is a short trip with departures daily every fifteen minutes. The round trip cost for Port Defiance/Tahlequah is $6.50 plus a bicycle surcharge of $1. All fares are collected here, as there is no staff at the Tahlequah landing. As a cyclist, you should arrive 20 minutes early, as they load bicycles before vehicle loading. Otherwise, your bike will be loaded at the end of the process.
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Lake Steilacoom spans 320 acres and is very shallow, with its deepest point at less than 25 feet. It was initially formed in 1853 when a sawmill owner named Andrew Byrd needed a water reserve, so he built a dam over Chambers Creek to supply it with water. There is a mysterious legend that the lake is haunted by a female monster known as Whe-atchee, so much so that the local Nisqually tribe refuses to swim or fish in the lake.
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This is a well-maintained, wide, paved pathway that runs along the power lines (hence the name) and parallels State Route 16. It has multiple access points and several benches and picnic tables along the way. As you traverse the route, you can expect to travel over several hills through some beautiful scenic areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Steilacoom?
There are over 20 road cycling routes in the Steilacoom area, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels.
What are the difficulty levels of road cycling routes in Steilacoom?
The routes around Steilacoom primarily feature easy and moderate difficulty levels. There are 8 easy routes and 16 moderate routes, with no routes currently classified as difficult.
Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Steilacoom?
Yes, Steilacoom offers 8 easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners. These routes typically feature less elevation gain and shorter distances, making them ideal for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.
Are there family-friendly road cycling routes in Steilacoom?
Many of the easy and moderate routes around Steilacoom are suitable for families, especially those with some cycling experience. Routes that stick to established pathways and have moderate elevation changes are generally good choices. Consider routes like the Lake Steilacoom & Chambers Creek Reservoir loop for a scenic, manageable ride.
Can I find loop road cycling routes in the Steilacoom area?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Steilacoom are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular loop options include the University Place & Fircrest loop —South Tacoma and the Lacey, Dupont & Lakewood loop.
What are some moderate road cycling routes in Steilacoom?
Steilacoom has 16 moderate road cycling routes. A popular choice is the University Place & Fircrest loop —South Tacoma, which is 30.5 miles long and connects several communities. Another option is the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from University Place.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes around Steilacoom?
For longer rides, the Lacey, Dupont & Lakewood loop stands out, covering approximately 60.9 miles (98.1 km). This route links multiple towns, providing an extended ride through diverse landscapes.
What attractions can I explore along the road cycling routes in Steilacoom?
Many routes offer views of local attractions. You can cycle past Waughop Lake in Fort Steilacoom Park, American Lake Park, or even catch a glimpse of the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge on some routes.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Steilacoom?
The spring, summer, and early fall months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling in Steilacoom, with milder temperatures and less precipitation. Always check the local forecast before heading out.
What do other cyclists say about road cycling in Steilacoom?
The road cycling routes in Steilacoom are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied urban and suburban experiences, as well as the scenic lakeside and waterfront sections.
Where can I find parking or trailheads for road cycling routes in Steilacoom?
Many road cycling routes in the Steilacoom area start from public parks or community centers that offer parking facilities. Specific trailhead information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot, or by checking local park websites for details on access points.
Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
Given that many routes connect urban and suburban areas like University Place, Fircrest, Lacey, Dupont, and Lakewood, you'll find various opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores along or near the routes for refreshments and breaks.
Most popular routes around Steilacoom
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