The best cycling routes around Sumner

The Foothills Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience, winding through scenic river valleys and farmlands with frequent, unobstructed views of Mount Rainier. As a rail-to-trail conversion, its gentle grades and mostly paved surface make for a smooth ride, perfect for taking in the diverse landscapes and the historic McMillin Bridge. You'll find peaceful forest stretches where the river runs wild, providing a serene escape.

This moderate 40.7-mile (65.6 km) route, with only 889 feet (271 metres) of elevation gain, is generally completed in about 3 hours and 48 minutes. It's an excellent choice for families or beginner touring cyclists looking for a relaxed ride. The trail connects several communities like Orting, where you can find convenient services such as food, water, and bike shops.

What truly sets this trail apart is its origin as a historic railroad bed, ensuring a consistently easy gradient that's a joy to cycle. The multi-use pathway fosters a community atmosphere, welcoming various non-motorized activities. Its planned expansion aims for a 50-mile route, further connecting regional trails and enhancing its appeal as a premier cycling destination in Pierce County, Washington.

The Rest Stop by the Carbon River – Foothills Trail loop from Sumner offers a delightful touring cycling experience, primarily utilizing the paved and well-maintained Foothills Trail. You'll pedal along gentle grades through flat river valleys, past farmlands, and into forests, with the Carbon River often visible. Keep an eye out for spectacular views of Mount Rainier, especially from sections near Orting, making this a scenic and accessible ride.

This moderate 26.8-mile (43.1 km) route, with a modest 369 feet (113 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 27 minutes to complete. The trail is wide and largely paved, making it suitable for varying skill levels. Towns like Orting along the route offer convenient amenities such as restrooms and places to grab a bite, so you can plan your stops accordingly.

Built on a historic railroad bed, the Foothills Trail provides a unique and generally level cycling experience, tracing areas with historical ties to coal mining and logging. The Carbon River itself, fed by a melting glacier on Mount Rainier, can appear milky white, adding to the distinctive natural features you'll encounter. This loop is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and history of Pierce County, Washington, on two wheels.

The Green River Trail – Van Doren's Landing Park loop offers a peaceful escape into nature, even within an urban setting. You'll cycle along the banks of the Green and Duwamish Rivers, enjoying diverse scenery that shifts from tranquil river views and lush parkland, especially around Van Doren's Landing Park, to glimpses of industrial areas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like osprey, and on clear days, you might even spot Mount Rainier in the distance.

This moderate touring cycling route is a substantial 38.8 miles (62.5 km) long, with a very gentle 449 feet (137 metres) of elevation gain, making it achievable in about 3 hours and 32 minutes. Starting from Auburn Riverside High School, the trail is almost entirely paved and car-free, providing a safe and accessible ride for cyclists of all levels, including families. It's an excellent option for a longer, relaxed day on two wheels.

The Green River Trail is renowned for its connectivity, linking with the Interurban Trail at various points, which allows for even longer rides if you wish to extend your journey. This route provides a remarkable urban escape, traversing a significant part of King County while offering numerous parks along the way, often with amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. It's a fantastic way to experience the blend of natural beauty and urban landscape in the Auburn area.