The best cycling routes around Raft Island

Touring cycling routes around Raft Island, located in Puget Sound, Washington, feature a diverse terrain. You'll encounter a mix of coastal roads offering water views, suburban paths, and dedicated trails like the Cushman Powerline Trail. The area generally has moderate elevations with some rolling hills, providing varied cycling experiences through forested sections and connections to local communities.

There are 6 touring cycling routes available around Raft Island. These routes cater to different skill levels, with 2 easy and 4 moderate options, ensuring there's something for every touring cyclist.

Yes, there are easy touring cycling routes around Raft Island. A great option is the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Gig Harbor, which is 9.6 miles (15.4 km) long and typically takes about 55 minutes to complete. This route offers a more relaxed ride through varied local landscapes.

For those seeking a moderate challenge, the Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Purdy is a popular choice, covering 29.9 miles (48.2 km). Another excellent moderate route is the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood, which is 20.3 miles (32.6 km) and combines sections of the powerline trail with scenic views near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

The touring cycling routes around Raft Island offer a variety of scenic views. You can expect coastal vistas, forested sections, and glimpses of the water, especially along routes that incorporate the Cushman Powerline Trail. Many routes also connect local towns, providing a mix of natural beauty and community charm.

Yes, several interesting landmarks and points of interest can be found near or along the routes. These include the Cushman Powerline Trail itself, the scenic Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive, and the Dalco Passage viewpoint in Point Defiance Park. You might also cycle past impressive structures like the Fox Island Bridge and the Purdy Bridge.

The touring cycling routes around Raft Island are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 16 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, which includes coastal roads and dedicated trails, as well as the scenic water views and forested sections. The well-maintained Cushman Powerline Trail is a particular highlight for many.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Raft Island are designed as loops, offering convenient circular journeys. For example, the Kinbee Hill – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Peacock Hill Avenue & Vernhardson provides a 31.1 km circular ride, allowing you to start and end at the same point.

The duration of touring cycling routes around Raft Island varies depending on the distance and your pace. Shorter, easy routes like the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Gig Harbor can be completed in about 55 minutes. Longer, moderate routes such as the Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Purdy might take around 3 hours.

Yes, the Cushman Powerline Trail is a prominent and highly utilized feature of many touring cycling routes around Raft Island. It's known for its consistent surface and often follows former utility corridors, providing a dedicated and enjoyable cycling experience. Several routes, including the Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Purdy, incorporate significant portions of this trail.

The touring cycling routes around Raft Island are generally accessible, with options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. There are no routes classified as difficult, making the area suitable for a wide range of cyclists, from beginners to those looking for a pleasant, moderately challenging ride.