The best traffic-free bike rides in Millersylvania State Park

This guide features 3 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes within Millersylvania State Park, ranging from easy to difficult. These routes are carefully selected to offer a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.

Yes, there is one easy no-traffic touring cycling route available: the Monarch Sculpture Park loop from Tempo Lake. This route is approximately 16 km long with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for a relaxed ride through the park's natural beauty.

The park's trails, while generally described as multi-use or mountain bike trails, offer diverse terrain suitable for touring cyclists with hybrid or gravel bikes. You'll encounter paths winding through old-growth cedar and fir forests, serene wetlands, and along the picturesque Deep Lake. Some sections may include compacted dirt or gravel, providing a true outdoor cycling experience.

Absolutely. The routes take you through broad stands of old-growth cedar and fir trees, offering a cathedral-like canopy. You'll also pass by Deep Lake, a 66-acre freshwater lake, and have opportunities to explore wetlands via boardwalks like the Fen Way Boardwalk. The park's well-preserved Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) landscape, with historic stone and timber structures, also adds to the scenic charm.

The park is enjoyable year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant cycling conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is also popular, especially for combining cycling with swimming in Deep Lake. While trails are generally open in winter, be prepared for cooler, potentially wet conditions.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on trails in Millersylvania State Park, provided they are kept on a leash. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the park's natural environment for all visitors.

Millersylvania State Park offers ample parking facilities for visitors. Specific parking areas are available near trailheads and main attractions. A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington State Parks. You can find more detailed information on parking and passes on the official Washington State Parks website.

While direct public transport options to the park's entrance might be limited, you can check local transit services in the Olympia area for routes that may get you close. However, for convenient access to the trailheads, driving is often the most practical option.

The komoot community rates the touring cycling experience in Millersylvania State Park highly, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful old-growth forests, and the serene lake views, making it a perfect escape for a peaceful ride.

Millersylvania State Park itself offers picnic areas and kitchen shelters, but for cafes or restaurants, you would typically need to venture a short distance outside the park towards nearby towns like Olympia. It's advisable to pack snacks and water for your ride within the park.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, routes like the Margaret McKenny Campground – Middle Waddell Campground loop from Chevron (33.5 km) and the Margaret McKenny Campground – Capitol State Forest loop from Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve (55.2 km) offer more extensive rides with greater elevation changes, providing a rewarding experience for experienced touring cyclists.