I like this trail a lot. Not too congested and kept up fairly well. My only warning is a specific raised railroad crossing that was bumpy enough to knock my bike chain loose. I’ll be returning as the weather keep getting nicer.

This is a very nice trail. Be aware of a few things: Steel connector plates at fairly regular intervals make a jarring bump. On very nice days, the trail can be crowded and you have to keep speed down. The trail is loud, right next to traffic lanes with a “Jersey barrier” separating bikes from cars. Strong cross winds can make this trip unpleasant during bad weather. And although the bridge seems very flat from a car, there are actually modest climbs at each end. The trail connects nicely to the Lake Washington trail, but the Montlake Bridge crossing to UW and the Burke-Gilman trail is tight. The connection toward Lake Union is difficult to locate and can be unusable.

This is a wonderful trail. The southern end is a little vague for access. Around Totem Lake, the trail is under construction (2020-2022 or ?) and a bypass is necessary. The northern end of the trail also does not connect well into other trails, ending a couple of miles from the Sammamish River Trail, but the busy & fast NE 124th connects the two with a good bike lane.

The Burke-Gilman Trail is excellent and was important in creating the concept of Rails to Trails. The trail is all good but could be better in spots. The trail is missing a section between Ballard and the UW. Don’t expect to find a parking space in Ballard. Between UW and Bothell, the trail is very good except that in many places the bumps (from roots) and cracks in the pavement are excessive. In Bothell, the Burke-Gilman transitions directly into the Sammamish River Trail, which goes to Woodinville and Redmond. One of the most convenient parking areas for the Burke-Gilman Trail is actually the Wilmot Gateway Park on the Sammamish River Trail. One wish (besides fixing bumps) is that there was a convenient place to charge ebikes on the trail.

I rode the entire trail, up and back. The surface of the trail is nearly all in excellent shape. The grades are mild and none are very long. The street crossings in Snohomish are mostly very easy. Further up, in Arlington, the street crossings are not quite as safe. The trail has plenty of places to stop and restrooms at key locations. The trail passes through some very pretty forest and farm country. There are markets and coffee shops in two or three places. There are several excellent places for a lunch stop. I spotted eagles twice. To avoid the traffic on the Snohomish end, consider parking at Machias Road access (Three Lakes exit from Highway 2). Going up and back from Machias or Pilchuck parking areas gives approximately 50 miles up and back instead of 61.

Beautiful ride.

Rode north to south, returned via Interurban trail. Fair amount of construction (trail and riverbank) with number of detours. Trail goes via light industrial and commercial zones first, farther south it is nicer, away from major roads, goes by residential zones. Good trail, but somewhat boring so there are better choices if you are after views and nature.

Best Trail ever

I ride this trail daily on my bike from Redmond to Bothell and enjoy the scenery no matter rain or shine. People along the trail are very considerate and friendly giving way and providing help when needed. The maintenance teams blow the leaves off the trail early in the morning and keep the bathrooms clean. This is a great trail to enjoy miles of pavement without any cars.