A significant portion of the ride is on gravel.
A great introduction to gravel riding, with bucolic roads, little traffic, and some ups and downs. None of the climbs are super-steep or long, so this loop is suited to riders of most abilities. Café stop in Carnation is a definite plus.
24 miles (39 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47436874%20
Duvall (25 miles (40 km) / 45 minutes east of Seattle)
Gravel in the city? This mixed-surface ride along pipeline and power line rights-of-way sees almost no traffic. Add some (non-technical) trails across the Redmond Watershed Preserve, and you have a recipe for year-round fun!
53 miles (85 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53350530
University of Washington Light Rail Station (alternative access: Bothell)
This amazing loop starts just a ferry hop from Seattle, yet it takes you into truly remote places. Gorgeous views and some of the most technically challenging gravel anywhere. Read more
80 miles (129 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38224402
Bremerton (ferry from downtown Seattle)
Combine gravel and singletrack with amazing views of Mount Rainier. Featured in the Winter 2021 Bicycle Quarterly. Read more
19 miles (31 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38225359
Greenwater, WA
Explore the famous passes of the Cascade Mountains – Babyshoe, Elk, Naches, Cayuse and Chinook Passes – in one of the most challenging rides anywhere. Wonderful roads with beautiful views of three large volcanoes. Figure-8 loop – you can ride just one of the two halves. Even cut in half, it’ll be an adventure you’ll never forget! Read more
432 miles (696 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38224037
Packwood, WA
