The best cycling routes around Fox Island
4.9
(44)
321
riders
29
rides
Touring cycling around Fox Island, Washington, offers routes characterized by waterfront views of Puget Sound and lush natural landscapes. The island's terrain includes gentle slopes and more challenging hills, providing diverse cycling experiences. Key features include views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, with the Tacoma Narrows Bridge serving as a notable landmark and connection point to extended routes. The area is defined by its distinct island feel, with Hale Passage and Carr Inlet contributing to its coastal perspectives.
Best touring cycling routes around Fox Island
- The most popular touring cycling route is Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from Tacoma Narrows, a 9.1 miles (14.6 km) moderate trail that takes about 1 hour to complete. This route offers scenic views of the Narrows and surrounding areas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from University Place, a moderate 18.7 miles (30.1 km) path. This route features varied terrain with views of Puget Sound and the Fort Nisqually area.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place, a 37.4 miles (60.1 km) trail leading through waterfront roads and powerline trails, often completed in about 4 hours.
- Touring cycling around Fox Island is defined by waterfront views, hilly terrain, and lush natural landscapes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging rides with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Fox Island are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 30 reviews. More than 300 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Fox Island's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 4, 2026
4.5
(2)
22
riders
21.2km
01:22
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(11)
31
riders
13.2km
00:48
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
14
riders
15.7km
00:59
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
6.44km
00:27
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Fox Island
Tips from the Community
A beautiful historic fire fighting and search and rescue ship. Well worth a stop if you're in the area.
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Brilliant spot to watch the sunset over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. From here there's a lovely multi use path toward Titlow Beach.
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This is one of the many viewpoints throughout Point Defiance Park that offers stunning views of the water, Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and Gig Harbor.
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Spanning 640 acres, this park provides a diverse range of activities, including trails for hiking, running, and biking through old-growth forests, as well as access to beaches, gardens, historic buildings, and a zoo. It serves as a great escape from the city, offering a little bit of everything.
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A nice paved trail runs along this beach area, accompanied by a small park right next to the beach. The park features a beach pavilion, a whale sculpture play area, and plenty of benches, making it a great spot to take a break.
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The views from the bluff overlooking Gig Harbor are amazing from this area. This spot is a perfect place to stop, rest, have a picnic, or simply take in the beauty, with several benches and restroom facilities available here.
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Dickman Mill Park is the site of an abandoned lumber mill. There are some ruins of the mill along with views out onto the water from the short out-and-back path traveling through the park.
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This is a well-maintained, wide, paved pathway that runs along the power lines (hence the name) and parallels State Route 16. It has multiple access points and several benches and picnic tables along the way. As you traverse the route, you can expect to travel over several hills through some beautiful scenic areas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Fox Island?
There are over 25 touring cycling routes available around Fox Island, offering diverse experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 30 reviews.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Fox Island?
Touring cycling around Fox Island features a mix of terrain, from gentle slopes to more challenging hills. You'll encounter lush natural landscapes and roads with stunning waterfront views of Puget Sound. Some routes, like the Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place, include both paved surfaces and some unpaved segments.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Fox Island offers several easy touring cycling routes. For instance, the Bike loop from Chambers Pointe is an easy 4-mile (6.4 km) route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed ride. Overall, there are 13 easy routes to choose from, suitable for various fitness levels.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Fox Island and its vicinity offer routes with significant elevation gain. The Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place is a difficult 37.4-mile (60.1 km) route with over 2,800 feet (850m) of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Tacoma Narrows Bridge, covering 37.5 miles (60.3 km) with similar elevation.
What landmarks or points of interest can I see while cycling around Fox Island?
While cycling around Fox Island, you can enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. A prominent landmark is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which offers impressive views over Puget Sound. Routes like the Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from Tacoma Narrows also pass by historical sites such as Fort Nisqually. The Cushman Powerline Trail is another notable feature you might encounter.
Are there any touring cycling routes that offer scenic waterfront views?
Absolutely. Fox Island is renowned for its stunning waterfront views of Puget Sound. Many routes provide expansive water and mountain vistas. The Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from University Place offers varied terrain with beautiful views of Puget Sound and the Fort Nisqually area.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling around Fox Island?
Given the lush natural landscapes and waterfront views, spring, summer, and early fall generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling around Fox Island. These seasons typically provide milder weather and clearer views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
Are there any loop touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes around Fox Island are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Narrows Viewpoint – Fort Nisqually loop from Tacoma Narrows and the Bike loop from Chambers Pointe.
Can I find places to explore near the cycling routes?
Beyond the cycling routes, the area around Fox Island offers several attractions. You can visit nearby lakes such as Waughop Lake or American Lake Park. The Ruston Way Waterfront Path and Point Defiance — Five Mile Drive also offer additional scenic exploration opportunities.
What is the average duration for touring cycling routes in this region?
The duration of touring cycling routes around Fox Island varies significantly based on distance and difficulty. Easy routes like the Bike loop from Chambers Pointe can be completed in under 30 minutes, while more challenging routes such as the Cromwell Drive Waterfront Road – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from University Place can take around 4 hours.
Are there options for different fitness levels?
Yes, the touring cycling network around Fox Island caters to various fitness levels. There are 13 easy routes, 12 moderate routes, and 2 difficult routes, ensuring options for beginners, intermediate cyclists, and advanced riders looking for a challenge.
Most popular routes around Fox Island
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