The best cycling routes around Raft Island
5.0
(13)
107
riders
7
rides
Touring cycling around Raft Island, located in Puget Sound, Washington, offers routes that explore the surrounding Gig Harbor peninsula. The terrain typically features a mix of coastal roads, suburban paths, and dedicated trails like the Cushman Powerline Trail, which often follows former utility corridors. Elevations are generally moderate, with some rolling hills providing varied cycling experiences. The area is characterized by views of the water, forested sections, and connections to local communities.
Best touring cycling routes around Raft Island
- The most popular touring cycling route is Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Purdy, a 29.9 miles (48.2 km) trail that takes 2 hours 59 minutes to complete. This route features a significant portion of the Cushman Powerline Trail, known for its consistent surface.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood, a moderate 20.3 miles (32.6 km) path. This route combines sections of the powerline trail with views near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Gig Harbor, a 9.6 miles (15.4 km) trail leading through varied local landscapes, often completed in about 55 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Raft Island is defined by coastal views, sections of the Cushman Powerline Trail, and connections between local towns. The network offers options for different ability levels, including easy and moderate routes.
- The routes in Raft Island are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 16 reviews. More than 90 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Raft Island's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
5.0
(2)
32
riders
43.8km
02:44
410m
410m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(10)
41
riders
28.5km
01:50
270m
270m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
17
riders
14.8km
00:55
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
11
riders
46.8km
03:04
520m
520m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
13.7km
00:52
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Raft Island
Tips from the Community
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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The Tacoma Narrows Bridge consists of two suspension bridges offering impressive views over the Puget Sound. It can be a breezy ride, especially in the fall and spring. Be alert when descending onto the bridge from the west side (Gig Harbor), as there is an entrance to the trail on the right-hand side near the bottom of the hill, and other cyclists entering the path may be unaware of others barreling down at them at high speeds. On the east side (Tacoma), use caution when crossing busy Jackson Street, as there have been several auto/bike accidents at the off-ramp.
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Tacoma's sole beach park on the west side, it features various amenities including a water park, community center, and a beach, providing multiple spots to unwind and savor the waterfront views.
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This multi-use, paved trail runs for a little over a mile on a 200-foot bluff alongside the eastern edge of Chambers Creek Park, with fantastic views of the public golf course, Puget Sound and the islands. It connects to the Soundview Trail at both ends for pedestrians and bikers to enjoy a scenic loop through the grounds.
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This area served as a staging area for the construction of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and was later donated by Harold Woodworth. Within the park, you can find a bell from the USS Tacoma from WWI and a memorial dedicated to the memory of 162 residents who lost their lives in the war.
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The Tacoma Narrows Bridge consists of a pair of suspension bridges spanning the Puget Sound, with the original bridge being constructed in July 1940 and subsequently collapsing in November of the same year, drawing significant attention from experts in the field, leading to its reconstruction in the 1950s, and offering impressive views over the Puget Sound.
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Tacoma's sole beach park on the west side, it features various amenities including a water park, community center, and a beach, providing multiple spots to unwind and savor the waterfront views.
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Overlooks the Chambers Bay Golf Course. Multi-Use paved trail.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling 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.
How many touring cycling routes are available around Raft Island?
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.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
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.
What are some popular moderate touring cycling routes in the Raft Island area?
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.
What kind of views or natural features can I expect on these cycling routes?
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.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the touring cycling routes?
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.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Raft Island?
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.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
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.
What is the typical duration for a touring cycling route in this area?
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.
Is the Cushman Powerline Trail a significant feature of the cycling routes?
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.
What is the overall difficulty level of touring cycling around Raft Island?
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.
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