1.
Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood
28.0km
01:30
270m
270m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The best road cycling routes around Stansberry Lake
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 1, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Stansberry Lake, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – sifting through countless possibilities to find those truly rewarding rides can feel like a chore.
That's where komoot comes in. Our community of local riders has mapped, ridden, and reviewed the best road cycling routes in the area, so we've done the legwork for you. This guide is your curated shortlist, promising to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the rides that deliver.
Road cycling around Stansberry Lake, located in Pierce County, Washington, offers a fantastic mix of coastal views and inland paths. You'll find everything from gentle, easy spins to more moderate routes with noticeable elevation changes and rolling hills. The landscape is defined by its scenic backdrop, including the dramatic Oquirrh Mountains to the east, and features distinct zones like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge area and the Cushman Powerline Trail sections.
If you only have time for one ride, we'd start with the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood. At 17.4 miles (28.0 km), it's a top favourite among local road cyclists for its blend of scenic bridge crossings and tranquil inland sections. For a slightly shorter, easy option that still captures the essence of the area, the Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood, at 15.7 miles (25.3 km), is a perfect choice. With more than 120 road cyclists having explored Stansberry Lake with komoot, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood | 28.0 km | 270 m | Easy |
| Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood | 19.0 km | 180 m | Easy |
| Cushman Powerline Trail – Kinbee Hill loop from Harbor Hill Environmental Sanctuary | 46.3 km | 630 m | Moderate |
| Roadbike loop from Allyn | 54.0 km | 470 m | Moderate |
| Cushman Powerline Trail loop from txʷaalqəł Conservation Area | 22.2 km | 310 m | Moderate |
| Olalla Bay loop from Maplewood | 46.1 km | 670 m | Moderate |
| Olalla Bay – Purdy Bridge loop from Lake Kathryn Village Shopping Center | 50.0 km | 610 m | Moderate |
| Lay Inlet loop from Cutts Island Marine State Park | 26.3 km | 360 m | Moderate |
| Lay Inlet loop from Northwest Native Conifers | 33.0 km | 430 m | Moderate |
| Lay Inlet loop from Maplewood | 18.9 km | 280 m | Easy |
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2.
Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood
19.0km
01:00
180m
180m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.
Cushman Powerline Trail – Kinbee Hill loop from Harbor Hill Environmental Sanctuary
46.3km
02:24
630m
630m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
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4.
Roadbike loop from Allyn
54.0km
02:24
470m
470m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.
Cushman Powerline Trail loop from txʷaalqəł Conservation Area
22.2km
01:09
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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6.
Olalla Bay loop from Maplewood
46.1km
02:17
670m
670m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
7.
Olalla Bay – Purdy Bridge loop from Lake Kathryn Village Shopping Center
50.0km
02:26
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
View route
8.
Lay Inlet loop from Cutts Island Marine State Park
26.3km
01:29
360m
360m
The Lay Inlet loop from Cutts Island Marine State Park is a moderate road cycling route that takes you through the general mainland areas surrounding Carr Inlet. While specific scenic highlights for this exact loop are not widely documented, you can anticipate a ride offering the typical Pacific Northwest charm of the region. The route provides a good opportunity to explore local roads and enjoy the fresh air, with the nearby Cutts Island Marine State Park offering a unique marine environment accessible by water.
Planning your visit for this 16.4 miles (26.3 km) road cycling route, which includes 1195 feet (364 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hours and 29 minutes, means focusing on the surrounding mainland. Parking for cyclists Gig Harbor or nearby areas would be your best bet, as Cutts Island Marine State Park itself is not car-accessible. Always check local road conditions and weather, especially if you're looking for the best time for road cycling Puget Sound.
This route is a solid option for those seeking road cycling routes near Lay Inlet Washington, particularly if you're comfortable with a moderate challenge. While the park itself is a small, two-acre marine park with clay cliffs and a sand beach, the cycling loop offers a different perspective of the wider area. It's a good choice for cyclists who appreciate exploring less-trafficked roads and don't require specific named landmarks along their journey.
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9.
Lay Inlet loop from Northwest Native Conifers
33.0km
01:38
430m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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10.
Lay Inlet loop from Maplewood
18.9km
01:00
280m
270m
The Lay Inlet loop from Maplewood offers a delightful road cycling experience through a landscape shaped by glacial activity, featuring gentle to rolling hills. You'll pedal through a mosaic of forests, prairies, and wetlands, with opportunities for wildlife observation and bird-watching. The scenery is particularly vibrant in the fall, when sugar maples, basswood, and oak trees ignite with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, creating breathtaking vistas along the Maplewood Ridge.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is an easy 11.7 miles (18.9 km) with 902 feet (275 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking just 59 minutes. The paved, multi-use trails are well-suited for road bikes, but always check a current park map for specific trail conditions. While the area is generally accessible, be mindful that some park trails are gravel and not ideal for road cycling.
This route is part of a larger network, with the Maplewood Segment of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail being a significant feature for road cyclists. This 10-foot-wide, ADA-compliant paved trail connects cities like Pelican Rapids and Perham, enhancing recreational access. The park itself is a 9,200-acre area protecting unique natural resources, nestled between Minnesota's eastern forests and western prairies, and boasts over 20 lakes.
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Tips from the Community
Sue
November 4, 2023, Cushman Powerline Trail
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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Sue
November 4, 2023, Tacoma Narrows Bridge
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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Tyler Sanders
September 12, 2023, War Memorial Park
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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Tyler Sanders
September 12, 2023, View from Tacoma Narrows Bridge
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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Charles Mauch
April 4, 2022, Cushman Powerline Trail
Trail is wide, paved, and well maintained. There are bike racks, benches, and picnic tables scattered up and down the path. The trail is somewhat hilly, especially between Grandview and Burnham Drive. In places expect between 7 and 10% grades. Trailheads at 14th Avenue NW, Hollycroft Way, Kimball Drive, Grandview Street, and Borgen Blvd. Restrooms at located at Grandview, Hollycroft, and Borgen.
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0
Charles Mauch
April 4, 2022, Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Can be breezy at times once you clear the trees on either end, especially in the fall and spring. While descending from the west side (Gig Harbor), there is an entrance to the trail on the right hand side near the bottom of the hill. Watch out for cyclists entering the path and not watching for others barreling down at them at 30+mph. There have been several auto/bicycle accidents at the Jackson Street off ramp. Exercise caution when crossing Jackson Street.
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Mäx
August 5, 2019, View of Mason Lake from Mason Lake Drive West
There is very little traffic on this route. It always offers great views.
Translated by Google•
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Stansberry Lake?
There are 8 road cycling routes available around Stansberry Lake, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars.
What is the general difficulty level of road cycling routes in the Stansberry Lake area?
The road cycling routes around Stansberry Lake cater to a range of abilities. You'll find 2 easy routes and 6 moderate routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and those looking for more challenging terrain. There are no routes classified as difficult.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes near Stansberry Lake?
Yes, there are easy routes suitable for families. For instance, the Cushman Powerline Trail – Tacoma Narrows Bridge loop from Canterwood is an easy 18.2-mile (29.4 km) path that offers scenic views without excessive elevation, making it a good choice for a family outing.
What kind of landscapes and views can I expect while road cycling around Stansberry Lake?
Road cycling around Stansberry Lake offers a mix of coastal views, particularly near the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and inland paths along sections like the Cushman Powerline Trail. You'll experience rolling hills and natural features characteristic of the Pacific Northwest, with some routes providing panoramic vistas.
Are there any circular road cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the routes around Stansberry Lake are designed as loops. For example, the popular Tacoma Narrows Bridge – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood is a 33.8-mile (54.4 km) circular route combining bridge crossings and trail sections.
What is the longest road cycling route in the Stansberry Lake area?
The longest route available is the Tacoma Narrows Bridge – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood, which spans 33.8 miles (54.4 km) and typically takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
What is the shortest road cycling route in the Stansberry Lake area?
The shortest route is the Kinbee Hill – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood, covering 12.6 miles (20.4 km) with notable hills and sections of the Cushman Powerline Trail, usually completed in about 1 hour and 7 minutes.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the routes near Stansberry Lake?
The routes in Stansberry Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.9 stars from over 8 reviews. Cyclists often praise the combination of scenic bridge crossings, varied terrain, and the opportunity to explore both coastal and inland paths.
Are there any routes that feature significant elevation changes?
Yes, some routes incorporate local hills and offer notable elevation gains. For example, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge – Cushman Powerline Trail loop from Canterwood has an elevation gain of approximately 625 meters, providing a good workout for cyclists.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling around Stansberry Lake?
While specific seasonal recommendations are not detailed, the Pacific Northwest climate generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from late spring through early autumn. Checking local weather forecasts before your ride is always advisable.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
The guide does not specify cafes directly on the routes. However, given the routes often start from areas like Canterwood or Allyn, you can typically find amenities and refreshment options in these nearby towns before or after your ride.
Is public transport available to access the road cycling routes around Stansberry Lake?
The guide does not provide specific details on public transport access to the starting points of these routes. It is recommended to check local public transportation services in Pierce County, Washington, for options to reach areas like Canterwood or Gig Harbor.
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