Tommy Thompson Parkway to Burlington-Mount Vernon loop

The full loop is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) long. Komoot estimates the moving time for this touring bicycle route to be around 4 hours and 41 minutes, but your total duration will vary depending on your pace, stops, and how much time you spend exploring.

The loop is classified as moderate. While the Tommy Thompson Parkway section is flat and paved, making it very beginner and family-friendly, the full loop includes some rolling hills and covers a significant distance. It requires a good level of fitness, so beginners should be prepared for a longer ride with some elevation changes.

You'll encounter mostly paved or well-paved surfaces throughout the loop. The Tommy Thompson Parkway itself is a flat, paved shared-use pathway. As you venture towards Burlington and Mount Vernon, the route features roads with some rolling hills, but no excessively steep or prolonged climbs.

The route offers diverse scenery and notable features. A highlight is the Tommy Thompson Trestle, a 2,000-foot-long paved trestle over Fidalgo Bay. You'll also pass by Clear Lake and enjoy waterfront views, agricultural lands, and vistas of the Skagit River and Mount Baker.

Along the Tommy Thompson Parkway section, especially over Fidalgo Bay, you have a good chance of spotting diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for harbor seals, cormorants, and bald eagles. The varied landscapes also offer opportunities to observe other local birds and animals.

While not explicitly stated, the mention of waterfront views, agricultural lands, and wildlife suggests that spring, summer, and early fall would offer the most pleasant cycling conditions and vibrant scenery. These seasons typically provide milder weather and better visibility for enjoying the views and wildlife.

The Tommy Thompson Parkway section is a shared-use pathway, and generally, dogs are permitted on leash on such trails. However, for the entire loop which includes roads and potentially other trail sections, it's always best to check local regulations for specific areas, especially in towns or protected natural areas, to ensure your dog is welcome.

Based on available information, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle the Tommy Thompson Parkway or the connecting roads that form this loop. It's generally accessible to the public.

While specific parking lots aren't detailed, the Tommy Thompson Parkway is a well-known regional feature in Anacortes. You can typically find public parking near the Anacortes trailhead for the Parkway. For the full loop, starting points in Burlington or Mount Vernon would also have public parking options.

Yes, the Tommy Thompson Parkway section of this loop is part of the larger US Bicycle Route 10 (USBR 10). The overall route also intersects with sections of other official trails such as 10 (Washington), BR14, and 97 (Washington), offering connections to a broader network for touring cyclists.

As the route passes through Anacortes, Burlington, and Mount Vernon, you will find numerous opportunities for cafes, restaurants, and shops to refuel and refresh. The towns offer various amenities to support touring cyclists.