State Parks launches Scenic Bikeways Program, route nomination window opens Oct. 1

OLYMPIA — One of the most uniquely Washington ways to experience the beauty of the state is to explore it by bike. 

So, charged by the Legislature to raise the profile of some of Washington’s most notable cycling routes, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has officially established the statewide Scenic Bikeways Program. This program involves participation from the public who will have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways. 

The first Scenic Bikeway nomination window will open on Oct. 1 and close Nov. 30, 2025. The pilot nomination round will move up to 15 proposed routes forward for consideration.  

What makes a strong nomination 

Proposed Scenic Bikeways need to be fun to ride and should be composed of shared use paths, bike lanes or roadways with exceptional scenic, cultural, historic and recreational value. Routes should also be: 

• Contiguous
• Fully constructed
• Connect scenic vistas, parks and open spaces
• Have places to fix your bike, get food, stay overnight
• Encourage local economic activity
• Be located where land managers can provide their consent 

Proponents should be prepared to submit a map of their proposed route, information on how to access the route, photos and a description of the scenic, cultural, historic and recreational value of that route.    

State Parks will oversee the public route nomination and implementation process. The agency is also the final decision-making authority that will designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway. 

For more information about the Scenic Bikeways Program, to learn more about the nomination process and to submit a nomination after Oct. 1, please visit the Scenic Bikeways program on the State Parks website. 

You can also email ScenicBikeways@parks.wa.gov with any questions.