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Washington State Scenic Bikeways
State Parks has completed the development for the new statewide Scenic Bikeways pilot program. Our management of the program includes overseeing the route nomination, evaluation, and designation process, as well as coordinating the implementation of Scenic Bikeway routes with partners and stakeholders. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is the decision-making group with authority to designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.
This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
This program involves participation from the public who have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
Scenic Bikeway nomination window opens Oct. 1
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.
The button below will go live Oct. 1. We can't wait to see your nominations!
Nominate a Scenic Bikeway route
What is a Scenic Bikeway?
A Scenic Bikeway is a bike route made up of shared use paths, bike lanes, and/or roadways which have notable scenic, cultural, historic and/or recreational value. Wayfinding signage will be posted along Scenic Bikeways and route maps will be developed. This program encourages local economic development by highlighting routes that have opportunities to eat and drink, stay overnight, and fix your bike. Scenic Bikeways may be located anywhere land managers provide their consent.
Designating a Scenic Bikeway
There is a multi-step process to designate a Scenic Bikeway which is described below. For more information including nomination questions and evaluation criteria, please read the Scenic Bikeways Program Manual.
Step 1: Nomination
Any individual may nominate a route using an online form. Routes must be contiguous, fully constructed and be pleasant routes for riding bikes. Nominations will require a map of the proposed route, information on how to access the route, photos and a description of the scenic, cultural, historic and/or recreational value of that route. Nominations will be open from October 1-November 30, 2025 and can be accessed by clicking this link.
Step 2: Presentations
Proponents of selected routes will make presentations to State Parks staff and advisory task force members. Presentations will be 20 minutes long with 10 minutes reserved for questions and answers; all presentations will be held virtually. This step will take place in March 2026.
Step 3: Memorandum of Understanding
State Parks, all bikeway owners along the route, local destination marketing organizations, and other parties involved in the route's implementation will draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to document the roles and responsibilities of each party. This will include a sign plan and installation, marketing, mapmaking, maintenance and funding. This step is expected to take place between April-June 2026.
Step 4: Designation
Recommended and thoroughly vetted routes will be presented to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission for formal action. Initial designations are expected between July-September 2026.
Step 5: Implementation
With Commission designation, State Parks and partners will carry out their respective parts of the MOU. This step is expected to begin in October 2026.
This route nomination process will repeat as resources are available.
Scenic Bikeways Advisory Task Force
The Scenic Bikeways Task Force is an advisory group that works with Parks staff throughout the development and early implementation of this new program. State Parks seeks to incorporate community knowledge throughout the process to create a program that welcomes a broad group of recreational visitors.
Task force duties include:
- Reviewing and discussing draft processes, such as evaluation criteria for proposed routes
- Reviewing and evaluating route proposals
Current task force members:
| Chris Brewer | Marilyn Hedges | Christ Thomsen |
| Debra Byrd | Donald Holguin | Jeff Watson |
| Steve Durrant | Shrey Sangal | Grace Young |
| Lisa Giacchino | Russ Schwartz |
Background
The statewide Scenic Bikeways Program was established by the state legislature through Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) 79A.05.800.
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Contact Us
| Department | Scenic Bikeways Program |
|---|---|
| ScenicBikeways@parks.wa.gov | |