The roads are curving and narrow, so avoid rush hour. The most exhilarating portion of the ride is through the wooded S-curves on the eastern side of the island. This is a great route for perusing the varied residential architecture. Stop for a picnic at parklike Chateau Ste. The peaceful ride offers a look at what may be the only old-growth forest left on the shores of the lake.
Eagles sometimes soar overhead, as a few still nest in the park.
Though all of the aforementioned trails are great jaunts for those with mountain bikes, the advantage of bigger tires and more sophisticated suspension systems is that mountain bikes can be taken off-road. Unfortunately, the booming popularity of mountain biking in the past few years presents something of a dilemma to environmentalists as well as bikers. Greater Seattle Mountain Bike Adventures by John Zilly, available at bookstores and biking and outdoor retail outlets. If riding downhill is more your style, some ski areas, such as Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie, turn their snow trails into bike trails in the summer - complete with lift rides up the mountain. An hour and a half northwest by car from Seattle, Deception Pass is without a doubt one of the most beautiful wild spots in Washington.