Downtown Seattle to Bellevue

Last Updated: February 2, 2007

Introduction

The theme for this ride is luxury: starting with a pleasant ride on the I-90 shared use path, it takes you first to the Bellevue Square Mall with all of its shopping slendors, and then takes you on a scenic tour of some of the most beautiful homes and yachts in our entire region. Be warned: it is entirely possible that at some point on this tour you will covet your neighbor's goods.

The best maps to have with you for this route are the Seattle Bicycling Guide Map and the Bike Bellevue map (the former in case you get lost getting on the I-90 path, and the latter for getting around Bellevue should you decide to explore).

The Route

S   3rd Ave
C   3rd Ave S   
BL  2nd Ave Ext S
L   S Jackson St 
R   Maynard Ave S
L   S Dearborn St (note that the rightmost lane at Rainier Ave S is
    right-turn only, so you must be out of that lane to cross it)
R   Hiawatha Pl S
R   I-90 Trail just past Dead End sign
C   I-90 Trail to Bellevue (note that at the trailhood in Bellevue, the 
    path doubles back towards 108th Ave SE)
R   108th Ave SE (i.e. heading north).  Note that north of Main St you 
    may wish to transition to the sidewalk, depending on traffic.
L   NE 4th St (note that once you reach Bellevue Way NE you'll see the 
    Bellevue Square Mall ahead and to your right, just opposite from the 
    Bellevue Arts Museum - feel free to lock up your bike, browse the 
    art, tour the mall, and enjoy a snack)
L   Bellevue Way NE (i.e. heading south)
R   Main St
C   Lake Washington Blvd NE (turn left into the Bellevue Marina to see 
    the yachts, and turn left into Clyde Boat Park for restrooms and a 
    fantastic waterfront photo opportunity of some of this area's most 
    expensive homes)
BL  Overlake Dr E (stopping and turning back at NE 2nd Pl)

Returning Via Mass Transit

It's simplest to retrace your path back to 108th Ave SE / NE 4th St, then turn left and head north for two blocks until you see the Bellevue Transit Center on your right. At that point you can take Sound Transit 550 back to downtown Seattle. At this time the last one leaves from Bay 11 at 11:50pm seven days a week, so you have plenty of time.

Abbreviations Used

N/S/E/W  North/South/East/West
L/R      Left/Right
BL/BR    Bear Left/Right
C        Continues as