Things To Do on an eBike in Skagit County, WA
Skagit County's long eBike ride is the Cascade Trail, a 22.5-mile crushed-rock rail trail along the Skagit River from Sedro-Woolley to Concrete. County code treats eBikes as nonmotorized on county trails, with a 15 mph limit. In Anacortes, the Tommy Thompson Trail crosses Fidalgo Bay on a 2,000-foot trestle, and the city allows eBikes on its shared-use trails.
Closer to I-5, the Padilla Bay Shore Trail follows a dike for 2.25 miles, and Mount Vernon's Skagit Riverwalk runs along the river downtown.
Where to ride in Skagit County
All five rides below are inside Skagit County. They split into a long gravel day in the upper valley, two waterfront paths in Anacortes, and two short flat rides near Mount Vernon and Bay View. Each has a different manager, so the eBike rule changes from trail to trail.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Cascade Trail, Sedro-Woolley to Concrete
Visit Skagit Valley describes the Cascade Trail as a 22.5-mile multi-use trail running alongside State Route 20, with a crushed rock surface, open year-round. Parking for vehicles and horse trailers is at the Fruitdale Road, SR 20 and Challenger Crossing trailheads.
eBike access: Skagit County Code 9.42.010 bans motor vehicles on the Cascade Trail corridor but says eBikes are not motor vehicles. Under SCC 9.41.130, bicycles and eBikes must not exceed 15 mph on county trails, and riders yield to pedestrians and equestrians. Expect horses on this trail.
2. Tommy Thompson Trail, downtown Anacortes to March's Point
The City of Anacortes describes a 3.3-mile rails-to-trails path connecting downtown Anacortes along Fidalgo Bay to March's Point, including a 2,000-foot trestle, with views of the Cascade Mountains and the working shoreline. The city says it is used by hundreds of people on peak summer days.
eBike access: The city says pedestrians, bicycles, e-bicycles and dogs are permitted on its shared-use trails, the Guemes Channel and Tommy Thompson trails, and that horses and motorcycles are prohibited. Anacortes code 10.38.110 allows Class 3 eBikes on shared-use paths. Every rider must keep to 15 mph, yield to pedestrians and ride single file.
3. Guemes Channel Trail, Anacortes
The first completed section of the Guemes Channel Trail runs from Edwards Way to Stabbert Shipyard, and the city calls it a short out-and-back trail that has been very popular. The planned full trail would link the state ferry terminal to downtown and on to the Tommy Thompson Trail. eBikes follow the same city rules as on the Tommy Thompson Trail.
4. Padilla Bay Shore Trail, Bay View
The Washington Department of Ecology says the Shore Trail follows the top of a dike for 2.25 miles, flat and surfaced with hard-packed fine gravel, about a mile south of the Padilla Bay interpretive center. Park in the large lot on Second Street just north of the trailhead. Skagit County and the Padilla Bay Reserve maintain it.
eBike access: Ecology says bicycles are okay and motorized vehicles and horses are not allowed, and it publishes no separate eBike rule. Ride a Class 1 or Class 2 at bicycle pace and read the trailhead signs. Duck hunting is allowed along the trail in season.
5. Skagit Riverwalk Trail, Mount Vernon
The City of Mount Vernon lists the Skagit Riverwalk Trail at 1.47 miles along the Skagit River west of Main Street, from Kincaid Street to the loop trail in North Lions Park, linking downtown with the Kulshan Trail. It is paved from Kincaid to Lions Park, then turns to hard-packed gravel through the forest and along a short section of river levee. The city page does not list an eBike rule, so state law applies.
Washington eBike laws and route permission
RCW 46.61.710 lets Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes use shared-use paths and bike lanes, but local governments and state agencies can restrict them on facilities they control. Class 3 eBikes may use facilities within or next to a highway, and a shared-use path only where the local jurisdiction allows them. Without permission from the trail manager, no eBike may use a nonmotorized trail with a natural soil tread.
The City of Anacortes says new state eBike laws took effect July 1, 2026, and that under RCW 46.20.500(3) riders under 16 may not operate a Class 3 eBike. In Anacortes, every rider under 18 must wear a helmet, and Class 3 eBikes are barred from sidewalks and from city parks except streets and parking areas.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Tommy Thompson Trail from downtown Anacortes across the Fidalgo Bay trestle to March's Point and back, about 6.6 miles.
Full day: Ride the Cascade Trail from the Sedro-Woolley end toward Concrete, turning around when half your battery is gone. On crushed rock at 15 mph or less, the full 22.5 miles each way is a long day.
What not to ride in Skagit County
County interpretive or exercise trails, docks and piers. SCC 9.41.120 bars bicycles and eBikes there, and anywhere posted against them.
Anacortes sidewalks on Commercial Avenue between 3rd and 9th streets. The city prohibits all bicycles and personal transportation devices there.
Natural-surface nonmotorized trails. State law keeps eBikes off them unless the manager allows it.
Anything faster than 15 mph on a trail. County trails and Anacortes paths share that limit.
When to ride Skagit County
The Cascade Trail is open year-round, but county park rules allow trail riding only during park hours, and duck hunting is allowed along the Shore Trail in season. Expect a crowd on the Tommy Thompson Trail on peak summer days, when the city says hundreds of people use it.
eBike rentals and shops
The card below is PNW Exploration in La Conner, a bicycle rental service. Call ahead to ask about eBikes. For repairs and sales, use the town pages.
- eBike shops in Anacortes
- eBike shops in La Conner
- eBike shops in Mount Vernon
- eBike shops in Burlington
PNW Exploration🚲 Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Are eBikes allowed on the Cascade Trail?
Yes. Skagit County Code says eBikes are not motor vehicles on the Cascade Trail, and bicycles and eBikes must stay at or under 15 mph on county trails.
How long is the Cascade Trail?
Visit Skagit Valley lists it at 22.5 miles between Sedro-Woolley and Concrete, on crushed rock alongside State Route 20.
Can I ride a Class 3 eBike on the Tommy Thompson Trail?
Yes. Anacortes code allows Class 3 eBikes on shared-use paths. Keep to 15 mph and yield to pedestrians.
How long is the Tommy Thompson Trail?
The City of Anacortes says 3.3 miles from downtown to March's Point, including a 2,000-foot trestle over Fidalgo Bay.
Can I bike the Padilla Bay Shore Trail?
Yes. Ecology says bicycles are okay on the 2.25-mile dike trail, but motorized vehicles and horses are not allowed.
Do eBike riders need a helmet in Anacortes?
Riders under 18 must wear a helmet on any bike, eBike, scooter or skateboard in Anacortes.
Where can I rent a bike in Skagit County?
The card on this page lists PNW Exploration, a bicycle rental service in La Conner. Call to ask about eBikes.
All eBike shops in Skagit County
See the Skagit County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Washington eBike laws guide for state rules.