Brisk Gravel: Rattlesnake Lake to Iron Horse State Park Hyak trailhead

I am planning a bicycle ride from Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend to Iron Horse State Park at Snoqualmie pass. The route is on a maintained gravel road although it is closed to motor vehicles. This will be a good excuse for some outdoor exercise with beautiful views and a trip through the Snoqualmie Tunnel. It is not a race and I plan to stop frequently for pictures.

If you are unsure about the pace: it is hard to describe speed going uphill on gravel, so I’ll describe an effort level instead. If you feel comfortable riding 16-18mph on pavement on flat ground, this will be an equivalent effort level. We will not actually be traveling at that speed - effort level :) If it is not important for you to stay with the group, you can also do this any pace you want – there are no turns so you can’t get lost.

It will be uphill all the way to the tunnel; although only about a 2% grade; which means it is downhill all the way back! There are outhouses along the way; flush toilets and water available after the tunnel.

We will plan to stop for lunch at the Iron Horse State Park (just after the tunnel at Hyak on top of Snoqualmie pass). There is fresh water but no food so plan to bring lunch! If you have family who would like to meet you for lunch this is a great place to do it; right off I-90, although a Discover Pass is needed to park there.

What do I need?
-A bike able to ride on gravel (this probably means tires 32mm or larger to avoid punctures). A mountain bike will do just fine but it isn’t necessary.
-A helmet
-A headlight (for the tunnel! A Maglite and electrical tape can also work)
-At least 2L of water (2 LARGE bottles will be ok)
-Lunch or enough snacks to fuel you
-Appropriate clothing, especially a good jacket
-A Discover Pass

The tunnel itself is 2.3 miles long. It will be cold and wet inside; about a 10 degree drop from the outside air and the ceiling drips 24/7 so you will want a good jacket (waterproof and warm) even if the weather report is good for the rest of the ride. It is also dark - surprise! There is a a slight bend in the tunnel which, together with the length, makes it completely dark in the middle; so you will want a good headlight you can see with.

There is lots of parking at the start location although it can be busy on weekends. The official address does not translate to the parking lot we will meet in; please review the starting location on the map! Essentially take a right turn into the park from Cedar Falls Rd, then take two left turns to reach the parking lot I will be at.

A Discover Pass is required to park here! If you do not have one, consider carpooling or you can purchase one IN ADVANCE (not available on-site). Oddly enough, the website for purchasing a pass online is currently not available. Please follow this link IN ADVANCE for directions on how to obtain a pass if you do not have one and are unable to carpool with someone who does (it is easy to obtain one, just not as easy as it used to be):

http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy

Please come with the skills and equipment to change a flat; the group does not stop for mechanicals.

Please plan to arrive at least 20 minutes early in order to meet the people you will ride with, sign the Cascade waiver, and hear the safety briefing.

I will be at the ride start rain or shine and will only cancel for unsafe conditions.