Through the Snoqualmie Tunnel!

This is an easy, beautiful out-and-back on the newly named Palouse to Cascades Trail for a 42 mile ride on a mountain, cross, gravel or hybrid bike. The surface is smooth gravel and the grade is 2.2% max. There are many places to stop for photos and encourage you to take the opportunity at the trestles, tunnel entrance and many other scenic overlook areas.

The day starts at the Cedar Falls Trailhead and climbs gently up towards Snoqualmie Pass, crossing over several old railroad trestles. Just before the pass the trail goes into the 2.3 mile Snoqualmie Tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass and comes out near Hyak. If you've never been through the tunnel, it's a unique and exciting experience! A bright headlight and taillight is required since a portion of the tunnel will find you in total darkness. The tunnel gets very cold so bringing a warm jacket and long fingered gloves is strongly advised! 

We will meet at the Cedar Falls Trailhead parking lot in North Bend and then ride up the 2 percent grade trail, through the Snoqualmie Tunnel to Snoqualmie Pass where we will break for a snack. We'll then turn around for the nice -2% grade back to the start.

Please note that this ride is posted as Moderate pace, but Cascade has no set pace during climbing and descending.  Since the "out" portion of the ride and climb to Hyak is long, faster or slower climbers may decide to proceed at their own speed.  We will meet for a snack break at the east end of the tunnel.

Directions to ride start: From I-90 at the east end of North Bend, take Exit 32 (436th Ave SE) and head south on 436th Ave SE, which becomes Cedar Falls Road SE. About 3.5 miles from I-90, pass the parking area for Rattlesnake Lake and soon turn left into the parking area for the Cedar Falls Trailhead (Iron Horse State Park.) Toilets are located near the trailhead.

A Discover Pass is required. A day pass may be purchased at the trailhead.

NOTE: Arrive 20 minutes prior to start to get yourself ready and hear the ride briefing.

RSVP: Please RSVP by clicking on the red Register Now  button at the top of this page to save time at ride start. Please register at least 2 hours prior to the ride. You can always register at the ride start if you miss the cut-off time. If you sign up using e-waiver but decide not to ride, no worries, and we'll see you next time.