Iron Horse Trail Over Snoqualmie Pass (North Bend - 42 Miles - Moderate Pace)

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is open, so LIGHTS and a jacket are required through the tunnel. Let's enjoy a fun off-road ride with beautiful views. We will meet in the Iron Horse State Park parking area near the bathrooms, ride the soft surface Iron Horse Trail up a 2% grade for 19 miles, through the 2.3-mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel, have lunch at the Hyak trailhead, then return to the parking lot. Leave your carbon road bikes at home -- you'll want a touring, mountain, cross or hybrid bike with wide, low pressure tires. The tunnel is dark, wet, and cold; so lights and jackets are necessities, and fenders are a good idea. Bring food and minimum of TWO LARGE WATER BOTTLES, or a 2-3 liter hydration pack. The only water source on the ride is at the Hyak Trailhead.

NOTE: This is an off-road ride; effort level will be similar to pace and distance on the road.

DIRECTIONS TO START: Take I-90 to Exit 32; go south on 436th Avenue SE, turning into Cedar Falls Road SE; follow this main road 3.1 miles. For free parking follow the signs to the Rattlesnake Lake parking (you'll have to bike to the Iron Horse Trail parking if choosing to park at this area, and here is the link on how to get to the state park via biking: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2834657). To be closer, go to the Iron Horse State Trail parking, which requires a Discover Pass.