TREATS: Rattlesnake Lake to Hyak on Iron Horse gravel trail

Join us for a ride from Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, WA on a 41 mile route at steady pace (12-14 mph on flat terrain).

We will cycle along the Iron Horse Trail to Snoqualmie Pass.  The trail is gravel but rideable on a road bike with wider tires (28c).   The trail is an old railroad bed and has a gradual uphill, but never steep.  My estimate is that it is about 2% grade.  The downhill, coming back, is fun while the uphill on the way is so gentle it is hard to perceive the climbing.  The trail is through the woods and is beautiful, like hiking but on a bicycle.  At the turn around point, there is a long tunnel which is optional.  If you want to ride the tunnel and eat your lunch on the east side of the tunnel, you must have a good headlight for going through the tunnel. I plan to ride the tunnel.  Riders who do not care to ride the tunnel can eat their lunch on the west side of the tunnel.  There is no water or commercial food sales so please bring a lunch and bring adequate water for the ride.  

Let's meet at the Rattlesnake Lake and Ledge Trail parking lot.  (Not the Iron Horse trail parking lot)  The parking lot has several rows and I'll park at the row furthest above the lake and nearest to the road.  There are portapotties at the lake, but no running water.   Please be ready to ride at 9:30 am. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  If you miss the briefing you will not be able to ride with the group.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and our goal will be to regroup occasionally.  We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH).

Restrooms are available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms if anyone needs, but there are no restrooms so it will be a "natural" break.  We’ll also stop for an opportunity to eat your own snacks or lunch at the halfway, turnaround point, but bring your own as there are no options.  

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed above or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will post a ride-canceled note in the Comments section below at least two hours prior to the start and Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location.

We hope you can join us!