Rattlesnake Lake to Hyak (gravel)

Join us for a ride from Palouse to Cascades State Park on a 42 mile gravel out and back route at self-paced!

This ride is not flat. The ride is ~19 miles of gradual uphill on gravel. Then, we ride though the 2.3 mile tunnel. We take a break at Hyak trailhead (mile 21) with restrooms and water. At Hyak, we turn around and return with a gradual downhill the same way we came.  

The 42 mile ride has beautiful mountain scenery with spectacular native plants in full bloom as we climb to higher elevation. During the ride we will cross several tall railroad bridges and, at Snoqualmie summit, go through the 2.25 mile Milwaukee Railroad Tunnel to Hyak. This is a social ride. Stopping to take pictures and enjoy nature is encouraged. We will take our time at Hyak to relax, refuel, and use the bathroom. 

Let's meet at the Palouse to Cascades State Park and please be ready to ride at 9:00 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.

For self-paced, you can ride at your own pace and with who you choose. We will regroup before the tunnel to turn on our headlights and support each other getting through the tunnel. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH).

Restrooms (no running water) are available at the start. We will stop along the way for restrooms/water at Hyak, mile 21. 

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.

Special needs for this ride:

• A gravel, touring, mountain, cross, or hybrid bike (able to ride on gravel).
• Light for the tunnel is required!  The tunnel is completely dark. Do not forget your light.
• A jacket for the cold tunnel. The tunnel is like sitting in a refrigerator for 15 minutes. You need a jacket.
• Discover Pass to park in the parking lot. 
• We will be in the mountains and need to be prepared for mountain conditions. Look at the weather report for North Bend, WA and Snoqualmie Pass, WA. Sometimes the trail has blustery winds. The temperature can drop as the ride continues.

Do NOT leave anything valuable in your car or any bags visible at this parking lot. My car was broken into at this parking lot. 

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!