Gravel Adventure-Carnation to Rattlesnake Lake

If you would like a change of pace from road riding and have a cyclocross or mountain bike, join us for a social gravel ride from Carnation to Rattlesnake Lake and back.  The ride features quiet woodlands, stunning views from bridges and beautiful sections along the river.  We will follow the Snoqualmie Valley trail (wide gravel trail) for 10 miles then have a few miles on pavement through the town of Snoqualmie before picking up the gravel again near the Mt Si golf course.  The grade for the first half is 1 to 2% and portions of the second half have a grade of up to 3%.  Most of the elevation gain is in the first half of the route.  The return will be on the same trails and will be predominantly gradual downhill  but will take a slightly different route through the town of Snoqualmie which has a few short steeper sections of pavement.

We recommend lower pressure tires with tread and width of at least 28 and preferably wider.  This ride is NOT SUITABLE for high pressure smooth road bike tires.  Be sure your bike is in good condition and bring 2 spare tubes and a working pump.  Areas of the route may not have cellular service. 

There is a sanican at the start but no water.  Bring 2 full water bottles.  Bring a rain jacket  even if the weather is dry and warm as it can change as we ascend towards the mountains. We will stop for lunch at the Cedar River Education Center near Rattlesnake lake which has some interesting displays and nice views.  There are restrooms and water there but NO FOOD FOR PURCHASE.  BRING A SANDWICH AND OTHER SNACKS !    There will also be a stop half way up and halfway down at Centennial Fields Park in Snoqualmie which has restrooms and water. 

For those who prefer a shorter ride it will be possible to do an out and back of 20 miles total from Carnation to the end of the gravel trail near Snoqualmie. Or if desired you could meet us approximately half way up the route at Centennial Fields park in Snoqualmie.  If you choose this option please contact ride leader at least one day ahead to communicate plans. 

NOTES: This is an off-road ride, effort level will be similar to pace and distance on the road.  The ride leaders will not be at the ride start should inclement weather meet the cancellation definition (showers or worse) but will post a cancellation notice in the Comments section of this posting by 7am on the day of the ride. Rain during the ride could amend the route.  Please check the comments section before you drive to the start. 

The start location is a very small park with limited parking but there is street parking adjacent. 

Please be sure to arrive early enough to be ready to ride and hear the safety briefing at 9:50 as we will leave promptly at 10.  Please print a cue sheet or download the route from the link provided below. 

If you have a cascade account you may register on line for the ride up until 630am on the day of the ride by selecting the register button at the top of this posting or you may sign in at the ride start.    If your plans change you do not need to unregister.