Wally World: Rattlesnake Lake through Snoqualmie Tunnel Gravel Ride (Steady)

The 42 miles from Rattlesnake Lake to Hyak along the Palouse to Cascades Trail and back is arguably one of the best rides in Washington State. As we wind our way up the west side of the Cascades we look down on I90 vehicle traffic and up or around at beautiful scenery. 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. My first ride on this route was on a road bike with 30 mm tires. I didn't have any trouble with the gravel, but did get a flat.

Let's meet at the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail - Cedar Falls Trailhead and please be ready to ride at 9:00. 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. Because the trailhead is at a State Park, parking requires a State of Washington Discover Pass. However, just across the street (Cedar Falls Road) is the Rattlesnake Lake Recreation area which is owned and managed by Seattle Public Utilities; parking there is free and should be readily available on a weekday morning.

The ride is posted as a "Steady" pace which means 12 - 14 mph on flat paved roads. However, since we will be on gravel and climbing almost constantly from Rattlesnake to Hyak then descending on our way back, for this ride the designation of "Steady" implies effort, not speed. The route is over an abandoned railroad right-of-way. Since trains are pretty much limited to grades of less than 2.5%, there are no steep climbs along the route and the grade averages a nearly constant 2.1%. Our goal is to stay together, but we will regroup as needed. Restrooms are available at the start, at Hyak, and at several locations along the way. Water is not available at the start but is available halfway through the ride at Hyak where we break for a picnic lunch. 

Headlights, tail lights, and fenders are all requirements for this ride. The unlighted tunnel is totally black and you will need a headlight to see; it is, in fact, recommended that you bring a backup light (e.g. a good flashlight) in case your primary light fails. Fenders will be needed in the tunnel even if the trail is bone dry; it is wet and there are small potholes that fill with water. In addition,  you will need to bring warm clothes for the ride through the tunnel as the inside temperature is in the 40s year round; we will pause at the tunnel entrance to add layers. We will be inside the tunnel for 12 - 15 minutes. You should also bring a phone, water, and lunch as well as a spare tube and tools in the event you get a flat.

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!