A Gravel Adventure along the Palouse to Cascades Trail - Cle Elum to Hyak (Steady)

Bring your gravel bike and light and join us for another very scenic section of the Palouse to Cascades Trail (PCT).  This section of the PCT has gorgeous views and cool trestles as we ride by and across the Yakima River and along Lake Easton and Keechelus Lake. We WILL be stopping for photos!

Please be ready to ride at 9 AM. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.  It's a good idea to arrive early! 

Route:  We start in Cle Elum at the PCT Trailhead and ride slightly uphill towards Snoqualmie Pass and then get to roll gently downhill on the way back.  On our way out, marshes and creek crossings give us interesting things to look at (as well as the daisies and violet and yellow wildflowers) before we cross the first two trestles over the Yakima River. About halfway to Hyak, we pass by Lake Easton and through a short dark tunnel near Whittier before we are are greeted by the deep blue waters of Lake Keechelus.

Food and Water: Due to the remote nature of this ride, services are minimal. Come prepared with snacks and lunch and plenty of water as options are limited. 

Pace:  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 much of the way from Cle Elum to Hyak, then descending on our way back, for this ride the designation of "Steady" implies effort, not speed.  

Restrooms: A vault toilet is available at the start. We can also stop along the way for restrooms and water in Easton at mile 11, Lake Keechelus at mile 24, and at Hyak at the Snoqualmie Tunnel Parking Lot at mile 29.

Carpooling: A Facebook post will be created on the Cascade Members Facebook page a week or two before the ride so that people can coordinate ride sharing.

Mechanical:  Recommended minimum tire size is 32mm. Be prepared to handle mechanical issues if you have a problem e.g. flat tire.  Bring a spare tube, tools, patch kit, pump and skills to fix flats and have a mobile phone and a plan for rescue in case your bike fails. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; water and a small snack. Please have full fenders if the roads are wet, or you may be asked to ride at the rear of the group.

Weather cancellation:  If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.