Gold Bar to Index and North Fork Skykomish Galena Climb (Moderate)

This ride takes us from Gold Bar to Index and then around Spire Mountain along the North Fork Skykomish River past Galena. This is a lesser traveled road that reopened in 2023 after more than a decade long closure. If you've never ridden this route before, imagine Middle Fork Road but more! Also, we might see the salmon running at one of the bridges near Galena.

Let's meet near the gazebo at Gateway Park in Gold Bar. Be there, ready to go at the time listed above. We will start with a required safety briefing, and roll out when that's done.  All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

Restrooms:  THERE ARE NO RESTROOMS OR WATER AT THE START!  I have noticed a McDonalds on Highway 2 between Sultan and Startup, and there is a small convenience store (Gold Bar Market)  across highway 2 from the Gold Bar Park and Ride.  Plan accordingly.  

Restrooms and water are available at Doolittle Park in Index (mile 11) and a vault toilet is available at San Juan Camp (mile 23). There is no potable water at San Juan Camp though, so bring an extra water bottle. 

Food & Water:  Bring 2 full water bottles and pack a lunch and/or snacks. .  On our way back down, we will stop in Index for lunch and restrooms.  The Index General store has snacks and the North Fork Kitchen at the Bush House Inn has hot food, but I don't remember them being particularly fast.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace, and we will regroup occasionally. We'll also limit our speed on any multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

E-bikes:  All E-bikes are welcome.  Our route does not use any multi-use trails.

Bring a spare tube and tools to fix a flat, just in case. Other things to bring: phone; ID; cash and/or credit card; ORCA 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.

Note: 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 cancelled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!