Text by Scott Stroming as told to shiggy, photos by Scott Stroming.
112K, 4000′ of climbing.
A beautiful spring ride that exceeded my expectations, south to Douglas Creek all the way north to the ancient glacial moraine, magnificent views west and north, lots of single lane double track—and I thought I already knew the Waterville Plateau!
Its a great course running through the upper part of the Douglas Creek canyon into the sage steppe and wheat fields to the Withrow Marine at the north end and back. Ever changing surfaces and vistas. Plus the wildflowers are popping, the canola in bloom (yellow fields) and the wheat is knee high.
There are three types of gravel and I want people to know that I feel like this isn’t a fast course. I think the course needs to be ridden with wide tires and attention:
There is the gravel for the wide roads which has pretty high rolling resistance.
Then there is dirt, which is a lot of fun.
The third is the silt, almost sand. It has been packed down by rain, but you can’t easily tell when it’s going to get really deep and soft.
Be cautious when going into dips and the steeper descents which can have rocks and ruts with sand at the bottom so you really can’t let it rip.
I wish I had tires with a bit more tread and width for traction.
The forecast is good of Saturday with mild temperatures, light winds and the possibility of scattered thundershowers.
Update 5/2/26: The closure east of Hyak is still in place.
Update 5/1/26: The closure east of Hyak has been lifted.
For us on the west side of the Cascades, riding season on the Palouse to Casades Trail traditionally starts with the Snoqualmie Tunnel opening on May 1. But randonneuring season the trail will be delayed this year. The P2C trail suffered impassable damage in several places during the ’25-’26 winter. Initially the outlook was dismal; significant repairs were not expected to be possible this year. Fortunately major work is underway. The full trail should be rideable later in summer.
Rattlesnake Lake to Snoqualmie Tunnel
A widely-reported landslide in December 2025 severed the trail between Rattlesnake Lake and the Mt Washington trailhead in Olallie State Park. Initially repair was not anticipated this year. But thanks to Washington State Parks, the Washington State Parks Foundation, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and King County a temporary bypass is being constructed. The bypass is anticipated to open after June 15.
Additional damage farther up the trail caused a second closure beginning near Carter Creek Campground and extending to the tunnel. Repairs to this section are paused because crews and equipment were diverted for higher-priority repair of severe damage near Lake Easton. A reopening date for the Carter Creek closure is unknown presently.
Until these repairs are finished, riding any permanents that use the trail between Rattlesnake Lake and the tunnel is either impossible or requires unattractive detours on I-90.
04882 – Snoqualmie Valley, Middle Fork, Snoqualmie Tunnel is unrideable because the control at the tunnel cannot be reached.
All other routes on the trail can bypass the closures by riding on I-90. Why a person would want to trade quiet forest and easy railroad grades for miles of proximity to roaring freeway traffic with steep climbing eludes me, but here are considerations if you want to do this: Bypassing the Olallie closure on the freeway shortens routes about 7.5 miles each way. Riders would have to free-route another 15 miles on the out-and-back routes to ride the required distances. National Forest Roads below the freeway bypass the damaged area near Carter Creek. However, a portion of the detour would be on Road 58 which is one-way uphill only. Riding westbound you would have to descend on I-90.
Prior to learning about the second closure and the damage east of the tunnel, two routes starting at Olallie State Park were created, but are moot until all repairs are finished:
05790 – Homestead Valley-Easton on the Iron Horse Trail
05789 – The Shortened Real Northern Exposure
Information about the current condition of this part of the trail is available at the WA State Parks P2C West page.
East of Snoqualmie Tunnel
Update 5/3/26: The P2C Central page has been updated to state the trail is still closed from Monahan Rd to Stampede Pass Rd. This is a shorter section than indicated on the map below, but still means you cannot ride from Hyak to Lake Easton.
Update 5/1/26: The closure between Hyak and Lake Easton has been lifted. The state of the trail surface is unknown. Loose gravel has been reported in the Whittier Tunnel.
04509 Cle Elum-Hyak-Cle Elum should be rideable now.
04162 Hyak-Stampede & Tacoma Passes-Lake Easton will be rideable once the high country melts out
The section below is now out of date still relevant.
A landslide on March 23, 2026, east of Hyak damaged the trail, the railroad, and power lines west of Lake Easton. The trail is closed at the west from the Whittier Tunnel (aka Tunnel 49), to the east at Monahan Rd. The only detour is 7 miles on I-90, including a construction zone with skinny shoulders. Repairs in this area are anticipated to be complete around the beginning of June. Recent reports are that the construction zone is rideable, but you should check with the P2C Central office whether the trail is open during work hours.
High river flow during the storms in December 2025 scoured and destabilized the embankment that carries the Cedar River Trail about three miles from the trail’s eastern end at Landsburg. The embankment and trail surface have eroded significantly in the last month. The trail will likely collapse soon. Crossing the closed section of the trail is far too dangerous, despite local residents continuing to walk and bike across it.
Most people were probably unaware the trail was so close to the river here.
Google Street View
King County has furnished no information about repairs. Given that the embankment is not a levee protecting a flood zone, repairing the trail probably has low priority. Fortunately the damaged section can be bypassed on residential streets:
RWGPS Cycle map
Four permanents have been rerouted. The routes are slightly shorter and lost some gravel credit, but gained a 15% surprise.
0401 Leschi-Auburn-Leschi
0848 Mercer Island-Selleck
1076 Southern Exposure
5709 Cedar River Wilderness Run
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The last mile or so of the Snoqualmie Valley Trail is closed to bicycles and pedestrians very close to Rattlesnake Lake. The trail is being used for vehicle access to residences on Edgewick Rd while Edgewick is being repaired. Edgewick is not a detour option. The SVT should reopen in early April according to King County.
Detour options are not good. The route beginning with 136th Ave SE at I-90 is strongly discouraged due to extreme grades, poor sightlines, and fast drivers. A safer option is to follow permanent 4078 Snakebit backwards from North Bend. This is a substantially more difficult route than the SVT’s nice railroad grade. The best option is probably to choose other routes while the SVT is closed.
Note that permanents continuing up the Palouse to Cascades Trail (Iron Horse) past Rattlesnake Lake are deactivated due to the serious washout that occurred in December. The rideability of most of those routes is moot anyway while the Snoqualmie Tunnel is closed for winter.
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This ride celebrates Seattle’s extraordinary natural setting and urban culture, so there are plenty of distractions and urban trails combined with a fair bit of climbing: no time for much dawdling, but please don’t rush either; enjoy our amazing city, and be especially careful on the pathways we’re sharing with pedestrians.
From Magnuson Park Beach, we head east to the Burke-Gilman, then south to UW and Montlake Bridge. At 7.4km, slow down for the narrow easy-to-miss turn off the Burke-Gilman up to Rainier Vista. At 7.9km, the Montlake Bridge has narrow clearances – slow down for oncoming pedestrians and cyclists. After winding over the new 520 pedestrian/bike overpass to Lake Washington Blvd, you take a nice jaunt through the Olmsted-designed Washington Park Arboretum along tree-lined Arboretum Drive East (closed to traffic) and the Arboretum Loop Trail.
Arboretum Drive
As you’re leaving Arboretum Trail, take care at km 11.3 rejoining Lake Washington Blvd. If the intersection is busy, dismount and use the crosswalks, then head south on Lake Washington Boulevard.
(Did you know, from Olmsted Parks.Org: “The longest and most significant boulevard in Seattle’s Olmsted park system, Lake Washington Boulevard links nine of the Olmsted parks, extending six miles from Montlake Boulevard at the north end, through Washington Park Arboretum and along the lake to Seward Park at the south end…. first proposed in the Olmsted Brothers’ 1903 report, their recommendation included routing the boulevard beyond the city limits at that time so that it might extend all the way to Seward Park (then known as Bailey Peninsula)”. President Taft described the Lake Washington string of parks soon after completion in 1909 as follows: “One of the most magnificent combinations of modern city and medieval forest, of formal gardening and Nature’s handiwork with the most beautiful views of lake, sea and snow-capped mountain peak, that has ever delighted the eye of man in this or any other country.”)
At km 21.8, we enter Seward Park and Shore Loop Road, closed to traffic – and one of the key stretches we need to ride slowly and give pedestrians and other cyclists ample room – take your time and enjoy the filtered views of Mt Baker (visible on a clear day from Control 2 at Seward Park North Beach km 23.5), and Mt Rainier from Seward Park’s south beach.
Mt Rainier from Seward Park
Leaving Seward Park, we climb Seward Park Ave and head west through Othello, then navigate the north end of Boeing Field and South Park. At km 31.4, coming down South Albro Place, take care shifting to the left lane to move over to the new bike lane after Ruby Chow Park. This newly completed bike lane from km 31.9 to 33.5 along the south side of Albro Place and east side of East Marginal Way is a great recent addition to our bike infrastructure, avoiding the need to ride along thse busy roads. At km 33.5, use the crosswalk to cross East Marginal to the 16 th Ave S Bridge over the Duwamish, then weave your way through South Park’s quiet back streets to the Duwamish Trail, passing Control 3 Gears at km 35.4. At km 39.2, you’ll ride through a nice grove of madrones with filtered views of Harbor Island and downtown Seattle. At km 41.0, take care crossing West Marginal Way to a recently finished bike path which avoids the climb up and under the W Seattle Bridge. If traffic is busy here, use the pedestrian button at the crosswalk to stop traffic. The curb cut to the bike path is narrow so take it easy here. At km 42.3, we turn north to continue on the Alki Trail, then shifting to Harbor Avenue SW. There are plenty of public restrooms and eateries along Alki Beach, but don’t linger as there are plenty more distractions and climbs ahead! After Alki Point Lighthouse, Control 4 at 48.6, continue south to Lincoln Park. At km 53.7, you enter a relatively narrow gravel path along the beach which can sometimes be crowded with pedestrians and kids riding bikes: another key stretch to be ridden very slowly when passing pedestrians. Take time to compliment that cute dog or little kid riding her bike.
Lincoln Park Beach Path looking SouthBruun Idun – The Way of the Bird King
After a visit with Bruun Idun – the Way of the Bird King, we return north, enjoying views west to the Olympics.
View from Lincoln Park Beach
Leaving Lincoln Park, you climb up via Erskine Avenue to downtown West Seattle, passing Bakery Nouveau on California Ave at km 58, then continuing east and north along SW Alaska St and SW Avalon Way. Take care along SW Avalon Way’s protected bike lane which is relatively narrow. At km 60.3, be cautious crossing SW Spokane St to rejoin the Alki Trail, and continue around Harbor Island and north to Seattle on the newly completed Portside Trail to downtown. At km 66.1, shift to the Waterfront Bike Trail through the downtown waterfront: take your time and obey the stop signals at the many pedestrian crossings.
A short climb around the new Aquarium takes you to the finally complete Alaskan Way Cycletrack leading to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Be careful entering the park at km 86.6, passing the Bourgeois Fountain to Elliott Bay Trail. In Myrtle Edwards Park, at km 70.2, a portion of the separated pedestrian path is closed, so we again share the road with walkers. Continuing north along the railyards, you then turn south for a gentle climb up Thorndyke Avenue and Magnolia Boulevard West, past Magnolia Viewpoint, with views to downtown and Mt Rainier.
At km 78.6, you enter Discovery Park (formerly Fort Lawton Army Base), crossing open fields, with views to the Olympics to your left and officer quarters / FAA Radar Site to your fight. You then head east for a nice downhill forested stretch on Discovery Park Boulevard to Gilman Avenue West: at km 81.4, slow down to shift over to the Cycletrack at 29 th Ave West. At the traffic light – km 82.3, be careful at the turning left onto the West Emerson Place Cycletrack. After a brief downhill, akm 82.5, slow down to shift over via a tight curbcut onto the ‘Ship Canal Trail’: the next stretch of sidewalk has some root heave issues, and there are some tight turns at km 83.2. After passing under the bridge at km 85.6, miss the immediate turn slight right up the trail to the path adjoining Westlake Ave, then turn north over Freemont Bridge and up another short climb to visit the Freemont Troll (synopsis from Wikipedia: “built in 1990 by artist/architect Steve Badanes, inspired by Norwegian folklore, the 18 feet tall Troll constructed with 13,000 lbs of concrete, is clutching an actual Volkswagen Beetle, as if it had just swiped it from the Aurora Bridge above. Originally, the car held a time capsule, including a plaster bust of Elvis Presley, which was stolen when the sculpture was vandalized.”)
Freemont Troll
A short steep few blocks down Troll Avenue takes you to the Burke Gilman Trail, where you head west to Ballard. At km 91.0, take care navigating the intersection at 24 th Ave NW and Market Street: the intersection is likely to be crowded. Dismount and cross the crosswalk at the light to the bike path. Two blocks west of here, you pass the National Nordic Museum and a visit with Frankie Feetsplinter
Frankie Feetsplinter @ Nordic Heritage Museum
Proceeding north on the last stretch of the Burke Gilman, be careful navigating the end of the trail and entry to Golden Gardens at km 94.6 – lots of cars and pedestrians headed to the beach. The Golden Gardens Bathhouse and Kite Café at km 95.1 offers a good spot to catch your breath and gear up for the big climb of the ride.
Returning south briefly to the park entry gate, you turn left for a winding climb up Seaview Place Northwest – be careful as there is very little shoulder and a fair bit of traffic, but drivers are typically respectful. Moving east and north through relatively quiet residential streets, you arrive at the Interurban Trail at km 103.4, then north to Echo Lake, and east to Perkins Lane at km 112.9. After a brief climb to the crest, you’re on a delightful winding descent through the woods to Lake Forest Park. After crossing Lake City Way to the Burke Gilman, you head south – keep an eye out for the turn left at km 124.1 to Inverness Drive NE, then be careful on the short run on Sand Point Way with no shoulders. At km 124.8, you turn left for an easy-to-miss turn off Sand Point Way over gravel to a break in the hedge: watch out for the quick left on the gravel path, and take it slow as the path twists down to Magnuson Café and Brewery, where much deserved refreshments await.
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Text by Sharan Daniel, photos by Sharan Daniel, Jason Hansen, Mitch Ishihara, Keith Moore, and John Nguyen
This brevet updates RUSA route #756, which some riders remember fondly from 2013. The first day, 383 km, takes you to the coast and back to Centralia. The second day, 220 km, takes you into mountains with stunning descents and lakes. While you pass through some remote areas, there are services about every 50 km, with an exception or two, as noted below.
The ride starts at Denny’s in Auburn, where you can fuel up before heading out. Warm up on the Interurban Trail down to Pacific, then follow the Puyallup River to the outskirts of Tacoma. There are some twists and turns between km 19 and 21, as you cross the river twice, and another odd loop between km 32 and 34 as you make your way to the Lincoln Bridge, the best biking alternative to the Fishing Wars Memorial bridge that is now closed. Enjoy one more river crossing into Tacoma and and take in the quiet Saturday morning urban waterfront scene. Finish your first 50 km by crossing the grand Tacoma Narrows Bridge into Gig Harbor. You’ll pass a park restroom with water at 53.3 km.
Quiet roads take you over to WA-3, which leads to Belfair and south along the Hood Canal. You’ll find a few options for food, water, and restrooms along this stretch, starting with the control at Belfair, Sandi’s Deli Mart (91 km), and ending with the Union Country Store (117.5 km), a pre-riders’ favorite for its tasty offerings. Follow WA-106 until you reach Purdy Cutoff Rd at 123 km. The road is forested and pretty, but traffic is fast; ride single file here. At km 127.4, take your time as you make a left onto US-101: more fast traffic here, and lots of it. Relief comes 5 km down the road, as you turn west. If you need a break or water, there is the small Dayton Store at 141.6 km. Another 15 km away is the Matlock General Store, with kind staff and a clean restroom; it’s also the control marking your turn south.
Brady Food Mart is at the turn west into Montesano at 186 km; it has a portable toilet. A little less than 10 km into town are a Chevron station (24 hrs) and the Fishin Hole restaurant (closes at 8:30 p.m.).
Heading into Cosmopolis you’ll begin to smell the ocean air. At 211 km, you’ll find another Chevron (closes at 8 p.m. on Saturdays). Soon you’re riding along the water and then heading into Westport, at 241.5 km, where there’s a Shell with Subway inside (open till 11 p.m.), though pre-riders found the restroom sub-par. Another 20 km gets you to the Tokeland 76 (open till 10 p.m.) with well-stocked convenience store and clean restrooms. Continue to bask in the ocean air, and if not the sights (as it may be dark), the sounds of the waves, as you make your way toward Raymond and the turn inland. The Quick Stop 101, open 24 hrs, with a portable toilet, is likely your last option for supplies for the day. In Pe Ell, at 340 km, there’s a Texaco, open until 11 p.m. Just before that, at 339.4 km, about a block off-route is a Willapa Hills trailhead with restrooms and water (there’s a cue for it). From there it’s another 43 quiet kilometers to the overnight control in Centralia.
The second day (or the segment after the overnight control, if you’re riding through) takes you into the mountains via Centralia-Alpha Rd with a series of climbs through the countryside. Morton, your first opportunity for services, is 64 km away, but has several good options; pre-riders feasted on a breakfast sub and Jo-Jo potatoes at the 24-hr Chevron, and pizza at the Bucksnort Pub. From Morton to Elbe there’s more climbing, then an awesome descent (one of many on this day/segment). Also perhaps the most stressful riding of this brevet, on WA-7, with a narrow shoulder, fast traffic, lots of wide vehicles towing campers and boats. You may need a break at the Elbe Supply and Safety Stop even though it’s just 27 km from Morton. At Elbe the shoulder improves and you can enjoy stunning views and descents as you skirt Alder Lake.
Eatonville at 495 km offers more supply options before you turn onto Orville Rd at 497 km. This section is lovely, passing through forest with glimpses of Ohop Lake. It also has a narrow to nonexistent shoulder and can be busy with surprisingly impatient drivers on a Sunday. Same for Orville Rd E, which you turn onto at Kapowsin, at km 511.7 (where there’s also a convenience store with a portable toilet). At 526.6 km you turn onto WA-162, another highway with fast traffic and a narrow shoulder, but you turn off onto the Foothills trail in just a couple of kilometers; you can see the trail to your left for about .75 km before you make the turn. The trail ride is cut short by a bridge closure; you’ll get back on the highway at 537.2, where there is also a convenience store. There is a little better shoulder here for your climb to a plateau. In Buckley, at km 544.8 look for the trail again to your right, just before the intersection with WA-410. You’ll ride the beautiful Foothills Trail bridge over the White River, then take a left on Mud Mountain Rd and cross WA-410. There should be no traffic, because this stretch of highway is closed due to a—you guessed it—bridge closure. In Enumclaw, you’ll pass a 7-11 (24 hrs) at 551.5 km—perhaps your last services, unless you reach Black Diamond before 8 p.m. Then jostle through town on bumpy streets that lead right into farmlands.
The route passes through more rural scenery, then on to Franklin, a tiny town where you’ll ride over the Green River gorge, spectacular if you still have daylight. Climb out of the gorge and head into Black Diamond and your last opportunity for a bite, at the Black Diamond Bakery (open till 8 p.m.), about a block off-route at 575.8 km. From here on, it’s smooth riding, nice roads with good shoulders. There’s a control at 586.8 km, where you make a turn that’s hard to see in the dark. You’ll see a RR crossing sign; the turn is just before that sign. (Do not cross the tracks.) Heading into Auburn on SE Auburn-Black Diamond Rd, at km 598.9, you’ll encounter a notorious set of railroad tracks at a bad angle. Take care here; stopping is not out of the question, as you have to cross into the left lane if you want a perpendicular approach. After 4 km through town, you are finished.
The Spring 600K offers a varied, rolling, but low-total elevation tour through the inland Puget Sound and into the foothills of the Cascades via the Middle Fork Snoqualmie. A backdoor into Bellingham provides a pleasant detour along Lake Samish, avoiding the closure of Chuckanut Drive. This route is optimized for EPP, please ensure that your ride is tracked or document your passage through controls with photos.
A sunny, quiet morning in the Snohomish valley. (Photo: Xiangzhou Kong)
The route starts with mostly quiet rural roads through Snohomish and Marysville. Take care with the merge onto Highway 204 out of Everett’s Ebey Slough, followed by an immediate left turn onto Sunnyside Blvd. Climb over Lake Ki towards Camano Island, with some potentially busy sections of road through Stanwood. Wind and weather conditions will dictate your pace north along Padilla Bay into quaint Edison, where Terramar Brewstillery offers pizza and house-brewed beer and soft drinks.
Hot pizza, soft drinks, and drying gilets at Terramar Brewstillery. (Photo: James McKee)
The closure of Chuckanut Drive necessitates a detour up Bow Hill and along Lake Samish. Preriders found these roads to be low traffic and pleasant; despite hugging I-5, you’ll feel like you’re riding through a tunnel of rocky cliffs and trees up Lake Samish Drive (the pre-ride route profile included some phantom steep grades here that were not reflected on the road). Descend past the Galbraith MTB complex and down the Stair Step Streets (watch for cross traffic and stops) into Fairhaven and Bellingham. Preriders stocked up on snacks and sun at the Haagen grocery here before turning back south for the climb back out of Bellingham.
The Lake Samish detour into Fairhaven. “5 out of 5 didn’t suck!” – Andy S. (Photo: Phil Neff)
Rolling country roads lead south through Sedro-Wooley; the route winds through the Burlington suburbs and over the Conway hill on SR534 before briefly joining Highway 9 at Lake McMurray; from here, it’s the standard Centennial Trail, Broadway, Woodinville, Sammamish River Trail sequence back home to Redmond.
Day two starts with the punchy Union Hill climb, maxing out at 10% grade, before a descent into Carnation to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. From here, it’s gradual railroad-grade climb on light gravel to Tokul Road, and then through the towns of Snoqualmie and North Bend. Stock up on food and water here before the approximately 25K long (one-way), 300m climb up the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trailhead. Gorgeous river and mountain views abound on this stretch.
Astounding scenery on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie. (Photo: Xiangzhou Kong)
More punchy climbs punctuate the route back via the Issaquah Highlands, followed by the busy Issaquah-Hobart Road to Cedar Grove Road and the traffic-free relief of the Cedar River Trail. Wind through Renton and follow the familiar Lake Washington route through Factoria back into Issaquah, doubling back to pass the troll on the Rainier Trail.
The route finishes with a roll up the Sammamish River Trail to the Redmond Inn. Chapeau!
A celebratory group photo with the Issaquah troll before the final few Ks. (Photo: James McKee)
On June 7th, SIR returns to the Waterville plateau for our Summer Gravel Populaire. If you rode any events here last year, this is an all-new route once again crafted by local rando Don “shiggy” Person. I previewed the course with shiggy last week. After heading west from town, we made our way up to the northernmost corner at Fletcher Cemetery. Then turned south skirting Lamoine and Supplee, passing through Alstown and Douglas before returning to Waterville.
Of the 100K distance, just 9K is paved with the rest (91K) a diverse mix of gravel across a patchwork of interconnected, rolling farm roads. Elevation gain on RWGPS (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49950178) shows 3590’/1094m, but we recorded 4514’/1376m. Expect surface conditions to vary from hard packed dirt to soft sand to chunky loose rocks – creating an intermediately challenging ride where bike handling skills will be tested. But nothing too extreme. I rode 42mm tires. Shiggy was on 55mm. Recommend minimum 38mm. Slicks are ok if you’re experienced. Many of the roads will NOT have markings, but we’ve verified accuracy of the turns (and also updated the cue-sheet with “Unsigned” designation). We do suggest bringing a printed copy to aid with your navigation.
You’ll spend the day soaking up open skies, admiring acres of thriving wheat, punctuated by the occasional “alley” of deeply aromatic Sagebrush. These fields extend as far as the eye can see and were carved by glacial activity, floods and wind over millennia. The fertile soil, winter snow, spring rain, and dry summers create ideal growing conditions in these rugged lands. Expect to see no one and little auto traffic during your ride. We were passed by just 3 vehicles (a road grader, a gravel hauler, and a pickup) – all very bike friendly. Please remember, farm equipment ALWAYS have the right of way. It also gets hot in June, and there’s no real shade on the route. So come well prepared – carry extra tubes, check/top off sealant (if riding tubeless), bring ample food and no less than 2 water bottles. We’ll have a staffed SIR control at 53.9km (33.5mi) where you can refill them, but there’s no services or resupply points elsewhere. Cell service is spotty.
A few noteworthy items:
TURN at 13.7k (8.5mi): Right uphill onto 4 Rd NW [unsigned]. This turn comes immediately after passing some concrete barriers. Do not continue straight downhill!
TURN at 16.7k (10.3mi): Hidden Right onto Rd P NW [unsigned]. On road right before turn, there are buildings with farm equipment.
BAIL-OUT OPTION at 22.2km (13.8mi). At intersection of Rd N NW and 4 Rd NW, continue straight on Rd N NW. Turn right on Rd 3 NW and then left to Rd O NW/N Chelan Ave to Waterville.
SIR’s third gravel event this year brings another course designed by Don “shiggy” Person – who has arguably mapped more Douglas County backroads than anyone for over a decade. Those who rode his first one in June will find an all-new route that is a bit shorter (100km vs 134km), with slightly less climbing (4300’ vs 5100’), but still chock full of adventure. From Waterville, we’ll work our way to Douglas, then south towards Alstown, traverse the southern plateau, turn north to Supplee, tackle some big rollers heading west in the direction of the Columbia, and finally turn east back to the start. Hwy 2 and the river far down below can be spotted during the last bit.
This 100km (62mi) route is 83% unpaved. You’ll discover hard-packed farm roads, mid to smooth (“champagne”) gravel, loose sand, chunky rocks to “moondust” (deep talcum powder-like fine dirt). The remaining 17% strategically-scattered, paved patches will render your legs a refreshing boost. There’s something for everyone here – an excellent, intermediate ride if you’re “gravel curious”. Nothing extreme or over the top challenging. I rode 40mm tires. shiggy was on 55mm. Recommend minimum 38mm. Slicks are fine.
That said, you’ll be far away (no services/resupply points) with open skies in all directions, enveloped by expansive acres of wheat. You’ll see first-hand how our Eastern Washington landscape was shaped by glaciers, volcanos, floods and wind. Come prepared – carry extra tubes, check/top off sealant (if riding tubeless), bring extra food and no less than 2 water bottles. shiggy and I both had 3 bidons but ran out. However, with staffed controls at 21km (13mi) and 64km (40mi), you won’t have to worry about that happening to you. Expect to see no people and very little traffic all day. We were passed by only 2 cars the entire time. While, we rode past dozens of combines and other large vehicles, we saw just one in operation. Please remember, farm equipment ALWAYS have the right of way. No rain in current weather forecast. It may be hot, and there is ZERO shade on the route.
The most challenging downhill section with larger loose rocks comes early at 12km (7.5mi) on Rd 2 NW. Exercise high caution here. The steepest climb – also to highest point at 3100’ – comes at 89km (55mi). Your legs may grumble a bit, but it’s pretty much downhill from there. We let it rip on the final 5km (3mi) home stretch yelling “wheeeeeeeee”!
Ride Start: Pioneer Park in Waterville (North of W Walnut Street between E Park Street and S Chelan Ave, Waterville, WA 98858). Check-in begins at 8:00am. Briefing at 8:50am. Roll out 9:00am sharp.
Parking: Near the tennis courts in the park or at the high school on S Chelan Ave.
RV camping and coin operated showers (takes quarters) at Fairgrounds RV park – 1/4 mile away
Grocery store: Waterville Family Foods at (102 E Locust St; opens at 7:30am)
Finish and Post-ride: Knemeyers Eatery & Spirits (115 W Locust St; directly across from Pioneer Park) is friendly and has pizza, burgers, beer
While most roads are in a grid pattern (Rd 1, Rd 2, Rd D, Rd E…etc) several intersections WON’T have any signs. Pay close attention to GPS and/or cue-sheet (highly recommend you print & bring with you). The marked turns are very accurate and we never got lost.On the Waterville Plateau, wheat fields thrive from glaciers that melted a millennia ago. Erupting volcanoes, particularly the ash from Mount Mazama 7700 years ago, is a major contributor to the rich soils in the region. Mount St. Helen’s eruption in 1980 added to that.Large paw prints in deep sand that looked too big for a Coyote or Bobcat. Cougar??? We were later greeted by a Northern Harrier (with its distinctive white rump patch) gliding low over the wheat. And a Red Tail Hawk followed us overhead for a bit perhaps hoping the “crunch…crunch” of our wheels would scare a rodent snack out of hiding.Douglas CemeteryShan and shiggy
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View of Sunrise on a lovely day (note: not the pre-ride)
As seen from previous posts, this 8K600K route was rerouted several times to finally get a perfect storm of climbing around the scenic and amazing Mount Rainier National Park. Within a couple weeks of the pre-ride, we had to change the course due to a major wildfire on Hwy 12 east of White Pass. Even though the wildfire was all put out by all the rain, we couldn’t change it back to the original route since there was still wildfire danger and closures within a couple days before our pre-ride. I also established three 200K permanents to ride it in 3 days, so we could focus on each section of the route. Thanks to RUSA for approving these 3 permanents in short notice! Rick Blacker and I prerode a portion of the first section to Sunrise. We decided to be safe and not continue riding down off top of Sunrise due to cold and rainy conditions last weekend. We also pre-rode the 214k permanent from Cliffdell to Eatonville and got a lot of information along that section of the route, since there is a lot of stores with limited hours in the small towns. We also pre-drove the last section to also obtain important store hours and road conditions up to Bear Meadows.
View of Sunrise during the pre-ride.
This 8K600K is important to prepare for the elements and requires some preplanning on where you will get food on this route. The cue sheet on the RWGPS has been updated to reflect all the store hours in each town or control towns. The first section of the course has 4 major climbs, that includes Cayuse Pass (4000 ft in 24 miles), Sunrise (3,000 ft in 13 miles) , and Chinook Pass twice (3700 ft in 26 miles 1st time from Greenwater and 3300 ft in 25 miles 2nd time from Cliffdell), totaling 15,000 ft of elevation gain in the first 157 miles, with a huge descent into Packwood at the halfway mark. Each of these climbs have a steeper section near the top (8-10 miles with grades of 10% or greater), so its important to take advantage and increase the speed on the lower section of each climb. Each major pass climb also has long descents following them and this is where you can make up a lot of time. Its important to be efficient at controls and while riding in order to keep ahead of the 15kph average speed (guideline cutoff – all noted on the RWGPS cue sheet). There are no intermediate cutoffs on this ride, but its important stay ahead for more sleep at the overnight and more time to relax on the second half in order to finish within the required 40 hours time limit. This ride will be EPP and will include instructions on the Brevet Card, essentially sending your Strava, RWGPS or GPX file to me after the finish.
There are no services after you start at Packwood, so plan on carrying extra food here for the first 2 big climbs. There is a water fountain and restrooms just past the National Park entrance. I plan to be there at Sunrise control for support since the Sunrise Lodge does not open until 11:00 AM. Greenwater has several places to stock up including the Wapiti Woolies amazing huckleberry shakes and sandwiches or the Mt Rainier general store, just down Hwy 410. After making the U-turn in Greenwater climbing up Hwy 410 along the White River, there is the Silver Springs visitor center with food and water, near the base of the steep part of the 1st Chinook Pass climb. Whistlin Jack’s in Cliffdell has a store that closes at 7:00 PM and they stop serving food at the bar at 8:30 PM, so a good incentive to make it here before then since these closing times are right about at the guideline cutoff time. There is water at Pleasant Valley Campground about 16 miles up from Cliffdell up the 2nd Chinook Pass climb. Additional note: Lodgepole campground is closed for the season. Plan on no services for food from Cliffdell to Packwood (54 miles).
At Packwood, we will have a room at the Cowlitz River Lodge overnight control. Please check in at the control first if you are staying at a different place in Packwood. We will have sandwiches and soup. The imaginary cutoff at Packwood is at 0:48, so if you plan on leaving later than this please let me know at the overnight and then text me when you depart Packwood, so we know you are back on course.
The 2nd half of the ride has 2 major climbs, the first is the Skate Creek Road climb (1600 ft in 12 miles), immediately after Packwood. The 2nd major climb is the Bear Meadows climb (3100 ft in 15 miles), with a total elevation gain in 2nd half of about 11,000 ft. So there is a lot of rolling hills (100-300 ft) on the 2nd half and there is a long descent from the top of Skate Creek summit to Eatonville. There is some gravel sections for about 6 miles on the Skate Creek climb so be cautious as this will likely be in the dark. After you summit Skate Creek, it is paved all the way to Ashford. Just watch out of fallen trees or branches along the shoulder!
Store hours are very limited in Ashford, Elbe and Eatonville and should plan that they will be closed if you arrive through these towns between midnight and 6:00 AM, so plan on stocking up food at Packwood to go about 100k. There is a control just past the small community of LaGrande, at the bottom of the hill at Pack Forest along Hwy 7. Then after getting through Eatonville, there is a 50K out and back to the Puyallup River (at Brooks Rd/Orville Rd junction). This section has a few hills along Lake Kapowsin and back up into Eatonville. Kapowsin also has a store that opens at 6:00 AM.
After returning to Eatonville, you will take the Alder cutoff road back toward Alder Reservoir. At Elbe the route climbs up and over to Morton where there there is a control at Spiffys or the Shell store. Then reminder, the route goes on Davis Creek Road to get off of Hwy 12 for a while. Upon descending into Randle, there is great view of Mt Adams! At Randle, plan on stocking up for the final 65 miles that includes the climb up Bear Meadows. There is water in the Iron Creek campground at some noted campsites on the cue sheet, but might be hard to find at this late stage of the ride, but just made note just in case. NF25 has a lot of cracks in the asphalt, so be extremely cautious when climbing and descending along this forest road.
The NF99 road pitches up steeper for 5 miles but once you get to the summit at Bear Meadows, hopefully you get the view of Mt St Helens. There is a plaque there at the Mt St Helens viewpoint, so take in a few seconds to learn about the Gary Rosenquist famous photographs of the 1980 eruption!
The route then takes a U-turn back down NF99 to NF25, so hopefully you get back down before dark, cautiously descending with the bad cracks in the asphalt.
The route does not return to Randle, and takes the back roads (Woods Way, Cispus Rd and mostly on Cline Rd) along the south side of the Cowlitz River. Then finishes on US12 in the final 6 miles. Another update from the pre-ride is we changed the finish line at the Blue Spruce Saloon, which is open until 10:00 PM on Sunday.
I think you will enjoy this 8K600K (in whatever type fun you see fit) with all splendid “views” of Mount Rainier National Park and Mt St Helens, Hopefully weather forecast will hold but always bring extra clothing just in case. And make sure you remember all your reflective gear and lights! If you have a Spot tracker or other tracking device please send us your website link, so we can track you. I have a Spot for anyone need one.
Good luck!
Thanks to Marcy Moran for driving our drop bag to our hotels and other essential support along the way Thanks to Mark Thomas for all the help in creating this route. Thanks to Rick Blacker for helping with this pre-ride!
