Washington Palouse to Cascades Bike Tour

We begin our ride to the Pacific from the historic rodeo town of Ellensburg, high In the Yakima River Valley. Traversing the state, we travel through highly diverse environments, arid plains, foothills, mountain passes, and spectacular rivers. We will descend from Snoqualmie pass towards Seattle, the Emerald City, cruising through old growth forests of the Cascade Range and famous waterfalls. Mount Rainier will keep watch over our final roll into the Puget Sound.

Day 1: Our adventure begins with a scenic two-hour shuttle through the Cascade Mountains to Ellensburg, home of a century-old rodeo and Rodeo Museum. From there, we’ll ride the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail through the agricultural plains of the Kittitas Valley and along the Yakima River, with an opportunity to stop at the famous Thorp Fruit Market before a picnic-style lunch. Our ride concludes in Cle Elum at the Iron Horse Inn, where railroad-themed cabooses and bunkhouses offer a unique place to unwind. Relax in the hot tub, play horseshoes, or visit the resident goats and chickens before heading into town for dinner.

Day 2: After a hearty farm-to-table breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients, we’ll head out on one of the most remote and pristine sections of the tour. The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail gradually climbs the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains, winding past lakes and old-growth forests. We’ll stop for a trailside lunch before finishing at the Hyak Trailhead, then settle in for two nights at the Snoqualmie Inn. Spend the afternoon relaxing in the indoor pool or exploring the nearby shops and restaurants.

Day 3: After climbing more than 1,700 feet over the first two days, it’s time to enjoy some thrilling downhill riding! Following breakfast at the Snoqualmie Inn, we’ll return to the Hyak Trailhead and cross Snoqualmie Pass, beginning with a ride through the 2.3-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel, the world’s longest tunnel built for non-motorized use. Emerging from the tunnel, we’ll descend the mountain pass, crossing scenic trestle bridges and rolling past wildflowers and pine forests on our way to North Bend. Back at the inn, relax before heading out to enjoy dinner.

Day 4: Our day begins with a visit to magnificent Snoqualmie Falls, a place of deep cultural significance to the Snoqualmie people, who believe its mist connects heaven and earth. From there, we’ll ride the Snoqualmie Valley Rail Trail on another net-downhill route, crossing bridges and winding through lush forests before opening into farmland dotted with pastures, cows, and wildflowers. After lunch, we’ll finish in the farm town of Duvall and head to Bothell’s McMenamins Anderson School, a unique historic hotel filled with art, entertainment, and plenty of places to explore, including a movie theater, saltwater pool, brewery, and restaurants. We’ll gather for our final dinner among the gardens before enjoying the lively grounds and artwork that celebrate the school’s history and the people who once called it home.

Day 5: Today’s ride showcases the region’s impressive network of connected bike trails, including the East Lake Sammamish, Marymoor Connector, Sammamish River, and renowned Burke-Gilman trails. It’s the longest ride of the tour, but also the flattest and smoothest, taking us along the shores of Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. We’ll follow the Burke-Gilman Trail, made possible in part by local advocate Merrill Hill’s 1971 “Hike-In” campaign to transform unused railroad corridors into valuable community spaces. As we approach Seattle, the forests and lakes give way to the bustling Emerald City, passing the iconic University of Washington campus before finishing at Gas Works Park. We’ll celebrate the end of our cycling adventure with a well-earned lunch!