Palouse to Cascades Trail

When the most recent Puyallup Cyclopaths ride was cancelled an opportunity was created. Adam and I had planned to attend the Cyclopath road ride. We pivotted quickly to fill the day by returning to the Palouse to Cascades Trail for some smooth gravel adventuring. Patrick, a fellow cyclocross and gravel racer, joined us. 

Two cyclists on the Palouse to Cascades Trail
Adam and Patrick were looking cool for the camera as we took in the views from one of the elevated trestles. When the builders converted these trestles from rail to trail they kindly installed guard rails for the pedestrians and nice gravel for the cyclists.

Gravel bicycle on trestle that is part of the Palouse to Cascades Trail
Patrick disappeared into the distance as my camera took the time to capture one more frame. These trestles provided the most spectacular views from the trail as it passes between the Western terminus and Snoqualmie Pass.


Adam and his bicycle prepare to enter the tunnel
Twenty seven miles from the start and the tunnel was in sight. Adam was caught 'gearing up' for the two mile cave sector with an extra layer and a mouthfull of nutrition. The tunnel was cold and dark just as we expected and we were prepared with an extra layer of clothing and our brightest lights. For added spookiness there was a noticeable tail wind which elevated our speed and made the ride eerily quiet.

Keechelus Lake as seen from Palouse to Cascades Trail
Snow stopped our progress just East of Hyak but not before we caught sight of Keechelus Lake. Our previous trip included a private helicopter landing on a rock outcropping just off shore. No such luck this time. 
Looking West from inside the P2C tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass
The cold air blowing out of the East end of the tunnel was felt hundreds of meters before the entrance. We pedalled through with just a few interuptions. My Garmin continually reported that we were 'off course' and Adam continually joked that we missed a turn. I stopped just short of the tunnel exit and snapped a photo just as Adam and Patrick had returned to the warm sunshine of Western Washington.


We finished our ride before noon with 62 miles of perfect gravel having passed under our tires. We enjoyed this ride on the Palouse to Cascades Trail more than the first and plan to be back again this Summer.

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