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Washington Cascades Trails Bike Tour

  • Snoqualmie Falls
  • Keechelus Lake
  • Riding on the trail
  • Seattle skyline with Space Needle and Mt. Rainier
  • Hiking the Summit in WA
  • Crabs at Pike Place Market
  • Green Tunnel
  • Tunnel on the trail
  • Trail with snow patches on the mountain
  • Biking on the Washington Trail
  • Totem pole Washington State
  • Snoqualmie Valley Trail
  • Mountain Views in WA
  • Hiking in WA
  • Discovery on the trail
DURATION
6 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
22-55 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
3-Intermediate
REVIEWS
STARTING FROM
$2795
SINGLES ADD FROM
$800

Trip Overview

With its amazing scenery, temperate climate, and seemingly endless miles of bike trails strung end-to-end, the Pacific Northwest is an ideal location to adventure on two wheels. On this tour, you traverse a number of well-known rails-to-trails routes on both pavement and crushed gravel. You cycle trails from many bucket lists: the Centennial, Burke-Gilman, Snoqualmie Valley, and Palouse to Cascades Trail, to name a few.

Western Washington has much to offer … with its jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks, forests and waterways. You see a sampling of just about everything on this tour. Though you begin your ride on the lush western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, you end your journey on the drier eastern side of the pass. You pedal through tiny rural communities — as well as Seattle (aka “the Emerald City”), famous for its tech companies, coffee and grunge music scene. Your ride takes you along sleepy freshwater creeks and rivers as well as the shores of salty Puget Sound. You cycle through farmlands and through forests thick with towering evergreens. Despite the mountain views you see every day of your tour, the riding is relatively easy along trails that are mostly flat in elevation but unquestionably high in enjoyment.

Itinerary

From start to finish, check out the route.

DAY 1 - Arrival Day - Centennial Trail: Arlington to Bothell
Distance: 31 or 46 miles | Terrain: Easier or Intermediate | McMenamins Anderson School
Meet ready-to-ride at 7:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott Seattle/Sea-Tac near the Seattle Tacoma International Airport. After brief introductions, shuttle to the trailhead and get fitted to your bike. Then you’re off to pedal the entire length of the Centennial Trail, built on the old Burlington-Northern railroad line. Enjoy the miles as you pass through farms, pastures, and forested watersheds. Along the route, learn about the history of the area as told via trailhead signage. At the end of the ride, explore the darling downtown of Snohomish before being shuttled to your hotel in Bothell. Those wishing for extra miles can cycle all the way to the hotel. Settle in, as you spend two nights at McMenamins Anderson School. Built in 1931, the 5-acre school served as Bothell’s first junior high. The McMenamin family acquired and converted the property to a place that makes you happy to revisit junior high. Relish a happy hour and dinner together with your new pedaling pals.
DAY 2 - Seattle to Bothell
Distance: 25, 32, 47, or 55 miles | Terrain: Easier, Intermediate, or Advanced | McMenamins Anderson School
After a tasty breakfast at McMenamins, shuttle to downtown Seattle. Pedal along Elliot Bay Trail, with its wondrous views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as the Burke-Gilman Trail, a popular multi-use recreation trail. Along the way, visit a handful of the city’s iconic tourist spots: the Olympic Sculpture Garden, the Ballard Fish Ladder and Locks, and the Fremont Troll, to name a few. Consider having lunch at the popular Agua Verde and then renting a paddleboard or kayak to explore Portage Bay and its bordering houseboats, made famous in “Sleepless in Seattle.” Additional distance options allow for cycling along the 520 and I-90 floating bridges and a loop around posh Mercer Island. All cyclists end their ride at McMenamins, where you’re on your own to explore the campus. Go for a swim in the full-size saltwater lagoon swimming pool, roam the property’s gorgeous gardens, or catch a live music event or a movie. You’re on your own for dinner tonight. Dine at one of the many on-property restaurants, or head-off campus to enjoy one of the nearby eateries.
DAY 3 - Trails from Bothell to Snoqualmie
Distance: 22 or 40 miles | Terrain: Easier or Intermediate | The Hotel America
After breakfast, head out directly from McMenamins on the Sammamish River Trail. Less than five miles into the ride, pass through Woodinville, known for its many wineries. In Redmond, consider taking a lap or two on the velodrome at Marymoor Park. Then, continue on to the East Sammamish Trail, where you encounter not only beautiful lake views, but also your first crushed limestone on the tour. End the ride in Issaquah, or if you’re wishing for more miles, pedal onward to the Hotel America in Snoqualmie, where you spend the night. In the evening, shuttle to the nearby Snoqualmie Falls, made famous by David Lynch’s 1990s “Twin Peaks” TV series. Afterward, dine together in The Attic in the impressive Salish Lodge next to the Falls.
DAY 4 - Snoqualmie to Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 36 or 38 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Hotel America
Leaving from the hotel, pick up the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. In North Bend, visit Twede’s Cafe for a slice of their famous Twin Peaks Cherry Pie. Continue on to Rattlesnake Lake, where the group meets at the Watershed Nature Center for a picnic lunch while being serenaded by the every-varying rhythms of the enchanting water drums. Be sure to take a peek across the lake at the sheer rock face up high — you hike up on those ledges in two days! From the lake, begin riding the Palouse to Cascades trail (formerly the Iron Horse/John Wayne Pioneer Trail), on which you travel for the remainder of the tour. The trail follows the historic Milwaukee Railroad that once extended 2,300 miles to Chicago. Though the trail is railroad grade, you are gently working your way up toward Snoqualmie Pass to get onto the other side of the Cascade range. As you cycle past scenic waterfalls and trestles, keep your eyes peeled for rock climbers who frequently scale the trailside granite. Near the end of today’s ride, turn on your lights before entering the 2.3-mile-long tunnel that cuts through the mountainside. Shortly after popping back into daylight, turn off to tonight’s lodging at Hotel America. You dine as a group this evening at a nearby restaurant.
DAY 5 - Snoqualmie Pass to Roslyn
Distance: 35 or 39 miles | Terrain: Easier or Intermediate | The Hotel America
After breakfast, continue along the Palouse to Cascades Trail. Early in the ride, you are greeted by the sparkly Keechelus Lake, framed by mountain peaks across the water. Meet the group at the next lake, Lake Easton, for a picnic lunch. Continuing along the trail, passing the dramatic waters of the Yakima River before entering Cle Elum. Here, pedal the final miles of the tour into adorable Roslyn. Explore the town, keeping your eyes open for scenes you may recognize from the “Northern Exposure” TV show. Have an early dinner together.
DAY 6 - Departure Day - Rattlesnake Ledge
Distance: 4-mile hike | Terrain: Intermediate
After breakfast, jump in the van and drive to Rattlesnake Lake, where you had your picnic lunch two days ago. Hike the popular trail to Rattlesnake Ledge, earning yourself views of the Cedar River Watershed and nearby Mount Si and Mount Washington. Celebrate the end of our trip with a group lunch at a brewery in Big Bend. Afterward, shuttle back to our starting point to say our mid-afternoon goodbyes — all of us changed by the sights and experiences of this week-long tour along the Washington Trails.

Map

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.

Start End Cost Availability
Jul 07, 2024 Jul 12, 2024 $2795.00 Date SOLD OUT Sold Out Sold Out
Aug 18, 2024 Aug 23, 2024 $2795.00 Date SOLD OUT Sold Out Sold Out

What’s Included

5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 2 bag lunches, and 3 dinners (you are on your own for other lunches and 2 dinners), park entrance fees. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.

Dates & Pricing

Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.

Start: Jul 07, 2024
End: Jul 12, 2024
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Date SOLD OUT
Sold Out
Start: Aug 18, 2024
End: Aug 23, 2024
Cost: $2795.00
Availability: Date SOLD OUT
Sold Out

What’s Included

5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 2 bag lunches, and 3 dinners (you are on your own for other lunches and 2 dinners), park entrance fees. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.

Inns

Where you stay along the way.

McMenamins Anderson School
Built in 1931 this former school has been completely revamped as a fantastic hotel complex. The school was designed in the art deco style and later named for the school's first Principal, Wilbert A. "Andy" Anderson. The property has unique artwork which showcases the history of the area and the fascinating people who were an integral part of it. Local artists crafted their interpretations based on historical photos and interviews from alumni, families and colorful residents.
The Hotel America
The Hotel America is right on the edge of the vibrant, verdant forest. The Snoqualmie Ridge location is the perfect basecamp from which to explore the city and the wilderness beyond it.

Guests say …

Quotes from guests about this tour:


" Love the Cascades!"
— Peggy F.

"Well organized; strong leaders; rewarding respites, excellent communication, and pleased to have been supported by a Vermont outfit."
— Mark S.

"Positive; friendly; energetic; responsive; can’t imagine better leaders!"
— Wendy A.

Gallery

Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.

Snoqualmie Falls Keechelus Lake Riding on the trail Seattle skyline with Space Needle and Mt. Rainier Hiking the Summit in WA Crabs at Pike Place Market Green Tunnel Tunnel on the trail Trail with snow patches on the mountain Biking on the Washington Trail Totem pole Washington State Snoqualmie Valley Trail Mountain Views in WA Hiking in WA Discovery on the trail