Riding a rail trail

By Dylan Weldin

Tires inflated, brakes checked and daypack loaded for our bike trip at Snoqualmie Pass. Cool air beckoned us into the depths as we flicked on our headlamps and pushed into the darkness. The echoing whoops and hollers of other travelers reverberated off the concrete lining of the walls of Snoqualmie Tunnel.

In 1914, Milwaukee Road railroad engineers blasted their way through the rhyolite stone that forms the summits of the Snoqualmie Pass ski area and holds up the tread of the Pacific Crest Trail. After 70 years of train traffic, the line was suspended and quiet returned to the region as the echoes of the conductor’s whistles faded from memory.

From train to trail

Today, the rail grade remains and serves as a phenomenal recreation destination as part of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, treating cyclists and hikers to miles of reasonable grades, spectacular trestle bridges and the rush of mountain streams making their way from snowcapped peaks west into Puget Sound.

Washington State acquired the land of the railroad corridor after the 1977 bankruptcy of the railroad and went to work converting the surface from rail line to recreation wonderland. Cross-country skiers flock to the gentle grades and sweeping views in the winter months, and the summer supports overnight camping at primitive sites best accessed by bicycle.

Emerging to the beauty

After over two miles of steady pedaling underground in the tunnel, the chill of the darkness gave way to the smell of Douglas firs and the blooms of purple foxglove and fireweed as we emerged. The breeze set the treetops dancing, and we stopped to shed layers (it’s brisk underground!), have a snack and take photos of the terminus of the tunnel.

It was time to descend —16 miles of gravel doubletrack awaited and we rode side by side, enjoying conversation among friends with the wind in our faces as we cruised down the old rail line.

A climber’s delight

A unique geologic divide presents itself as sedimentary rock, then basalt, then rhyolite gives way to a layer called granodiorite (for rock climbers, this is exciting!). The pockets, edges, ledges and more made for a perfect venue to set our bikes aside and explore the vertical world adjacent to the path.

Beginners welcome to join

The I-90 corridor can be more than just Sunday traffic and snow sports — join our Outdoor Recreation program for a memorable adventure on our cycling and rock-climbing trip Saturday, Sept. 25. Regardless of your previous experience, our trained climbing instructors will lead the group on a true multisport adventure at Snoqualmie Pass.

Those interested in exclusively cycling can enjoy additional trail time while the rest of the group is rock climbing.

Youth ages 14 and older are welcome with a parent or guardian supervision. The cost is $55, which includes cycling and climbing equipment and transportation. Bring food and water in a daypack. If you wish to bring your own bike or climbing gear, you can.

To sign up for this and other trips, visit JBLMmwrRegistration.com.