The best cycling routes in Olallie State Park
4.3
(21)
376
riders
23
rides
Touring cycling in Olallie State Park, situated on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, offers routes through diverse landscapes. The park is characterized by lush old-growth forests, the South Fork Snoqualmie River, and dramatic cliffs. Cyclists can navigate varied terrain, from mostly paved surfaces to unpaved segments with significant elevation gain. The area also features several waterfalls and provides views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley.
Best touring cycling routes in Olallie State Park
- The most popular touring cycling route…
Last updated: May 1, 2026
5.0
(2)
51
riders
58.6km
05:01
780m
780m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
33
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
9.47km
00:50
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
17.7km
01:50
320m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
110
riders
67.2km
06:36
750m
750m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Alice Creek Campground is right at the trailhead for the CDT. It’s free, first-come-first-served, with basic sites, a vault toilet, and access to some great hiking or riding. Bring bear spray and be prepare for the gravel road.
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The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is a long gravel route across Washington, great for bikepacking or long rides. The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a must—dark, damp, and fun (bring lights). Expect wind and remote stretches, so pack water and gear. Riding over trestles and through changing landscapes keeps things interesting the whole way.
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The Hall Creek Trestle is a historic steel and timber railway bridge built in 1912. It was once the old Milwaukee Road until, in 1988, a storm washed away a central 171-foot section of the bridge. In the 1990s, Washington State Parks restored the trestle, reconnecting the east and west segments of the former rail line, which is now part of the Palouse to Cascades (Iron Horse) Trail. The views down into Hall Creek Valley are genuinely stunning and worth the ride!
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Great views from here. And... the middle of the trestle is different than either end because it had collapsed and was rebuilt in the late 90's
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It's much longer than that. This is my favorite long distance bike trail in Washington, almost 290 miles. You can start at Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend and ride all the way to Idaho - or vice versa. Most of the trail is still on the old railroad bed (with a few detours), so it's beautiful and remote. Make sure you check the Washington State Parks website for maps, directions, advice and to register to go on the trail. It's free but mandatory if you are going east of the Columbia River. And... it's a bucket list item.
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I love that huge rocky boulder field to the West side. Covered in green moss, especially in the Spring. You don't see it going up, but you really do see it coming down!
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This is a bucket list item and crowning point for a daytrip up and back from Rattlesnake Lake. The 18-mile ride up to the Pass is relatively easy railroad grade and doable, even if you don't think you can get up here. But the highlight is then going through the tunnel to a completely different world on the other side. Definitely bring a jacket (it's maybe 45 degrees in there?) and absolutely deck your bike in the brightest lights you can find. The drip, drip, drip of water and murmurs of other people will follow you throughout the 2.3 mile tunnel. There is a very nice rest area in Hyak on the East side of the tunnel - lots of water, a bike repair stand and tools, and a nice spot for a picnic before you turn around and zoom down the trail in a third of the time it took to come up. Or you can continue on to the East if you want!
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Near the Alice Creek Campground, the terrain looks a lot like J.R.R.Tolkien's Middle Earth. Second breakfast, anyone?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Olallie State Park?
Olallie State Park offers nearly 30 touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 12 easy routes, 9 moderate routes, and 5 more challenging options.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. One popular option is the Cedar Falls loop from Wilderness Rim, a 5.9-mile trail that takes about 49 minutes to complete and leads through forested areas.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Olallie State Park?
The routes in Olallie State Park feature diverse terrain. You'll encounter a mix of mostly paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels, as well as unpaved segments with significant elevation gain that require good to very good fitness. The park is known for its lush old-growth forests, the South Fork Snoqualmie River, and dramatic cliffs.
Are there any routes that include the famous Snoqualmie Tunnel?
Yes, several routes connect to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail and feature the historic Snoqualmie Tunnel. A notable option is the Hall Creek Trestle – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Wilderness Rim, a challenging 37.9-mile ride. Another is the Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Olallie State Park Far Side Trailhead, a difficult 28.5-mile path. Remember to bring lights for the tunnel as it can be dark and damp.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while cycling in Olallie State Park?
Olallie State Park is a 'waterfall corridor' with five notable waterfalls, including the majestic Twin Falls. You can also enjoy views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. Specific highlights along or near routes include Cedar Butte peak, the Olallie Trail, and Christmas Lake.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the park?
Yes, many routes in Olallie State Park are designed as loops. For instance, the Change Creek Trestle – Hall Creek Trestle loop from Wilderness Rim offers a moderate 17.7-mile ride, and the Cedar Falls loop from Wilderness Rim is an easy 5.9-mile option.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Olallie State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 27 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from lush old-growth forests to dramatic cliffs, and the engaging experience of routes like those connecting to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
Is there a long-distance touring cycling trail that passes through or near Olallie State Park?
Yes, the park is connected to the extensive Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, also known as the John Wayne Pioneer Trail or Iron Horse Trail. This long gravel route is ideal for bikepacking and extended rides, offering diverse scenery as it crosses Washington state.
What are the best times of year to go touring cycling in Olallie State Park?
While specific seasonal recommendations for touring cycling aren't detailed, the region's location on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains suggests that spring through fall generally offer the most favorable conditions. Winter cycling might be possible but could involve colder temperatures and potential snow or ice, especially on higher elevation or unpaved sections.
Are there any permits required for biking in Olallie State Park?
For information regarding permits or passes required for accessing Olallie State Park, such as the Discover Pass, it's best to consult the official Washington State Parks website: parks.wa.gov.
Are there any routes with significant elevation gain for experienced touring cyclists?
Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are routes with significant elevation gain. The Hall Creek Trestle – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Wilderness Rim, for example, features over 800 meters of elevation gain, making it a difficult and rewarding ride.
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