Black Diamond Bakery

The Lake Wilderness – Cedar River loop from Maple Valley offers a rich tapestry of Pacific Northwest scenery, blending lush forests, serene lakes, and the winding Cedar River. You'll navigate a diverse landscape with both paved and unpaved sections, including gravel paths and rolling hills, providing a constantly changing backdrop of conifer and deciduous trees.

This is a demanding touring cycling route, spanning 64.3 miles (103.4 km) with 2517 feet (767 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 6 hours and 47 minutes. Rated as difficult, it requires very good fitness, so plan your visit for a day when you're ready for a significant physical challenge from your starting point in Maple Valley.

Much of this loop, including the Cedar River Trail and parts of the Green-to-Cedar Rivers Trail, utilizes former railroad lines, transforming them into scenic pathways that connect urban and rural areas. This rail-trail conversion offers a unique historical context to your ride, making it a highly rated and notable route within the King County cycling community.

The Cedar River Pipeline Road – Lake Wilderness loop from Tahoma High School offers a delightful touring cycling experience, weaving through wooded river valleys and past the tranquil Lake Wilderness. You'll encounter a diverse landscape, from paved paths following the historic railroad grade to a 3-mile dirt and gravel section on the Cedar River Pipeline Road, providing a varied and engaging ride. Keep an eye out for the Cedar River itself, which offers scenic views and the chance to observe salmon during their migration season.

This moderate 30.0-mile (48.3 km) cycling route, with 1300 feet (396 metres) of elevation gain, is a great option for those seeking a ride that combines natural beauty with a bit of a challenge. Expect to spend around 3 hours and 5 minutes on the trail. Starting from Tahoma High School, it's a convenient loop that requires a touring bicycle capable of handling both smooth asphalt and unpaved sections.

One of the highlights of this route is the opportunity to witness Chinook, Coho, and Sockeye salmon in the Cedar River during the fall spawning season, a truly unique natural spectacle. The trail also passes by the 117-acre Lake Wilderness Park, offering a chance to explore its arboretum or enjoy lakeside views. This combination of riverside wildlife, historic trail segments, and a beautiful lake makes it a notable cycling route in the Maple Valley area.