Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Coal Mines Trail

Bike touring routes & trails

Coal Mines Trail

Easy

4.5

(5713)

7,869

riders

Coal Mines Trail

Q: What is the terrain like on the Coal Mines Trail?

The trail is primarily a well-maintained, wide, crushed-gravel pathway, making it suitable for touring bikes. As a former railroad spur, it features a gentle grade and is mostly flat. While generally packed, there might be very short sections with slightly deeper, looser gravel.

Q: Is the Coal Mines Trail suitable for beginner cyclists?

Yes, the Coal Mines Trail is consistently rated as easy. Its minimal elevation gain and generally smooth, wide surface make it an excellent option for cyclists of all fitness levels, including beginners and families.

Q: What historical or scenic features can I see along the route?

The trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. You'll pass through central Washington forests and encounter visible remnants of the area's coal mining heritage, such as old slag piles and fan houses. Informational signs identify these sites. Notable highlights include the Coal Miners' Memorial and the Roslyn Urban Forest . The trail also connects to Roslyn, famous as the filming location for "Northern Exposure."

Q: When is the best time of year to cycle the Coal Mines Trail?

The trail is enjoyable for cycling through much of the year. Autumn is particularly stunning due to vibrant fall colors. It's also a multi-use trail, accommodating snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in winter, but for cycling, spring through fall offers the best conditions.

Q: Where can I park to access the Coal Mines Trail?

You can access the trail from multiple points in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald. Specific parking areas are available at trailheads in these towns, providing convenient starting points for your ride.

Q: Is the Coal Mines Trail dog-friendly?

While the trail is multi-use and generally welcoming, specific regulations regarding dogs (such as leash laws) can vary by section or local jurisdiction. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Coal Mines Trail?

Generally, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Coal Mines Trail for cycling. It's a public recreational corridor.

Q: Is the Coal Mines Trail a loop or out-and-back route?

The Coal Mines Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, stretching between Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald. You can choose to ride a section and return, or arrange for a shuttle if you plan a one-way trip.

Q: What other activities are allowed on this trail?

The Coal Mines Trail is a multi-use path accommodating various activities. Besides cycling, it's popular for hikers, runners, and horseback riders. In winter, it's also used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

Q: Are there cafes or amenities near the trail?

Yes, the trail connects directly to the charming town of Roslyn, where you can find amenities. A notable spot is the Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company , perfect for a break or refreshment.

01:09

16.7km

140m

Cycling

The Coal Mines Trail offers a delightful and easy touring bicycle experience, tracing a wide, crushed-gravel path through central Washington forests. You'll enjoy sweeping panoramic views that stretch from the Teanaway Valley to the impressive Stuart Range, with Mount Rainier often gracing the horizon on clear days. This 10.4-mile (16.7 km) route features a gentle 443 feet (135 metres) of elevation gain, making it a comfortable ride for all skill levels, typically taking around 1 hour and 8 minutes.

For the best cycling conditions, plan your visit between spring and fall. The trail is a multi-use pathway, welcoming hikers and equestrians alongside cyclists, and even transforms into a winter wonderland for snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. Access is straightforward, connecting the charming towns of Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald, with no permits or fees required.

This trail is steeped in history, following a former Northern Pacific Railroad branch line that once transported coal and passengers. Informational signs along the way highlight the area's rich coal mining heritage, including visible remnants like old slag piles. You'll also pass the Coal Miners' Memorial and the Roslyn Urban Forest, and the trail connects directly to Roslyn, famously known as a filming location for the television show "Northern Exposure."

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

2.74 km

Coal Miners' Memorial

Highlight • Monument

The Coal Miners' Memorial is a tribute to miners who lost their lives in this dangerous line of work. Below the statue are the names of the deceased listed, as well as some large-scale explosions that killed many people at once.

Tip by

3.04 km

Roslyn Urban Forest

Highlight • Forest

The Roslyn Urban Forest has a network of trail systems for various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views stretching from the Teanaway Valley to the snow-covered peaks of the Stuart Range, catching a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the south on a clear day. With a history of mining, the ruins and remnants of this past are still visible along the trails.

Tip by

8.39 km

Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company

Highlight • Cafe

Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company is a great stop not only for fresh coffee from house-roasted beans but also for treats from the bakery and a browse in the shop.

Tip by

16.7 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.0 km

2.11 km

1.18 km

383 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

12.6 km

2.11 km

1.20 km

756 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Tuesday 7 July

30°C

12°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

This route was planned by komoot.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Coal Mines Trail?

The trail is primarily a well-maintained, wide, crushed-gravel pathway, making it suitable for touring bikes. As a former railroad spur, it features a gentle grade and is mostly flat. While generally packed, there might be very short sections with slightly deeper, looser gravel.

Is the Coal Mines Trail suitable for beginner cyclists?

Yes, the Coal Mines Trail is consistently rated as easy. Its minimal elevation gain and generally smooth, wide surface make it an excellent option for cyclists of all fitness levels, including beginners and families.

What historical or scenic features can I see along the route?

The trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. You'll pass through central Washington forests and encounter visible remnants of the area's coal mining heritage, such as old slag piles and fan houses. Informational signs identify these sites. Notable highlights include the Coal Miners' Memorial and the Roslyn Urban Forest. The trail also connects to Roslyn, famous as the filming location for "Northern Exposure."

When is the best time of year to cycle the Coal Mines Trail?

The trail is enjoyable for cycling through much of the year. Autumn is particularly stunning due to vibrant fall colors. It's also a multi-use trail, accommodating snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in winter, but for cycling, spring through fall offers the best conditions.

Where can I park to access the Coal Mines Trail?

You can access the trail from multiple points in Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald. Specific parking areas are available at trailheads in these towns, providing convenient starting points for your ride.

Is the Coal Mines Trail dog-friendly?

While the trail is multi-use and generally welcoming, specific regulations regarding dogs (such as leash laws) can vary by section or local jurisdiction. It's always best to keep dogs on a leash and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Coal Mines Trail?

Generally, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the Coal Mines Trail for cycling. It's a public recreational corridor.

Is the Coal Mines Trail a loop or out-and-back route?

The Coal Mines Trail is primarily an out-and-back route, stretching between Cle Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald. You can choose to ride a section and return, or arrange for a shuttle if you plan a one-way trip.

What other activities are allowed on this trail?

The Coal Mines Trail is a multi-use path accommodating various activities. Besides cycling, it's popular for hikers, runners, and horseback riders. In winter, it's also used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.

Are there cafes or amenities near the trail?

Yes, the trail connects directly to the charming town of Roslyn, where you can find amenities. A notable spot is the Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company, perfect for a break or refreshment.

Does the Coal Mines Trail connect to other paths?

Yes, the route primarily follows the Coal Mines Trail itself, covering significant portions. It also briefly intersects with sections of Whitehead Road and the Mine Heritage Trail.