Explore the Greenway Trips

Need more information? Send an email to Jamie Chen.

What are the Explore the Greenway Trips?

These specially designed trips were created to highlight the rich history, ecology, and recreational opportunities in the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. These trips blend outdoor recreation and on-the-ground education with an incredible opportunity to meet and form community with other Greenway residents and passionate supporters of this region.

Back to top

What is the Mountains to Sound Greenway?

The Mountains to Sound Greenway, a newly designated National Heritage Area, stretches over 100 miles along Interstate 90 from the shores of Puget Sound in Seattle, over Snoqualmie Pass and into Central Washington. The Greenway encompasses protected and working forests, farms, historic sites, lakes, campgrounds, rivers, trails, wildlife habitat and vibrant communities.

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is the nonprofit organization based in Seattle that helped to protect these lands and preserve them for public benefit. The Greenway Trust leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance the landscape from Seattle across the Cascade Mountains to Central Washington, ensuring a long term balance between people and nature.

Back to top

How difficult are the trips?

Trips range from moderate to moderately strenuous, mostly because of the distance of each hike or bike ride.  See trip pages for specifics about each.

For all trips, participants should be able to hike or bike the total distance, while carrying a daypack full of water, snacks, and the “10 Essentials.” We always encourage participants to travel at their own pace; with so many participants at each event, there will be plenty of “hares” and plenty of “tortoises”. If you feel comfortable that you can finish this hike or bike ride at your own pace, you should be fine.

All participants should be in good physical condition and accustomed to hiking and/or biking. If you are unsure if these trips match your current skill or ability level, please feel free to send us an email with any questions you have.

Back to top

Are youth allowed on the trips?

Yes! Our recommended minimum age is 12 years old. They should be able to finish the hike or bike under their own power, carrying a daypack with water, food, and other “10 Essentials.” 

All youth under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

Exceptions for Hike and Bike Trips

If you are considering bringing a youth who is younger than 12 years old, we recommend that you take them out for a similar activity and assess their interest and abilities before signing up for trips. Some children younger than 12 have proven experience successfully completing long, strenuous trips like these. Or are young enough to be carried in a tow-behind-bike carrier or on your back. In these cases, if you think your child will be able to complete the trip you may register them, but please add a short note on the registration form with details about their experience or send us an email.

Exceptions for Float Trips

Children must be able to swim and paddle in order to attend this trip – the Upper Yakima Canyon is the fastest-flowing stretch of the Yakima River, so we do not advise bringing small children who may be upset or frightened by a fast paced, bumpy float. Our recommended age is 12 years old, but we recognize that some children may be more experienced on the water and are tall enough to paddle effectively. In these cases, if you think your child will be able to complete the trip you may register them, but please add a short note on the registration form with details about their experience, or send us an email.

Back to top

What does the payment cover?

Each trip has a fee to participate unless otherwise stated. These costs pay for expenses to run the trip, such as shuttle service (if applicable), trip vendor costs, snacks/food, etc.

Please note that these fees are NOT tax-deductible donations, as they are paying for a service. To make a tax-deductible donation to the Greenway Trust, please visit our online donation form or mail in a donation.

Back to top

Are there financial scholarships available?

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is dedicated to providing an affordable, high quality outdoor experience for as many people as possible. We are offering a limited number of financial scholarships for those who demonstrate financial need and/or extenuating circumstances, especially youth. Complete this form to apply for a financial scholarship. If you don’t hear back from us, contact us for more information.

Back to top

How do I pay?

Once you register you will be directed to the payment webpage. If you have any questions or need the payment link again, please email Jamie Chen.

Payments need to be submitted within two weeks of registration in order to secure your spot. If it is less than 2 weeks before the trip when you register, please submit your payment as soon as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Back to top

I have now registered and paid. When will I get additional details about the trips?

We will be emailing you the trip details about a month before each trip (or within 2 business days if you register after that). This will include a suggested packing list, link to liability waiver, driving directions, and what to expect.

Back to top

What if I need to cancel?

If you are no longer able to participate, please let us know as soon as possible by emailing us.

Refund Policy: Explore the Greenway Trips

  • A full refund will be given if you withdraw at least 21 days prior to the trip date.
  • A half refund will be given if you withdraw 10 days prior to the trip date.
  • No refund will be given if you withdraw within 10 days of the trip date.

Back to top

What do I bring?

A full list of items to bring will be emailed to you prior to the event. You can also find this information on the trip details page. We recommend you wear weather-appropriate clothing (as well as extra layers in case the weather changes) and comfortable, sturdy hiking or biking shoes. If you have new boots, please break them in before the trip to minimize the chance of blisters or discomfort. You also need to bring a backpack with food, water, extra layers, and the “10 Essentials.”

Bike trip participants will also need a bike and helmet.

Float trip participants will need to bring a swimsuit, sun hat, sunglasses, shorts, and shoes that strap to your feet, such as old tennis shoes, water socks, or sandals. Please check the weather forecast beforehand and, if temperatures are predicted to drop, do not wear cotton clothing; the cotton will remain cold, and chill you.

All participants must also complete and sign a liability waiver, available online prior to the event. The link will be emailed to you.

Back to top

What if I don’t have a bike?

You can borrow from a friend or rent a bicycle from Compass Outdoor Adventures for the Snoqualmie Tunnel Ride by completing this form.

Back to top

What if I don’t have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)?

PFDs will be provided on the float trip. If you have your own, you are welcome to bring it, but are responsible for making sure it goes home with you.

Back to top

What happens if the weather is bad?

Events will run rain or shine. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and anything else you need to stay comfortable. In the case of extreme weather or wildfire smoke, we will contact all participants in the event of a cancellation.

Back to top

Can I bring my dog or other pet?

No. Sorry, but we must keep this a people-only event. No pets will be allowed other than service animals.

Back to top

What happens if I get a blister or get hurt during the event?

We will have staff and volunteers trained in CPR and First Aid, ready to deal with blisters and other injuries. They will be identified as first aid leaders at the beginning of the event and will be hiking/biking along with the group during the trip.

Back to top