Thank you for joining us for the upcoming Snoqualmie Tunnel Bike Ride event on August 5, 2023. Please be sure to review all of the information below to ensure you come prepared for a fun, safe experience.
Don’t Forget to Complete Your Waiver
If you haven’t done so already, please fill out the online waiver as soon as possible after registering, and by no later than noon on Friday, August 4. You can find the waiver in your confirmation email. Please contact us if you are having issues finding or completing the waiver.
Please ensure you complete all of the steps, which includes verifying your e-signature via email. You do not need to bring a copy of the waiver to the event unless you complete it after noon on August 4. We will have paper copies available in the morning if you aren’t able to complete the online waiver or run into any issues.
When and Where to Meet
Participants will meet and park at South Fork in North Bend (14303 436th Ave SE, North Bend, WA 98045). Carpooling to South Fork is highly encouraged and bicycle parking is available. Keep an eye out for signage and staff members assisting with parking.
Please arrive at South Fork between 8-8:15 a.m. Welcome remarks will begin at 9 and the shuttle buses will leave at 9:15 a.m. Make sure to leave enough time to find parking, get signed in, complete your waiver if necessary, and get your bike loaded. Come early for some morning snacks and coffee!
From South Fork, participants will ride a shuttle up to the Hyak entrance to the Snoqualmie Tunnel and then bike the 27 miles back to your car and post-event celebration.
What to Wear and Bring
Come prepared to spend time outside and have fun! Pay special attention to the packing list below. Even if it is nice where you live, the weather can be very different at our trip location.
Participants should wear:
- Comfortable biking clothes
- Make sure to break in new shoes ahead of time to help avoid blisters
Participants should bring:
- Bike – We highly recommend mountain bikes. Hybrid bikes are okay for experienced riders only. No road bikes permitted for safety reasons. If you would like to rent an e-bike for $50, please contact Compass Outdoor Adventures here. If you would like to request financial assistance to cover your bike rental, please complete this form and specify what you are requesting and a member of the Greenway Trust team will be in touch to arrange your rental.
- Helmet
- Strong headlamp and/or bike light – The tunnel is unlit and will be completely dark!
- Extra clothing – You may want to bundle up for the tunnel, where it is typically 40 degrees Fahrenheit inside
- At least two liters of water per person
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Snacks (lunch is provided)
- The “10 Essentials”
- Day pack to carry everything
What to Expect
The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust hosts several Explore the Greenway Trips every year to highlight the incredible treasures found in our region. On August 5, we will be biking 27 miles on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (formerly known as the John Wayne Pioneer Trail) and Snoqualmie Valley Trail, beginning at Snoqualmie Pass and ending at South Fork. The trip includes a journey through the 2-mile-long historic Snoqualmie Tunnel and spectacular views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
Since it is a one-way trip, we are providing a morning shuttle service. We’ll meet at South Fork (also our end destination for the day), and you’ll leave your car there. You (and your bike) will take one of our shuttle buses up to the beginning of the tunnel.
Once up at Snoqualmie Pass, we’ll head through the tunnel and bike back down to South Fork. There will be numerous spots along the way to stop, enjoy the views, and ask Greenway leaders questions about the local history, recreation, and ecology of the areas you are biking by. You will arrive back to South Fork in early afternoon, depending on your biking pace. We’ll have a taco bar waiting for you (from 1-3 p.m.) so you can hang out for a bit longer and enjoy the company of your fellow bikers!
Safety
We want everyone to enjoy a fun and safe experience on this bike ride. Please review these safety recommendations so you can “bike smart.”
- Bike at a responsible speed for this gravel trail – Do not race, both for your safety and those around you
- Be respectful of other trail users, including cyclists, hikers, and horse riders – not everyone goes at the same pace
- If you need to pass someone, give them plenty of warning (use your voice or a bell) and give them lots of space as you pass
- If there are horses, ask the rider if it is okay to pass before doing so
- Before entering the tunnel, turn on your headlamp/bike light and remove sunglasses
- Enter the tunnel in small groups and go slow – Give your eyes enough time to get used to the darkness and to get a feel for your position on the trail
- Avoid biking too close to the walls of the tunnel – Loose gravel accumulates there and might catch your tires
- Travel only in small groups in the tunnel – If you find yourself too close to other trail users, either pass them or back off a bit to give more space between your groups
Weather
The Snoqualmie Tunnel Bike Ride will happen 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.
Financial Assistance
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.
Would you like to donate to help offset costs for youth and other participants with financial need? Make a gift here.
About The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area
The Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area is a unique geographic corridor made up of connected ecosystems and communities spanning 1.5 million acres from Seattle to Ellensburg along Interstate-90 in Washington state. The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is a coalition-based organization that leads and inspires action to conserve and enhance this special landscape, ensuring a long-term balance between people and nature.
Looking for other ways to get involved in the Greenway NHA? Learn more here!
Additional Questions?
View our Explore the Greenway FAQs here.
If you have additional questions leading up to the event, please contact admin@mtsgreenway.org. If you have issues or get lost on event day, please contact Tor Bell at tor.bell@mtsgreenway.org or 206-849-4331 or Katie Egresi at katie.egresi@mtsgreenway.com or 206-678-2183.