Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail - Bikepacking - Day One - Seattle to North Bend, Washington

Bikepacking the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (also known as the John Wayne Pioneer Trail) in Washington State, USA. I started in Seattle, Washington on this Day One of Six (Day 1 of 6). On Day One, I am traveling from Seattle, WA to North Bend, WA. Starting Day Two, I'll be on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE on your epic trip, be sure to register with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. You will need the Gate Codes east of the Columbia River:
parks.wa.gov/p...
My Bike: Salsa Mukluk Fat Tire Bike.
Day 1 (THIS VIDEO): Seattle to North Bend, Washington - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Day 2: North Bend to Cle Elum, Washington - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Day 3: Cle Elum to the Columbia River / Wanapum State Park Campground - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St... .
Day 4: Wanapum State Park Campground to Othello, Washington - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Day 5: Othello, Washington to Ralston, Washington - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Day 6 - Part 1: Ralston, Washington to Malden, WA - Watch it here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Day 6 - Part 2: From Malden, WA to Plummer, Idaho - Watch it Here: • Palouse to Cascades St...
Subscribe for updates.
Key Words: Bikepacking Bike Packing Camping Bicycle Touring Tour Seattle
Washington

[@Kevenruf]

Very well done. You managed to document all my favorite construction stretches coming from west seattle.

[@derekzimmer6335]

Thank you. This section of the trail would not be my thrill. Accordingly, I am certainly glad to learn it through your experience. Looking forward to watching your next videos.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Before heading out, I had told folks I was ridding the Palouse to Cascades Trail. I got a lot of “what’s?” Then I decided to tell them I am riding from Seattle to Idaho. Then I got a lot of “oh’s!” It wasn’t part of the official trail and mostly pavement…but interesting nonetheless. I hope you enjoy the next videos. Been working on a few more from this past summer and fall.

[@MetalTeamster]

Great vid , I may be on this. Around 19:30 or so is a very historical significant area. The event took place in 1974

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Tell me more.

[@MetalTeamster]

@@gravelgrindingboyswell, it's very very sad, the trail right through there was where Ted Bundy dumped two of his victims on Jul 14th, 1974. That was a access road to the westbound lanes of I 90 which were under construction at the time. The eastbound lanes were the original I 90 built a decade before. I wasn't sure I should even mention it, but that is the sad truth

[@ShardstapoRotmg]

Ayyyyye nice vid, i think you rode right by where I work lol

[@blubaughmr]

At UW there is a hidden left turn that takes you across the busy street by the light rail station, then you cross the drawbridge on the east side and avoid that weird intersection that has been under construction for about five years. I've done from Puget Sound to a few miles east of Snoqualmie Pass, except for the Issaquah to Rattlesnake Lake part. Most of my missing section looks nice. I need to ride that now. This looks like a great adventure!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

It was a good adventure. I enjoyed the ride through Seattle very much! It’s so strange (good strange) how I moved from big city to complete nature all in the same ride. Very nice.

[@terrybriscoe117]

Thanks for the excellent video. I'm thinking about the Cascade Palouse Trail myself and this is so helpful in making it seem possible. Like others, would love the rwgps route. Look forward to future videos. Best of luck to you!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I need to figure out how to share the GPX file. There’s a bit of backtracking but a GPX file would give you the general overview. I like Ride With GPS. I’m going to figure this out.

[@GeorgyGobozov]

Such a nice video! I enjoyed watching it. Next time you in Seattle instead of going through West Seattle take Alki beach trail, the city view is amazing! Another great bike section starts at Olympic Sculpture park and follows to the Interbay. Also if you go Preston - Fall city road you can get to Snoqualmie from the other side and pass near famous Snoqualmie falls. Good luck!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

This is great information and advice. Screen captured and saved! Planning another trip already for next year!

[@Jeremy20537]

Seattlite here -- bummer you missed your start location, but if it makes you feel better, you dodged a pretty gnarly climb from the beach at West Point Lighthouse. Some Seattle grades are no joke!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

This!! Yes. I do appreciate “missing” a good climb.

[@Daniel-qc9vf]

Very interesting. I too have biked most of the John Wayne trail. I recognized several places on your video. Look forward to seeing the next video when you’re on the actual trail.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Excellent! As a matter of fact, Day 2 (First day on the trail) is being published today (July 27, 2024). Hope you enjoy.

[@Fastcar5000]

I lived in West Seattle and you went the hardest way possible to get to the low bridge! You could have followed the water the other direction and had a flat, easy, beautiful ride. You earned the first few miles for sure.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Leave it to me to do it the hard way. 😃. All the comments have been so helpful and full of suggestions to try different routes through Seattle. I’m just going to need a do-over! 😅. Next time I’m bringing the son and…well…truth be known he does directions better (like his mamma).

[@Fastcar5000]

@@gravelgrindingboys All joking aside, well done bud!

[@tokyotessie]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing! and, once you got to the Fremont Bridge, you could’ve stayed on the Burke-Gilman trail and rode over the top of Lake Washington and would have seamlessly transitioned onto the Lake Sammamish Trail! You certainly did a lot of zigzagging through Seattle, but on the plus side, you got to see a lot of the city.

[@kathardt-holoch4361]

Great video, looking forward to the rest of the series! I disagree with the critical comment on the music. I thought it was a good choice.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Day 2 in the works. Day 2 had so much to see. Some of the other days when in the high desert are likely going to be shorter videos. Hope to have day 2 out this week (July 2024)

[@gabehunt2000]

Really enjoyed this video, gained a subscriber from me, this channel deserves more

[@gravelgrindingboys]

@@gabehunt2000 - you motivate me friend! I appreciate that for sure!!

[@pnw_one_love]

PNW Love!!! 🌲💚🌎Thanks for sharing!!!

[@markday1714]

great content ! thanks

[@canica99]

This is a really nice video...great job on the navigation and the takes. Thanks for filming it and your editing..great stuff.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

@@canica99 - thank you for the comment and motivation!

[@True_BabaYaga]

Great video! Will continue watching. I am local to WA and made part of the trail to Cle Elum multiple times. Just to note that there is a better way of getting from Seattle to Issaquah: Burke-Gilman trail and then Sammamish River trail. Might be a bit longer than your path, but no sharing lanes with the traffic and much more scenic.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I’m all for longer if it saves me hills, wind, and car traffic. LOL! I’m making notes for next year. Posting these videos has been more educational and enjoyable than the folks I made them for. I appreciate you!!

[@modeamity]

I did my overnight bike packing from the Hayek Tunnel and ended at Rattlesnake lake. I had 3 batteries and a 300w solar system with me, but I ended up using about 1 battery, since I was mostly heading down the mountain. I spent the night at Alice Creek. I like that spot.

[@johnmca5643]

I live in West Seattle...your start location. Fun to see my home.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I agree...I've seen videos with my familiar locations too. Cool and kinda weird at the same time. I'll be back over there next spring (and hope I don't get lost again).

[@perpetualwanderlust8491]

That beer at the end looked good

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I was a bit hard pressed to find many one-at-a-time selections. But the Voodoo Rangers often come in ones and are rather tasty.

[@RhombusLabs]

I'm a Seattle local and have a Seattle->Ellensburg ride in my future. I'm looking forward to seeing the next part of this series.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Beautiful area for sure. Day 2 will be out soon (as of July 2024). You’re going to really enjoy that trail.

[@adamvancleave8961]

Great video, thanks for showing us that area of the US...:) FYI your back tire is on backwards, might wanna check that out...:)

[@gravelgrindingboys]

😂 I’ve been told that…but…yes and no. First…and foremost… this is a preference and not a declaration of me being right. Goodness knows I ain’t always right…no where near. Granted there was zero chance that I’d find snow along this visit to this trail. But I do tend to run by back tire “backwards” for more bite in the snow. There may not have been any snow out there on this trip but there were areas of pretty deep sand and gravel. The sand was minimal considering the length of the trail but some of it was deep (and sure didn’t feel minimal at the time). Figured I just leave my fat tire rear tire as-was…plus them boogers are hard to set to the rim once that seal is broken (running tubeless). So…yes…you’re right. It’s bass-ackwards fer’ sure. Maybe it does resist my roll a bit…but that only makes me stronger…and maybe why that gravel bike (with the tires on right) feels so much faster after a week on that fat tire.

[@sagesteppe9090]

Well made I’m familiar with

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Thanks friend!!

[@swnorcraft7971]

A video rundown of your bike and your gear would be nice. Us bikepackers like to know what our comrades in other parts of the country are rockin'. Absolutely beautiful scenery. I don't imagine you have to carry much water with you, just a liter or two and a filter? I live in the desert and water is much of the weight of a loaded bike pack rig. Thanks for sharing.......and making me jealous! Be well.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I need to do a video rundown of what I pack. I think I did a little bit of it on subsequent days. Those videos will be out soon with day two being out hopefully this weekend (last weekend of July 2024). I carried with me about 4 L total. Half of that frame bag as a 3 L water bladder in there. And I kept a liter in one of my snack bags. I do pack enough gear for a pretty comfortable existence after the days ride. That is considering I’m only carrying a day or two of food. More than a day or two of food I will need bigger panniers. I do enjoy a nice meal at the end of a days ride. I appreciate your comment! And I should, give a rundown of my gear. I just figured no one was really interested being that there was so many other folks showing off their goods. But then again again I like watching those videos too.

[@sdrx902]

great video! i noticed as you were descending into redmond, you could see the nearly-finished link light rail downtown redmond extension tracks across the freeway! super cool, so excited. currently the 2 line stops at the microsoft campus, where that giant pedestrian bridge with the canopy was

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I’ve been meaning to find out more about that pedestrian bridge. It was very interesting to see. Gotta put that on my to-do list and my go-back-and-see-it-again list.

[@drogers5511]

I enjoyed this journey. As an item on my wishlist for the next video would be a map of your ground track. As a (novice) bike trekker, I'd like to be able to follow in your tire tracks. I did try to take notes, :-)

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I need to figure out how to share the GPX file. There’s a bit of backtracking but a GPX file would give you the general overview. I like Ride With GPS. I’m going to figure this out.

[@jwfriar]

Ah! The “strange intersection”. I took that 1 time before realizing it’s easiest to take the Burke onto the UW “mall” and then across to the east side of Montlake Blvd and then turn left toward the 520 bridge. I got yelled at too! Fun watching someone else navigating the same route I’ve done 1,000 times

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I imagine it would be neat to see “home” on You Tube 😂. I’m taking notes. Already planning my next visit.

[@Daniel-qc9vf]

I seem to recall biking down the same steep hill.

[@FreedomfixerFlying]

As a transplant many years ago I appreciate that our location names are hard to pronounce. Alki is pronounced with an "eye" sound at the end. Thanks for taking us along. I'll be looking forward to the next adventure. How are you only at 800 subs???

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Your comment motivates me!! I just hit 1000…and feel proud. I’d love to have 10,000! - Those names…I struggled for sure!!

[@FreedomfixerFlying]

@@gravelgrindingboys congratulations on 1k. Yeah the best way to pronounce these places is two and three letters at a time. Try Mukilteo (Muk-il-teo!) Props for catching Sammamish, it's a mouth full. Even I mess them up. I goofed Nehalem Bay recently (Na-hay-lem)

[@Maltby_Man]

I am working on human powered routes project and It is always great to see how people route. I am intrigued why you did not use more of the Great American Rail Trail? What did you think of the currently placed bike route signs in the region? Here are some other notes: 1. The Alki Trail would have been flat from Alki to the West Seattle Bridge Trail 2. the Great American Rail Trail goes from Coleman Dock in downtown Seattle and is all on rail trail or near by to a railroad all the way to your destination at Northbend. 3. 7:30 I see you missed the turn onto the Fremont bridge clearly a place where better signage is needed. 4. 9:16 there is a little green sign that directs you left through the crosswalk to the 520 trail in this next intersection. It is easy to miss. At 9:18 Google routed you like a car, there is a left turn lane there but no crosswalk. There is a one way street leaving from that intersection in both east and west directions, hence the lack of a street light. 5. 10:40 the party boat is the HIYU "Hi-U" and its a retired Washington State Ferry. 6. At 17:51 you leave the rail grade and rejoin it at 19:07 Before the interstate was put in the railroad weaved around in that valley a bit more. 7. from 22:42 to 26:50 this whole section is problematic. I am not surprised you got lost here. There are two missing bridges in this section. 8. 26:50 is the Snoqualmie Ridge Trail. 9. 27:12 is the Centennial Trail (Snoqualmie). This is the continuation of the rail grade from the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail, Issaquah-Preston Trail, and the East Lake Sammamish Trail. Thanks for a great perspective. Always great to see where there are still routing problems. Looking forward to seeing more of your perspective.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Excellent information. I appreciate the corrections (and I am certain other viewers do as well). Yes! Thank you. - I am using Koomot. It’s my go-to. I did try Ride With GPS (and still use it). - again: thank you.

[@raymarks7430]

Hi Nat. I’m considering going up in a couple weeks to ride the rails to trails west to east. I have their TrailLink app. Are you familiar with it? Anyway, I’d really like your help/input. Is there a ridewithgps GPX or route also that might help ? Obviously when things go sideways we all fall back on Google , etc and tho we might mark it as “bike” it can route us into some dangerous roads. I’m somewhat familiar with bikepacking / apps having ridden the first three sections of the GDMBR last month. Also fyi I’d be flying in. If you have a good idea on how I can put my bike together , and ride out to the great American rail trail pls don’t hesitate to let me know. Or shuttle etc -)

[@Maltby_Man]

@@raymarks7430 Looks like KZbin ate my response. There is two bike repair stations at the Airport baggage claim one near door 4 and one between carousels 12 and 13 away from the doors. These may be marked with bike parking as they also have that there. The best way to Seattle is with Light-Rail use the sky bridge 5 or 6 and then there is a short walk to the station through the parking garage.

[@Maltby_Man]

​@@raymarks7430 To bike from the Airport is a great thought that I have not explored until now. There are only really two way to walk into SeaTac Airport either through the south entrance (S 182nd Street) or through the light-rail station. They both connect to International Boulevard which is not a great street to bike on. From either point, go North to South 170th Street take a left here, Right on Air Cargo Road. Which has been a little better to ride on. This connects with the Lake to Sound Trail at South 154th Street. OR From either point, go South to South 188th Street Cross the street and ride the sidewalk under the runway. Turn left on Des Moines Memorial Drive South past the parking lot will be the Lake to Sound Trail. You can follow this north on the west side of the airport. I am not so sure how well marked this route is. Route markings has been part of my research. I would suggest the first option.

[@Maltby_Man]

From here Either take the Lake to Sound Trail to the Westside Trail on the west side of the airport or go east to the green river trail or the Lake Washington Loop Route. I can almost guarantee these are not well marked. The westside trail is along the Des Moines Memorial Drive South and some of the time on it. This will end up intersecting with the Duwamish Route eventually dumping you out along West Marginal Way to the west Seattle bridge. There are some great cycle tracks there. If you take the Green river trail you will end up on this route as well. To take the Lake Washington Loop Route continue through the Lake to Sound Trail which uses parts of the Green River Trail to connect. this will dump you out in the Black River area of Renton where you will have to navigate to Rainier Avenue and go north. Once you hit the Seattle city line this route is well marked. Hit South Day Street just before or under the I-90 interstate for the connector to the I90 Trail. This will take you into downtown Seattle.

[@ArtanisKizrath]

@23:28 There's a gravel switch back going up from the road to the other side of the Preston-Snoqualmie trail. But there is a bridge there that got destroyed by a storm years ago and it was closed to most people. There's a make shift bridge underneath it and you'd have to carry your bike over a fence and cross the sketchy bridge. I was gonna ask what the condition of that main bridge is today as I haven't been there in more than a year but it turns out you made a detour to Lake Alice Road and back to the trail. This looks like a fun ride!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

It was a very fun ride. All days were very enjoyable (some tougher than others). I did end up crossing a few bridges that were iffy. There’s one thing I learned on this trail: if it says detour…it’s always good to detour. LOL

[@jayclark1551]

I was just there riding earlier this week. That bridge up from the switchbacks is still closed although it’s gotten easier to manage since some people have pushed a barrier and broke out a board. But with a fully loaded bike alone it would be tricky. Seattle has really put an effort into infrastructure for bikes and in the next 10 years or so should be really great. I was yelling at the screen for you to take I-90 from West Seattle to Issaquah, but you took the LONG way🤣 I’ve been wanting to ride the whole John Wayne Trail soon.

[@ArtanisKizrath]

@@jayclark1551 Cool! Thanks for the update. I guess I'll keep avoiding that section in the meantime.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

The long way. 😆 I did a Nora Jones and took “the long way” many times. I was so lost.

[@Maltby_Man]

@@jayclark1551 Could have take the Long, Long way. Eg the Great American Rail Trail.

[@pklh1214]

Going from UW to 520, that section is rough. Especially since the construction. I would recommend crossing the street via pedestrian bridge (above the UW station) so you can ride on the sidewalk against traffic, at least that's what we locals usually do. The sidewalk is wide enough for bikes going side-by-side from both direction. Great video tho. I'm riding my bike from Bellevue to Ellensburg in a month or so And yes, you did pronounced Sammamish right!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Bellevue to Ellensburg is a beautiful ride! Been working on the next video (Day 2). It was some of the best trail I’ve ever ridden.

[@fortesfortunajuvat6782]

The cycling infrastructure around Seattle looks to be awesome. How my city can claim to be "bicycle friendly" is beyond me.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Seattle doe offer some very okie-dokie bike trails and bike lanes. Very nice ones. My small town claims bike friendly as well. And there are some nice trails around my home. I think what I enjoyed about Seattle and the surrounding areas was the lengths of the trails. You can spend all day on a trail there in the Seattle metro and not see the same thing twice. Where I live there are trails that take you here and there but not for the distance. Road riding or gravel ridding are the options and that’s A-OK. But, I do prefer a nice trail…safe…sound…and…well, you get it.

[@nickl.1930]

Great video. Really enjoyed the route, the views & your comments. I have not seen the sections you showed us….which makes me even more anxious to explore those areas. Will look forward to the upcoming episodes. Thanks for sharing!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

@@nickl.1930 - Working on Day 2 now. Some of the days will be shorter videos than others … especially east of the Columbia. It was a very good trip; actually thinking I’ll do this again next summer as well.

[@epiiiiiii]

Seattle has the best bike network in the world and nobody can tell me otherwise 😊

[@feedfacedeadbeef]

I have biked in Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Antwerp, Tokyo, and Taipei. Seattle doesn't rank next to the likes of these cities; neither does PDX. BTW, I lived in Seattle for 10 years, and Portland for three. You might wanna get out more :) I do appreciate your enthusiasm though!

[@rajanlliw]

you ever been outside the state?

[@matthewsmith6934]

I know every centimeter of this video

[@gravelgrindingboys]

The trail? Y’all’s trail system over there is Washington is very okie-dokie!!

[@matthewsmith6934]

@@gravelgrindingboys Yeah, you actually took the (very) long way to ride from W Seattle through my property (one of the bike trails passes through my little slice of forested paradise) and beyond. I actually have a large tent (with clean bed, stove, well water, and electricity) set up for bikepackers and backpackers, but haven't put it out on any of the apps. I bicycled across the continent (Golden Gardens in Ballard Seattle to Prospect Park in BK NYC) a few years back and trained all over W WA,and often rode every road and trail you did. Holler next time you come this way and I'll help you with better routes and a dope tent for a night.

[@Jackrbbt1989]

For those of you planning this in the future, the Milwaukee Road RR, on which most of the trail runs, actually went south to Renton prior to heading into the hills. There are two trails (Green River and Lake to Sound) that will take you most of the way through to Renton if you start in Seattle. I would start on the East side of Renton at the Cedar River Trailhead. You can follow the Cedar River Trail all the way to Langley Rd. Unfortunately there is no access to the railroad grade after that until most of the way to Rattlesnake Lake. due to Seattle Water restrictions. You would need to use surface roads to fill the gap (not ideal). The next time I'm up that way, I'll have to see if there is a reasonable way through.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

This is excellent information. I am planning another trip next year (and hope to use this year’s ride and all the great information folks like you have shared) with the son. Thanks much!!

[@jamesbrittain9564]

I would love to get a RWGPS link of the route! Looking forward to your next segments :)

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I need to figure out how to share my GPX files. I’m a Komoot user. I like Ride With GPS too but seem to lean toward Komoot.

[@jamesbrittain9564]

@@gravelgrindingboys that would be fantastic!

[@VladimirGolev]

Great video. Where are you from? WA is beautiful state. While living here we partially stop noticing the beauty around. But in your video with your emotions it looks not that usual :)

[@gravelgrindingboys]

From Idaho (via Louisiana). And you speak truth. I grew up in Louisiana. When we first moved to Idaho I was just amazed at all the beauty. I asked someone what it was like growing up with mountains and Aspen and ponderosa pine. She shrugged as she looked around. “I don’t know. What was it like to grow up with bayous, Spanish moss, and fig trees?” We don’t always remember how wonderful things are…right where we are. But…seeing new places…it’s still exciting. We all still want to see more than the “same ol’ same ol’.”

[@nigelmccomb8106]

Personally I would have had my wife drop me off at Cedar Falls. Looking forward to next video 😊

[@gravelgrindingboys]

More great advice. I’m taking notes. So many responses with route suggestions. I say I need a do-over!

[@FreeRadicalX]

Thanks for the great ridealong! Would you consider posting a map of your route? I'm planning a trip in the opposite direction, and after watching this video I've already re-routed my I-90 segment up through Redmond and Bellevue past Lake Sammamish instead!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

East to West is what I'd preferred but that wind...oh my goodness gracious...the wind was strong in parts. From behind me (usually blowing west to east) it's A-OK. But, on areas where I was ridding into the wind, it was rough. I'd love to know how your trip turns out. I've been thinking about an East to West (actually going from the Palouse to the Cascades) trip next time (and adding a day to the over all plan).

[@Maltby_Man]

@@gravelgrindingboys have you considered the Cross Washington Mountain Bike Route?

[@omarzubi5171]

That was a good video even though the path you took from Seattle to snoqualmie was. Like a zig zag between towns, (I live in this area) the rest of your trip is going to be awesome.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

@@omarzubi5171 - I sorta winged it that first day for sure. Got lost a few times. Seattle is a cool place. It’s changed dramatically since we first visited 24 years ago. But I still love it all the same.

[@Tangocita444]

Enjoyed the video - would have loved a bit better trail descriptions but overall really great. Do you have a GPX you could share from this route? I'm subscribing to keep up with your travels. Thank you.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Someone else was asking too. I should make this happen: I'd love to share the route. The GPX files do have some backtracking (as most do when folks are recording), but they give a good idea of the route. I need to set up a sharing account to make this happen.

[@Tangocita444]

@@gravelgrindingboys That would be GREAT! I understand the backtracking - we do that a lot on our trips as well. We are currently watching your Coure d'Alene videos now. Love your channel!

[@timfeeley714-25]

The reason the High Point bike lane is so huge and wide is because it's actually a chain up and removal area that got designated as part of the bike trail.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

That makes sense. I was wondering why the lane was so wide. Much wider than expected.

[@larsthorwald3338]

Yeah, you''ll pass for a local no problem. Just avoid trying to pronounce any of our local place names. hahaha Good Luck on the ride!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

You speak truth...originally from Louisiana, I can say Thibodaux, Etouffee, Pecan (NOT pee in a can), and even New Orleans (that's "NOO orlins"). But, give me Cle Elum, Snoqualmie, Dosewallips, or even Puyallup ("PEW-YALL-UP). You'd figure Puyallup with a "y'all" in there I'd figure out how to say it right.

[@EngineerSaysWhat]

That single track hill up to Snoqualmie Ridge is a grinder!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

It sure ‘nuf was I tell you what. That loaded bike was arguing with my legs and I had to tell ‘em both to hush up!! 😆

[@tj7870]

used to live in carnation, spent many hours walking old railroad grade!

[@stnluu]

Glad you were able to get back on route from the wrong lighthouse! You could have gone from the Alki Lighthouse straight to the Issaquah Preston Trail through I90 instead of going up to 520 then back down to I90. Probably wouldn't have been as much fun though. 😅

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I was so lost! Looking back (and even on subsequent days), I can’t tell you how many times I said, “why did I go that way and not this way??” Now I have to go back and do it all over again. 😆

[@dondenis1500]

Looks like a nice ride, what part of Idaho are you from?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

From northern Idaho. Moved up from southern Idaho a few years back and never looked back. Some of the older videos on the channel were recorded around that area.

[@57boomer44]

Sa mam ish is how you say it. Way too many m's. Love that route.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Next year, when I ride this route again, I’m gonna sound like a local. Ha. I appreciate your comment. In “tear up” a few more name along the way.

[@DJ-pp9yg]

Great video. What kind of a bike do have? Is it a E bike?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

It’s a 2019 Salsa Mukluk and not an e-bike. I do get asked that a lot…I think folks have become accustomed to associating large tires with e-bikes. On later days, my bicycle choice will make sense. The only assist this two-thigh-powered bicycle gets is a tail wind if I’m lucky.

[@raphaelsauvage2432]

Haha took the wrong side of the Montlake bridge and then missed the entrance to the 520 trail. Been there done that.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Leave it up to me. 😆 I was so lost at the first part of my cut through Seattle. And, folks told me I took the long way. Yep…leave it to me.

[@annalisaaaron8739]

I guess I should't point out that you were in West Seattle and if you had just ridden from there to the I-90 trail to North Bend you were on the most direct and straightforward path to get to North Bend from Seattle if you wanted to start at the water. Going from West Seattle, through the UW etc. added a whole circular route for no reason. And as someone pointed out, left from you starting point on Alki is flat with a path, up Admiral etc is over a hill and down the other side. West Seattle to North Bend actually would have been a great starting point.... if you went across I-90.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Yes. Please point this out. I’m planning on ridding this again next year with my son…very happy when folks point this out. The great thing about you all sharing your knowledge is (first) I get to see new stuff and (second) it’ll make me look like I really know how to navigate Seattle.

[@Maltby_Man]

@@gravelgrindingboys I like reading all the comments too. it gives lots of insights on what routes are the best.

[@KhurshidsChannel]

Very nice video. Thanks for sharing. following &👍42

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Working on day 2 now (July 2024). Like peddling one mile at a time…making videos is a slow process. Stay tuned…

[@71jsteele]

How did you not stop at snoqualmie falls? You were .5miles away!!!!

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Oh Dang!! Now I got to go back and ride the trail again... Seriously though, thanks for this information. It was challenging to initially plan and make happen (not to mention time off from work). The feedback you and others are giving me is going to make this trip that much better next year.

[@VladimirGolev]

Exactly the same thoughts :) Like “no no no, don’t turn right!”

[@sixphish]

Wonderful video, but as a local, I wouldn’t take this route. We would go Burke Gilman trail to Sammamish River Trail to Tolt Pipeline Trail to Duval, where the Snoqualmie River Trail will take you directly to North Bend. In fact, this trail is the western terminus of PTCT at Duval, and a beautiful gravel route through the foothills far away from busy roads. Tolt River Trail has some serious elevation gain. If you start at Duval, you can skip it and take a rail trail grade the whole way.

[@Maltby_Man]

Can you sight that source for the end for the end of the Palouse To Cascade Trail (PTCT)?

[@sixphish]

Certainly. The Snoqualmie River trail starts here in Duvall: maps.app.goo.gl/GekeckamrviJogJt9?g_st=ic And ends at the PTCT trailhead here: maps.app.goo.gl/TocgV2Hgrf3RBjaZ7?g_st=ic

[@Maltby_Man]

​@@sixphish Thank You.

[@sixphish]

All but 5 miles on dedicated bike routes. The rest on backroads. No freeway noise. 😊

[@gravelgrindingboys]

This is EXCELLENT information!! Thank you much!!

[@robertsanders1259]

Awesome video! I think I'm one of your first 100 subscribers with my other account, number 270 with this one. Do you mind sharing your rwgps route?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Yes. I'd love to share the route. The GPX files do have some backtracking (as most do when folks are recording), but they give a good idea of the route. I need to set up a sharing account to make this happen.

[@robertsanders1259]

@@gravelgrindingboys OK. Thank you so much!

[@robertsanders1259]

Also, you stayed at the North Bend motel... how was the motel?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

The fella that runs the place is named “Mike.” The rooms are a little small but they worked perfectly. Older place; still has the key-in-the-lock. I kinda like that. I made reservations ahead of time to eliminate that worry. - I’ll stay again for sure. - North Bend Bar and Grill is walking distance. Good food. Decent beer selection.

[@robertsanders1259]

@@gravelgrindingboys Thank you so much!!

[@donnareed3822]

What size battery do you have and do you have more than one?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Sorry…I’m thigh-powered 100%.

[@tedbellWRV]

Sammamish - pronounced “Sa - mam - mish”. I went to Sammamish High School in Bellevue. I immediately knew you were starting in West Seattle near Alki (pronounced “Al - ki” as in the second syllable rhymes with “high”. I lived near Alki for 25 years.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

LOL. Another person said the same thing. I'm learnin' and happy to do so. Idahoan-born-in-Louisiana, I can say Thibodaux, Etouffee, Pecan (NOT pee in a can), and even New Orleans (that's "NOO orlins"). But, give me Cle Elum, Snoqualmie, Dosewallips, or even Puyallup ("PEW-YALL-UP). You'd figure Puyallup with a "y'all" in there I'd figure out how to say it right.

[@JoshExmoor]

@@gravelgrindingboys And there is actually a Lake Samish as well, up near Bellingham.

[@tedbellWRV]

@@gravelgrindingboys No worries, it was good fun seeing you trying to navigate when you got started by the lighthouse in West Seattle. And haha, I'm descended from "Thibodaux's" (from Idaho and Minnesota via Canada), but spelled several ways over the years - and spelled "Tebedo" in the oldest census documents.

[@hablewitz]

From your starting point, why didn't you just take the I-90 bridge, the direct route?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Not sure. Some reason or another…I felt compelled to get back on the route I had set originally. But…many, many of the comments (like yours) have been very helpful. And, looking back…there were definitely different routes I could have taken.

[@JethroXP]

I think that's the first time I've seen fat tires on a non-bike. What's your thought process behind that choice?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

There’s a few reasons. First and foremost, I’ve always heard how rough the trail bed is in some places. I heard how the bed was ballasted with larger pieces of limestone and granite in some areas and deep sand in others. I knew my gravel bike was not a good choices…rather…not the best choice. We’d ridden the Right of Way Trail (another 3 videos) years ago on our gravel bikes. Knowing what I know now…the trail was fine…we just took the wrong bikes. I bought this bike second-hand from a local bike shop for snow (I commute to work nearly every day). There is an area on my commute that is gravel and rough and near a railroad. One morning, slushy snow and mud still covered the road near the tracks and I rode that fat tire over that slopped side of the rail bed (over that large rock) and that fat tire didn’t miss a lick. I learned that if I can pedal that bike, it’ll roll over just about anything. I don’t really consider it my “snow bike” anymore. After a handlebar upgrade and a saddle upgrade, it’s very comfortable for long rides and handles the load very well. It’s slow…but then again…speed is not the goal of bikepacking (my perspective). I want to be more upright and enjoy the experience. Sounds kinda mushy and all…but it’s true. Walking is too slow for me. Driving is too fast. My gravel bike is great for bikepacking many trails and forest roads but is not near as comfortable. It’ll hold more gear than the fat tire (often to my detriment [LOL]). The last reason is: it’s what I got. I knew my thinner-tires on my gravel bike would give me speed in many areas on this trail but would leave me having to hike-a-bike on others areas. Given the two bikes I have (aside from buying a third), this was the better of the two choices. PS: we did end up buying a bike for the son (Surly Krampus with front suspension). This bike would do great on the Palouse to Cascades…hands down. And, as a last note: he and I took our bikes out for an overnight-er the other weekend. Even with his bike having and inch or so less rubber-on-the-road, this fat tire out performed his. I’m 54 and he’s 17. He struggled a bit on his bike. I let him ride mine (heavier bike with more gear). He said, “no wonder you are doing so good! You’re ridding around on a pillow bike that rolls up hill by itself!” That made my day. PSS: it’s not an e-bike. - Anyway - these are some of my reasons for my bike choice. Write anytime. Thanks much!!

[@JethroXP]

@@gravelgrindingboys Awesome! I've ridden about 80 miles on Palouse to Cascades, from North Bend to Ellensburg, on a fat-tire ebike. I agree that the fat tires make everything better, they easily handle everything from pavement to gravel to sand and snow. I ride a dual battery bike, and for longer rides I carry a third battery. I've done a couple 100-miles rides on it, but for an adventure like yours I can see how finding a place to recharge would be problematic. Have fun out there!

[@timhouck7464]

Did you run into any snakes on the trail?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Fortunately...very fortunately...I only saw a few small, harmless snakes that were sunning in the heat of the trail. Never saw a rattle snake (thank goodness!). I know they are out there but I was happy to have not seen any.

[@sj-kp1ks]

What is the make/model of your bike?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Salsa Mukluk. 2019 or 2020. I picked it up 2nd hand from my local bike shop a couple of years ago. Been a good bike.

[@princelinus8320]

Do you have the ridewithgps routes?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I don’t have the Ride With GPS routes but may be able to get a GPX file.

[@princelinus8320]

What month did you do it?

[@gravelgrindingboys]

June 9-14 2024. Got lucky with the weather…very lucky.

[@princelinus8320]

@@gravelgrindingboys Yea, those times are usually very rainy.

[@ericholmquist8966]

C`mon Seattle to North Bend in a day? When I was in High school every day at noon ,I'd ride to Fall City from Lake Wasington, to work as a greens keeper then home again before dark through Redmond and Bellvue. ` course I wasn't packing panniers. My adult life my buddies and I would ride around Lk. Washington, (80 miles) twice a month.... took us a couple hours. Then later, I lived in West Seattle , I'd ride from that light house down to Auburn and back in a couple hours , there was no bike access on 520 bridge then, . Only the other floating bridge. Even though I like the Redmond route, I think you would have saved time going the I-90 route...... better camping beyond North Bend. Well, your out of the general Seattle area, so now your route is more straightforward. Good luck, check your bike out everyday and I hope brought a little love now and then. Good job.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

LOL. This is good stuff…yep…in a day for a 54-year-old (high school was definitely a day or two ago for me) and a packed fat tire with 3 inches of rubber on the road…and stops to enjoy the day. Yep. It was a good day indeed. … I90…you’re the second one who’s mentioned that route. I’m thinking need a do-over and try out some of the routes folks have been suggesting. I appreciate this information! … Yep. You’re right. There is more camping after North Bend. I’d’a likely just “wild camped” after Rattlesnake…no one would’a cared with my minimal set up and alcohol stove to cook. Next time…

[@Bikepacking]

Cool

[@carter214man]

Your on an ebike. Not hard to add 10 miles sir.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

On an e-bike?? Bless your pea-pickin’ heart. Friend, the only assist that bike gets is maybe a tailwind. LOL. Salsa Mukluk 2019. Jones Bar and a rattling crank.

[@donnareed3822]

@@gravelgrindingboys I thought it was a E bike too. It looks like one and even sounds like one. It must have been your fat tires making the noise I was associating with my E bike. I have a Rad hug6 plus. I’m 65 with a bad knee. I was riding a Rosco 8 but it was causing me pain riding the hills

[@ellerybice3787]

Hey are you from around here? Means that they hope that you are a local, they want to hang with you or go riding with you. 🤷🏼‍♂️ 🚵🏻‍♂️🚵🚵🏻‍♀️

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Maybe. But…well…let’s just say maybe. Like telling a funny story, “you shoulda been there.” LOL

[@dustinpittman7495]

Sammamish : suh · ma· muhsh Native American based name

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Louisiana born and raised 1/2 of my life and Idaho for the other…give me words like étouffée, Boudin, y’all, and Lafayette, and my southern tongue wraps all around those. But for some reason, I struggled with many of Washington’s names for towns, rivers, and trails. Not seeing that the names are bad, not at all. They are very interesting and full of history. Back in Louisiana we only have a few remaining names that represent the Native American groups that lived in those areas. Ouachita is one of them. The Choctaw meaning is "Big Hunting Ground," but it also means, "silver water." Love learning new stuff…just can’t always say it right. LOL

[@kennyness8881]

Why a fat bike? Those things are too draggy for me on any hard surface, and not that much fun on snow.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Simple answer: It's what I have. I bought that bike for winter commutes here in Northern Idaho. I ride to work just about everyday. Part of my commute is near a railroad. When the side road is too muddy, I ride the side of the track...them stones that are the size of kiwi, some of them. Sand. Rocks. That's the PTCT trail bed in two words (though variable). We bought the boy a Surly Krampus this past spring and that bike would do very well on the trail. I've been eye-balling the Surly Grappler...but still on the fence.

[@kennyness8881]

@ I have 2 videos posted on my Ghost Grappler. Hated it with drop bars. Love it with Ritchey Kyote bars. I like 27.5 wheels (Inise use 2 wheelsets, one with 46mm and the other 2.6”) better than 29 on it. Check them out for my thoughts.

[@xtrainerchronicles2085]

Because Seattle is super clickish they can smell outsiders from a block away. That's why they ask. I live in Yakima which isn't far from Seattle and we get that to.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

For Real. My loaded fat tire bicycle was never a give away that I'm not from around these parts. Had many very welcoming and enjoyable encounters but there's always those that give me little feel of suspicion...like an internal robot that is sensing something is not quite right, "Danger Will Robinson! Danger!" Maybe just being cautious or...maybe not. Like to think not.

[@freedomisnotfree3047]

Nice video; however, it might be even nicer if the background music were minimized or removed entirely. Hearing the same BGM for the entire 30-minute clip at that volume level made it hard to watch the whole clip.

[@gravelgrindingboys]

@@freedomisnotfree3047 - I appreciate this. I do. I’m wondering if I change the music up some. My last video had different tracks. Do you think that is better than the same track the whole time?

[@freedomisnotfree3047]

@@gravelgrindingboys I definitely think hearing a variation of background music (BGM) is better than hearing one BGM repeatedly for a long period of time. It might just be me, but I prefer hearing the ambient sounds of the trail rather than music as BGM, which delivers a better feel for the trails. Alternatively, the music volume could be low enough to hear the ambient sounds of the trail. When I watched your clip, I thought you were going to face the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail Bridge #2, which is fully closed with no known reopening date due to serious damage. You mentioned in the video that you missed the continuous trail ahead to Southeast 47th Street, but it was eventually the right choice to go around because of the bridge closure. I went to that trail just a couple of weeks ago and had to finish earlier than planned because of the bridge closure. I don't like taking the main road there, but you gave me new motivation to visit the trail again.

[@ellerybice3787]

Yes! It is not a music channel. 🎼

[@gravelgrindingboys]

Appreciate the feedback and the respect. The next video is in the works (July 2024). I’m going to try this one with much less BGM. I see a few thumbs up on your comment suggestion your feedback is shared.

[@zimmejoc]

Or at least some BGM that isn’t so imposing. I kept waiting for something bad to happen

[@Trek-om3dg]

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:7) When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17)

[@gravelgrindingboys]

I like your message friend, but in the context of “wicked” and “unrighteous” may be the wrong platform here. Long-distance cyclists are usually selfless caring people who want the world to be a better place. Let’s try a different passage to promote hope and compassion given to us by the good Lord: Matthew 5:3-10 (New International Version) 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Keep preaching brother…