Epic Cycling On The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

Distance: 250 miles

Ride With GPS Map (Extended Route)

Washington’s Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is one of the longest rail-trails in the country. At more than 250 miles, it starts in North Bend and cuts a line across the state from the Idaho border all the way to the Cascades, following the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. It’s not a polished, suburban path; it’s a true cross-state route, rough in places but unlike anything else in the Northwest.

The trail stretches from the rolling wheat fields of eastern Washington to the evergreen forests west of the mountains, with towns, trestles, and tunnels in between.

Cycling in Washington: Prepare for rough spots

Surfaces change often; some parts are hard-packed gravel, others are looser or sandy, and there are paved stretches near larger towns. A good example is the section through Ellensburg, where the trail is wide and well maintained, with signage and parking areas. Move east or west from there and it quickly feels more remote. Riders should be ready for rough patches, cattle gates, and long distances without services.

Out east, the trail rolls through the Palouse, where golden fields stretch to the horizon. Moving west, the Columbia River crossing at Beverly is over a sweeping trestle bridge. Farther on, the John Wayne Pioneer Tunnel through the Cascades is another landmark—over two miles of riding that requires a light. Near North Bend and Rattlesnake Lake, the trail feels more like a mountain greenway, with dense trees and sharp ridges rising above.

Ellensburg, Cle Elum, and North Bend are convenient stopping points with food, lodging, and resupply options. In between, the gaps are long. Water is not available in many sections, and cell service is unreliable once you get away from the larger towns.

At over 250 miles, some riders tackle sections on weekend trips, others piece it together over years, and a few go for the full end-to-end ride with camping along the way. State park campsites are spaced at intervals, and many allow direct trail access.

Special caveats when cycling in Washington

Remember, the surface isn’t consistent and there are isolated stretches. Weather is another factor: summers east of the mountains are hot and exposed, while the Cascades can bring sudden rain or cold even in July. And the tunnel, while iconic, isn’t always open due to maintenance. Check conditions before you go.

Still, there aren’t many trails like this. The Palouse to Cascades isn’t just a ride; it’s a cross-section of Washington. Wheat fields, river canyons, pine forests, and mountain passes all line up along a corridor first carved by the railroad.

If you want to see Washington by bike in one long line, this is the way to do it. Start with a manageable segment, like North Bend to Rattlesnake Lake, or Ellensburg to Cle Elum, then dream bigger. Whether you chip away at it over time or set out for a thru-ride, the Palouse to Cascades Trail will leave a lasting impression.

Don't forget your Washington cycling jersey!

Be prepared for long stretches without amenities on this Washington bike trail. (AI image)

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