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

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.

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

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).

@@gravelgrindingboys All joking aside, well done bud!

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.

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.

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

@@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)

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

😂 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.

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.

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

@@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.

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!! 😆

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

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.

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’.”

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

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

@@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.

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

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

​@@sixphish Thank You.

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

This is EXCELLENT information!! Thank you much!!

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

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. 😆

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.

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 -)

@@raymarks7430 Looks like RU-vid 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.

​@@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.

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.

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.

@@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!

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.

@@gravelgrindingboys that would be fantastic!

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.

@@gravelgrindingboys Thank you so much!!

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

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.

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

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!

you ever been outside the state?

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).

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

@@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.

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.

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.

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.

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

@@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.

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.

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…

Sorry…I’m thigh-powered 100%.

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!!

@@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!

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.

@@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?

@@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.

Yes! It is not a music channel. 🎼

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.

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

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.

@@gravelgrindingboys OK. Thank you so much!

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.

@@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

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

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

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.

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…

There’s a lot of things that could be done to promote bike lanes…including tags that generate revenue for more and better bike lanes in communities. For sure. Likewise, looking at the whole system and finding where funding could be redirected. Building a parking lot or garage for cars driven by drivers that would ride if there was a safe way to commute to that same area on a bike. One of the biggest money saver would be to share the roads that already exist. Maybe education for folks who don’t ride bicycles and only see cyclist as obstacles to their day. “Adding up” how much time a cyclist traveling at 15-20mph actually holds up a driver at 35-40mph until it’s safe to pass. It’s rare that a cyclist will hold a driver up for more than 30-60 seconds. That same driver that passes a cyclist 6-inches from a manslaughter charge and causes the cyclist to give it up and go back to driving. I don’t know what the best solution is…but will have to agree with you as to funding these resources is a challenge…how to obtain those resources is always worthy of a conversation. For sure. Seattle and the Seattle metro has figured something out for sure. It’s a community that sees recreation as being important to the citizens. Thats what we work for. - your comment is a GOOD one. It gets me to thinking. 🤔 “this person has a point.”