Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

The Palouse to Cascades Trail spans Washington state from the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho border. Bicyclists, hikers, equestrians, skiers, and snowshoers experience Washington's diverse and scenic landscape, traveling through evergreen forests and dark tunnels, over high trestles and spectacular rivers, and across open farmland and high desert.

Formerly known in sections as the John Wayne Trail and the Iron Horse Trail, the Palouse to Cascades Trail follows the path of the historic Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad, also known as the Milwaukee Road, that operated from 1909 to 1980.

One of its most unique features – the Snoqualmie Tunnel – is easily accessible near Snoqualmie Pass.  Even on a hot summer day the 2.3-mile tunnel remains remarkably cool and damp.  Bicyclists and hikers are encouraged to bring a jacket and gloves, and most definitely must bring a flashlight and/or headlamp (with extra batteries!).  Though the “light at the end of the tunnel” almost always remains in view, darkness prevails for most of the journey.

Access the Trail from a trailhead adjacent to the Hyak Sno-Park along Route 906 on the eastern end of the Snoqualmie Pass area.

Photo credits:  Ray Lapine - images with bicycle riders entering tunnel and in wooded area. Karl Fosgaard Jr. - image with bicycle riders on trestle.