Palouse to Cascades Trail

• Length: 287-mile trail

  • Can be extended west to Third Place Commons 

    • Use to shift trail west to avoid some sun

    • Or, extend trail for a total of 339 miles 

  • Can be shortened by shuttling riders past detours and undesirable sections of trail

    • A 6-7 day ride by the average 13-14 year old Scout (after train up) is reasonable 

• Location: North Bend to the Columbia River near Vantage then to Idaho

• Trail surfaces: Gravel

• Trail category: Rail-Trail

• parks.state.wa.us/521/Palouse-to-Cascades

How to Complete the Palouse to Cascades Trail with Scouts

The Palouse Trail is popular and frequented by many.  It is NOT a trail for inexperienced riders.  Some of our Hiking and Canoeing High Adventures have taken us to remote areas that were not suitable for novice travelers without expensive planning and appropriate adult supervision from experienced adults.  This includes Hiking trips through sections of the Pacific Crest Trail and Canoeing around Ross Lake which are popular Adventures for our Troop.  The Palouse Trails ranks up there with these outings and at times, the trail will take you out in the middle of nowhere easily 20 miles from help (considering a road as access to help). 

Sections of the Palouse are remote, rugged and temperature can exceed 100 degrees during heat waves.  Certain areas are best avoided during heat waves.  That said, many people, to include Scouting Units, have completed the entire trail during high heat conditions.  The trick is knowing how to avoid injury and having proper adult supervision. 

The following are notes on ways to complete this trail with Scouts.

Adult Supervision

First and Foremost, you MUST have 2 adult leaders who are able to make competent decisions.  If conditions become too harsh or if someone becomes injured, they must know how to handle the situation, how to adjust the trip and when to stop the trip altogether.  Scout units should not attempt this journey in the summer without at least 2 competent adult leads riding with the Scouts.

Adults should be:

• Experienced riders

• Be in excellent biking shape

  • Able to complete a bike century (100-miles) and still be able to perform the following day

• Have advanced wilderness medical training

  • Minimum: Wilderness First Aid 

• Experience with High Adventure with Scouts

• Know the Scouts on the outing

  • Know their strengths and weakness

  • Know when they are struggling

• Able to make safety calls to evacuate group or cancel the trip

Training

• Scouts AND Adults must train up for this adventure

• It is recommended that you ride 300-400 miles in the months leading up to High Adventure

• This builds riding skill, strength and endurance for long rides

• It shakes out gear

  • Bikes not up to the challenges of High Adventure can be identified and repaired or replaced

• This builds teamwork between Scouts, between adult leaders and for the group as a whole

• Everyone will learn about each others strengths and weaknesses

  • This enables to team work most successfully on the trail

• Start Training in March

  • Set up 18 rides

    • 20 to 50 miles each

  • Goal is 400 miles prior to High Adventure

Daily Mileage for Scouts

• Experienced riders will travel in excess of 60 miles a day with fully loaded bikes (90 pounds)

  • It's not reasonable to expect a mixed groups of Scouts to do this for 5+ days in a row

• During High Adventures Scouts can be expected to travel 30-50 miles a day on a bike not carrying camping gear

• Certain sections of the Palouse trail need to be completed as 50+ mile days if BikePacking unsupported

  • Section lengths can be shortened significantly if you have support vehicles to pickup and drop off riders

• Certain sections of the Palouse, especially during high heat condition, should be limited to 30 miles per day

• Scout and Adult leads should be ready to cut certain sections shorter as needed, depending on condition of the route, weather and crew

Equipment for Scout Adventure

• Bikepacking is possible but will be more challenging than a SAG supported trip

  • Setting up bikes with racks and bucket panniers is can be expensive

  • Bikepacking is going to be significantly more challenging

  • They will need to be in top shape to complete a BikePacking adventure on the Palouse

  • Bikepacking without shuttling during the adventure make camping options much more challenging

  • If your crew really wants to do this, go for it

• Bikes

  • Mountain bikes with at least 2inch tires are recommended

    • Rear suspension is NOT needed or desired

    • Front suspension isn't important and you may wish to lock it out it is able to be locked out

  • Gravel bikes will work

    • Will need at least 40mm tires

    • Rider should be an experienced rider

    • These bikes will be faster on pavement and firm gravel

    • Expect more struggle in soft sand and rough gravel than bikes with larger tires

  • Quality gear

    • Miles of gravel road will stress any bike

    • Economy bikes or those in disrepair are at high risk of failure on the trail

• You will need spare tires and tubes for all bikes

  • Plan on many tire changes

• Comprehensive repair kit

  • Carried in SAG Vehicle

• Ideally carry a spare bike

  • Bikes can hit potholes or crash and be rendered unusable

  • An extra bike will allow participants to continue their journey should their bike become damaged

    • That may also give the support team time to get the bike repaired for the next section 

• Full size pump

  • Have 2 in support vehicles - in case one brakes

  • Previous crews have carried full size pumps on their bikes

    • It was needed that much

Vehicle and Adult Support

• It is possible to complete this trip without vehicle support

  • This is NOT advised

• Have 2 dedicated vehicles follow crew

  • Must be able to transport ALL crew, bikes, gear and coolers with drinks

  • Consider a trailer for bikes

• Minimum Adult Support

  • 3 Adult Leads riding with Scouts

    • Must be in excellent shape

  • 2-4 Adults in support vehicles

    • Bring more than one book and things to keep you occupied 

Communication

• Cell coverage is surprisingly good along most of the trail

  • See broadbandmap.fcc.gov

• As with most of our High Adventure, satellite communication is recommended (required by our Troop)

  •  2 Satellite Messengers

    • Carried by two different adult leads in Riding Team

    • Trackers on

  • Consider Satellite Messenger for Support Team

• Radios for Support Vehicles

  • Phones will likely work just fine

  • Radio as backup communication 

• You almost don't need GPS navigation for this trail

  • You still need to have GPS navigation as well as paper maps

  • Use a Cycling GPS Computer to conserve battery for your phone

Route Planning for Scouts

• First off - you DON'T need to ride every mile of the trail

  • The entirety of the trail is LONG

  • Certain sections put you out in the middle of nowhere

    • This compromises safety and forces you to travel on some long sections 

  • Certain sections just aren't any fun

  • There are several detours that are pointless to travel if you can avoid them

  • OK to consider swim or town visit instead of logging in more miles

  • Adults may have to push for shorter days or skipping certain sections for the sake of safety or sanity 

    • Let the scouts lead - they usually make the right call

    • Adults need to override Scout Plan when necessary 

      • This is not a safe place to fail

  • Be Flexible 

    • Every day is a new day

    • Every section is different from the others

    • Any section can be deemed unpassable for any number of reasons

• Register

  • You need gate codes for a happy journey 

• Itineraries for Scout Groups

  • The physical ability of Scouts and Adults varies significantly

  • The following is designed for Scouts with a mixed range of abilities

    • This should be achievable by anyone who has completed High Adventure Training

  • Start Point of Adventure

    • You can start at different locations

    • Rattlesnake Lake

      • Most will start at Rattlesnake Lake

      • Trailhead is considered Mile 0 and Day 1

      • Starts with uphill to Hyak

    • Seattle 

      • Mile -50 and Day 0

      • Interesting to start a big adventure in town

        • Start at 3rd Place Commons and take bike trails to North Bend

          • 47.7537, -122.2781

        • Mix of paved and gravel bike trail

        • Minimal road travel in Snoqualmie area

      • Will need to setup sleep accommodations in North Bend

      • This can add 50 miles to your journey, depending on which route you choose

        • Travel 45 miles or so the first day, add an extra leg to the following day

        • It's 50 miles of Western Washington

          • Cooler weather

          • More or less interesting than Eastern Washington - depends on how you look at it

      • Use this option if

        • You need an extra day of High Adventure (to make 5)

        • You want to replace a section of hot desert with cooler forest

        • You want more and want to start and/or end your journey near home

      • Camping Night 0

        • North Bend

          • Cascade Covenant Church

            • 47.4806, -121.7594

            • Nicer option than fire station

          • Fire Station

            • 47.4880, -121.7739

            • Camp on grass

          • Mr B has a Private option in North Bend

        • Duvall 

          • Mountain Meadow Camp Ground

          • 47.7370, -121.9308

          • Further away from Snoqualmie pass

          • Too far from trail 

            • Will need transport to trail

            • NOT Recommended

          • Used by out of area unit in past

      • Hyak

        • 47.3916, -121.3923

        • Option to start at highest point

          • Want to avoid getting on the struggle bus on day 1?

        • Travel east downhill towards the Columbia River

        • After reaching the Columbia River, you can come back here and head west and downhill towards Seattle

          • Fantastic downhill ride to end your journey

          • Ice Cream in North Bend?

          • If you want, you can continue journey to Seattle

      • East to West?

        • Most recommend going West to East

        • It is possible to start on the east side and head home

        • Expect headwinds

        • Columbia River

          • There is a long hill (close to 20 miles with a 2-3% grade) going up from the Columbia river into a remote site at the Yakima Firing Center - that's a rough way and place to start your Adventure

          • After leaving the Yakima Firing Center, there is a gradual uphill until Hyak (generally less than 1% grade)

          • The downhill grade from Hyak going west is a wonderful way to end this Adventure

        • Idaho

          • There is a gradual downhill most the way to the Columbia River

          • Some of trail near Idaho is poorly maintained

            • Not a great way start a journey

          • Many section of the east of the Columbia River and closed and require detours

            • It's easier to skip these sections on the second half of your trip than the first

            • Detours can be a demotivator in the beginning of a trip

  • Day 1

    • Assuming you are starting at Rattlesnake Lake

    • Start at Rattlesnake Lake

    • First leg is 2% rail road grade ascent to Hyak

    • Hyak

      • Heated Restrooms and showers 47.3914, -121.3924

    • After Hyak, there is a gentle downhill slope past Ellensburg 

    • Camping 

      • Depends on where you start

      • Start from Duvall

        • Cold Creak Campground just past Hyak

          • 47.3681, -121.3947

          • At Keechelus Lake

          • Swim in Lake

      • Start from North Bend or Rattlesnake Lake

        • Camp at Lake Easton 

          • Mile 38 from Rattlesnake Lake

          • 47.2425, -121.1851

          • Swim in Lake

          • RV Option

  • Day 2

    • Stop at Cle Elum and visit museum

      • Have milkshakes

    • Thorp

      • Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall 

        • South side of Trail

        • Get cherries

        • Get Icee

        • Gas station there too

    • Camping

      • Thorp

        • Stay at school

          • Mile 68 from Rattlesnake Lake

          • 47.0694, -120.6768

          • 31 Miles from Lake Easton

      • Cle Elum

        • Whispering Pines RV Park

        • Mile 51 from Rattlesnake Lake

        • 47.1894, -120.9360

        • Too close to Lake Easton - 16 miles

        • More reasonable if starting from Cold Creak Campground - 28 miles

        • RV Option

      • Ellensburg 

        • Not ideal start point for next leg - which will be a long one

        • Ellensburg KOA

        • Mile 75 from Rattlesnake Lake

        • 47.0058, -120.5948

        • 37 miles from Lake Easton

          • Will need to hop on road

            • Thorp Highway is a little longer (5.5 miles 26 min), but seems to be less busy

            • Reecer Creek is busier but shorter (1.7 miles 10 min)

        • You can use Ellensburg to shorten trip by one day

          • Reasonable if you shuttle riders past Kittitas to start the Renslow Section

        • RV Option

  • Day 3

    • Travel through Ellensburg 

      • Ride through college campus 47.0078, -120.5365

    • Kittitas camping

      • Mile 82 from Rattlesnake Lake

      • Park

        • Talk to city

      • School

        • Pay fee

        • Fill out paperwork

        • Sleep in gym (during heat wave)

      • Kittitas gets closer to Renslow Section

    • Ellensburg camping

      • If you can't get camping in Thorp or Kittitas, you can stay at the Ellensburg KOA

        • 47.0058, -120.5948

        • This is between Thorp and Kittitas

          • This will possibly shortening your journey trip by a day

            • May be desirable if you are trying to complete the entire trek to Idaho

            • May need to add a Seattle leg if you are ending trip at Columbia River

      • This isn't ideal as this section to the Columbia River is grueling, remote and long

      • Consider transporting crew to a closer start location to make this day more reasonable

        • 46.9740, -120.3646 

        • Skips soft sand on trail that follows Parke Creek Road

        • Shorten this leg to 35 miles to Wanapum State Park 

      • An optional tubing day on the Yakima River is possible from here

      • RV Option

    • Day 4

    • Hit trail early in the morning - 4am

    • No water until Doris 46.8694, -120.0057 

      • Pack plenty of water

    • Pass over Renslow Trestle 

    • You now entering the Yakima Training Center

      • Water resupply possible at trailhead - if support team brings some 

      • Starting here bypasses Trestle and shortens this section to 32 miles to Wanapum State Park 

    • This section is long and remote

      • 4 miles of soft sand traveling up an incline before cresting the high point

        • If sand is too miserable, use the gravel road to bypass most of trail

      • All downhill until you hit the Columbia

      • Slight uphill if you follow Columbia north to Wanapum Start Park

    • Consider Ending Trip after making it to the Columbia River

      • You don't have to go home - depends on your schedule

      • Consider crossing the Beverly Bridge and being picked up on the other side

      • You can also camp and then travel the following day - making for a 5 day trip

      • If you are stopping here, you have options

        • Tube/Raft the Yakima

        • Go back to Hyak and ride the trial down hill to North Bend and have Ice Cream

          • You can continue to Seattle if you wish - that's another 45 or so miles

        • Head home

      • Water 

      • If you need a refill

      • Doris 46.8694, -120.0057 

      • Camping

        • Wanapum State Park 

          • Mile 120 from Rattlesnake Lake

          • 46.9040, -119.9902

          • Doris Road 

            • Sometimes used as a shortcut to the camp

            • 46.8713, -119.9876

            • It can be blocked by a huge pile of tumbleweeds

            • If not blocked or is cleared, bikes can slide under gate at end of road

          • RV Option

        • Sand Hollow Campground

          • 46.9220, -119.9536

          • On east side of Columbia River north of Beverly

          • Should drive there to avoid busy 243

          • Used by 6th Ward Scouts youtube  IRJvSwSGEFM

            • Looks like a great swim spot

          • Great option if you would like to finish the day by crossing the Columbia River

          • RV Option

        • Beverly Dunes

          • 46.8299, -119.8965

          • It is possible to cross the Beverly Bridge and camp at Beverly Dunes

          • You miss out on facilities and water at state park

          • Often crowded

            • Expect noise

            • Porta Potties at the dunes can be BEYOND NASTY!

            • There is NO running water here

    • Continuing Past Columbia River

    • Day 5

    • Bridge

      • Beverly Bridge

        • 46.8315, -119.9484

        • Use Beverly Bridge to cross the Columbia River

      • I 90 Bridge

        • If Beverly Bridge is closed, transport Crew to other side of Columbia River via I90

        • I90 should be avoided if on bikes

          • FAST traffic and sections with NO Shoulder

        • WA 26 should also be avoided

          • Fast traffic

        • If this section must be used, travel earlier in morning when there is less traffic 

    • After the Columbia, the trail starts a gentle ascent towards Idaho

      • There are a few hills, several because of detours off the rail line

    • Puncture Vines

      • Avoid section with puncture vines

      • Hop on road here 46.8386, -119.6982

    • Smyrna School

      • There is a schoolhouse here and you can get a tour

    • Rail line detour

      • You are already on the road because of Puncture Vines (goadheads)

      • Just stay on road

    • Take Detour to 26

      • There is a short section (less than a mile) of 26 from Gillis Rd to Danielson Rd

      • There is a steep hill on Danielson Rd

      • Stop at lookout on Danielson Rd 46.80215, -119.3283

      • After this, there a long detour to Warden since there is still a real rail line here

      • This is great place to STOP and shuttle to the next stop

        • Miles 37 from Wanapum State Park 

        • Recommend an Ice Cream stop 46.8253, -119.1742

    • Camping

      • Each of these spots assumes you will shuttle riders there in a vehicle

        • If you are riding

          • Othello is about 10 miles past the recommended stop point

            • Avoid riding on 26

          • Warden is 15 miles further 

          • Lind is 22 miles beyond Warden

      • Lind

        • Contact city and see if you can camp here

        • Park 46.9719, -118.6111

        • School 46.9765, -118.6179

      • Othello 

        • If you don't have accommodations in Lind, camp at Othello Fair Grounds

        • Adams County Fairgrounds 

          • 46.7927, -119.1527

          • RV Option

        • South of Othello

        • Othello has Grocery, restaurants, inn, parks

      • Ritzville

        • Wheat Land Communities’ Fairgrounds

          • wheatlandfairgrounds.com

          • info@ritzcamping.com 

        • Camping allowed

        • Closer to Lind than Othello 

        • 24-Hour Hospital

          • East Adams Rural Healthcare

          • 47.1212, -118.3719

        • Way off trail

          • Use assumes you are driving to and from there

        • RV Option

      • Potholes State Park 46.9786, -119.3520

        • Little further away than other options and WAY off the trail

        • State park with lake

        • Cute cul-de-sac camp setup

        • RV Option

  • Day 6 

    • Option 1

      • Start in Lind 46.9718, -118.6114

        • Check out town - its pretty

    • Option 2

      • Start in Warden 46.9697, -119.0350

        • You can start at Warden for a longer or different ride

        • About 22 miles west of Lind 

        • Nice trail between Warden and Lind

        • The bridge before Lind may still be out 46.9677, -118.6397

    • Travel through Cow Creek Ranch Detour

      • Detour does not map out on Google Maps

        • See palousetocascadestrail.org/eastofcolumbia 

        • Detour Image 

        • You can see the dirt road on the Satellite images

        • Detour is on private property

        • Owners are gracious enough to allow riders through

        • Best Behavior - DON'T wander off trail, camp here or mess with cattle

      • Bridge at 47.0087, -118.2312

    • Ralston

      • Town was burned down

      • There is an empty park that can be used for camping

      • Water by trail at 46.9864, -118.3452

      • Toilet by trailhead 46.9864, -118.3438

    • Stop around Marengo 47.0231, -118.1953

      • That's about 25 miles from Lind

      • Warden is about 22 miles west of Lind 

    • Trail past Marengo

      • Passes through Scablands of exposed bed rock

      • Surface is railroad ballast and not easy to navigate

        • Miserable to travel on

      • There are also more detours ahead, which you should just shuttle past

    • Shuttle to Camp

      • Rosalia 

        • Rosalia City Park camping

          • 47.2311, -117.37192

          • Water, Electric, Pool, Picnic Tables, Restroom, Dump Station, Playground

        • Lions Club

          • 47.2325, -117.3722

          • 801-899 South Park Avenue, Rosalia, WA 99170

            • Right next to park

          • RV Camping

            • Water and Electricity

          • Looks like a big parking lot with hookups

          • 2023 - 4 local RVs took over entire site 

            • Call first

            • 509 569-3334

        • Small market, couple of places to eat including a cafe that was open early with coffee and breakfast burritos

        • Check about pool

        • 20 mile trail ride to Tekoa

      • Malden City Park

        • 47.2292, -117.4756

      • St John

        • Outdoor pool

        • Tent Camping 

          • Saint John Fairgrounds 

            • 47.0921, -117.5852

            • (509) 648-3622 (Fairgrounds)

            • stjohnwa.com  

          • City Park

            • 47.0888, -117.5835

      • Oaksdale option 

        • Oakesdale Public Pool

        • 15 mile road ride to Tekoa

    • Optional side trip to Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site 47.0323, -117.2970

  • Day 7

    • Rosalia to Tekoa is about 20 miles

    • Malden to Tekoa is another 10 miles

    • Trestle out at Pandora 47.2404, -117.2714

      • Easy detour - you'll know it when you see it

    • Tekoa Trestle

      • 975 feet long

      • Have to pass over the trestle

        • Makes for a great last day (if this is your last day)

      • If you have phobia - you can detour it

    • If Idaho is the end of your journey

      • Ride the 5 miles to the boarder

        • Poorly maintained trail with nasty mud puddles

        • Large puddle and lots of mud  2 miles from Idaho border 

          • Word of wisdom - pick up bike and carry it over mud

          • Riding through this mud is pointless and will gum everything up

      • If you need to camp, head back to Tekoa 

        • You can take the road if you are done with mud

    • If you are continuing your journey past Day 8

      • Camp at Tekoa

        • Swim and camp at city park

          • Park 47.2285, -117.07316

          • Call to confirm

          • Contact the City of Tekoa Parks and Recreation Department

            • tekoawa.com/park-facilities 

          • Pool 47.2242, -117.0678

        • Might be able to stay in community building

        • Please have camped out here 47.2256, -117.07854

          • Camping behind horse arena

          • Confirm with city first

  • Continuing Past Idaho Border

  • Day 8

    • If crossing Washington wasn't enough, you can continue through Idaho

    • Trail continues to Mowry 47.3091, -116.9958

      • “Idaho Link”

      • Private property allows trail use for 3.25 miles to Mowry Road

      • Do NOT attempt to travel on trail past this point - it is impassable (many have tried)

      • If you wish to continue, you will need to take roads to get to the next trailhead

    • 8-9 miles of road riding or shuttling to trailhead

    • Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes 47.3411, -116.8899

    • Swim in River or lake

    • Camp 

      • School camp

        • Not sure of location

      • Rose Lake 47.5534, -116.4575

  • Day 9

    • Lunch in Kellogg at Excelsior Cycle & Sport Shop 47.5367, -116.1216

    • Mullan 

      • Swim in Mullan 47.4705, -115.7992

      • Camp at Mullan High 47.4692, -115.7981

    • Consider visit to Fish Hatchery 47.4654, -115.7218

      • 4 miles east of Mullan

  • Day 10

    • Last Day

    • Drive to Lookout Pass 47.4554, -115.6964

      • Consider 12 mile ride to Route of the Hiawatha Trail

      • Mostly downhill with uphill at end

      • If Scouts are cooked, just go straight to Hiawatha

    • Route of the Hiawatha Trail 47.3966, -115.6351

      • Fee to use trail

      • Great downhill ride

      • If drivers want to join

        • Rental bikes are available

        • Shuttle back to start 

      • Fantastic finale 

    • Take Pictures

    • Go Home

Itineraries Using Official Camp Sites

If you limit your trip to Official Camp Sites used by non-Scout riders, these camp sites will dictate your route planning.

Logistics

The devil is in the details.  The Palouse trail is remote, which plays a part it making it such a great adventure.  Remoteness also makes it more challenging to support.

Registration

• Renslow to the Columbia River

  • Trail runs through the Yakima Training Center, managed by the U.S Army

  • Trail users are required to self-register at one of the two trailheads at Renslow (west) or Doris (east)

• Beverly to the Idaho border

  • You must pre-register online

  • Registration may be requested to remain valid for up to one year

  • parks.wa.gov/passes-permits/permits/palouse-cascades-state-park-trail-registration

  • Groups of 20 or more must complete and mail in a hard copy permit with payment

    • Call (509) 337-6457

Closures:

• The Snoqualmie Tunnel at Hyak will closes for the winter at dusk on Oct. 31 and tentatively reopens in May

  • There are concerns of following ice in the tunnel 

• Bridges open and close for repairs

  • You need to check for updates all the up to the day of your trip

  • Be ready to detour if something is closed

Detours

• There are many detours, mostly on the east side of the Columbia River

• Some detours are optional, allowing you to avoid sandy sections or ride into town

• Many detours are mandatory and permanent or semi permanent

• Planners will need to review the route carefully, keep up to date on trail closures, keep on eye on the weather (to include fires) and be ready to change the routes while on the trail.

Heat

• Eastern Washington is known for its heat

• Plan for 80 degree temperatures and long riding days in fully exposed sun

• Temperatures can rise into the 100s

  • High temps are a real challenge for Scouts from Western Washington

  • High temps have ended adventures of many in the past

    • 100+ temps canceled Jared Morris' trip midway youtubei1Z7Xvs4EA8 

• If heat becomes and issue, consider

  • Starting route early in Seattle on Burk Gilman and ending trip before deep desert

  • Turn around after hitting desert and do a there and back trip

  • Ride early in the morning before the sun rises

  • Maybe divert from Ellensburg for a tubing trip on the Yakima River instead of riding another day into the desert

  • Use alternate route on peninsula or San Juan Islands

Winds

• Headwinds can be brutal if heading from east to west

• Winds are the main reason this trail is generally attempted from west to east

• Winds are often welcome as they cool you down

  • Not so welcome at camp

Wild Fires

• Fires have shut down parts of the trail in the past

  • Certain sections of the trail are still damages an impassible due to previous fires

  • Bridges have burned down

  • Entire communities are no longer inhabited

• These are unpredictable and is now a normal part of summer adventure planning

Camp Fires

• Nope

• Burn Ban - No fires permitted at any time.

• In the summer, the entire trails is a potential burn hazard 

Pace

• 7-9mph?

  • Mountaineers list 7mph going up to Hyak (easy road with 2% grade)

  • mountaineers.org/activities/activities/bikepack-palouse-to-cascades-trail-7 

• The trail is almost entirely on railroad grade gravel

• There is an ascent prior to Hyak, one in the Yakima training center and one towards the end of the ride east of the Columbia River

Water

• Water is a major concern for most of the Palouse Trail

• Most of the trail does NOT have access to natural water sources

  • A water filter is almost useless

  • You need to fill up at every campsite or purchase water at stores along the way

• Some of the trail (military base) has been treated with years to fire suppression chemicals

  • If you find open water there, you don't want to drink it

Bike Selection

• There are many styles of riding and many ways you can tackle the Palouse Trail

• A bike with 2+ inches tires is recommended

  • 40mm tires minimum if using a support vehicle

• MANY riders have completed the entire route on a fully loaded touring bike or gravel bike with tires as small as 35

  • Expect to sink into sandy spots - especially in the first part of the Yakima Training center on the last leg before the Columbia River

    • Larger tires will help to a point

    • If Yakima training center is churned up by horses, consider a detour

  • Some of the terrain east of the Columbia River will get pretty rocky and bumpy

Camping 

• Camping is Technically Banned on the trail 

• Camping spots are limited to 

  • Designated camping spots along trail (few)

  • Camping at State Parks

  • Camping at Private Parks

  • Dispersed camping on BLM land

  • Camping at city parks in smaller towns in Eastern Washington

  • B&Bs and inns are options too - but more expensive ones

  • For Scouts, contact local organizations to see if you can camp on their lawn

    • Fire Departments

    • Churches

    • City Parks and Rec

    • Schools

    • Fair Grounds

Camping Spots - BikePacking

• There are many options for camping if you are Bikepacking

  • There are many campsites along the way that are not accessible by vehicle

  • There is BLM land you can camp in near the trail

• UnOfficial Camp Options

  • There are MANY "UnOfficial Camp Options" that can be set up by the Crew

  • Fire Stations

  • Schools

  • City Parks

  • Fair Grounds

  • Friends

  • You just need to call and make the arrangements

• Official Camp Options

  • North Bend

    • One of our Adult Leaders can use property here for camping

    • No running water or electricity 

    • Use this if we start adventure in Seattle

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: -8.5miles

  • Alice Creek Campground

    • 47.4096, -121.5915

    • Next to McClellan Butte Trailhead

    • Could get resupply here

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 9.7miles

  • Tinkham Campground

    • 47.4017, -121.5671

    • Just past Alice Creek

    • Car Campsite - short distance off trial

      • Take McClellan Butte Trailhead

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 11miles

  • Carter Creek Campsite

    • 47.3865, -121.54671

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 12.7miles

  • Cold Creek Campground

    • 47.3681, -121.3947

    • At Keechelus Lake

    • Just past Hyak - easy to get resupply

      • 1 miles hike or 5min bike

      • Parking at trailhead

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 22.6miles

  • Roaring Creek Campground

    • 47.3266, -121.3639

    • Just past Cold Creek on Keechelus Lake

    • Just over a mile to road - resupply possible

      • Google Maps shows small sport for parking

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 26.0miles

  • Lake Easton State Park Campground

    • 47.2425, -121.1851

    • At Easton Lake

    • also - RV resort on both sides of I 90

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 37.6miles

  • Whispering Pines RV Park

    • 47.1894, -120.9360

    • Cle Elum

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 51miles

  • Ponderosa Campground

    • 47.1584, -120.8101

    • Past Cle Elum

    • On Yakima River

    • $12 fee

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 57.2miles

  • Ellensburg KOA

    • 47.0058, -120.5948

    • Just outside of Ellensburg on eastern side of I90

    • Full services in Ellensburg

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 72.5miles

  • Wanapum State Park Campground

    • 46.9040, -119.9902

    • On Columbia River

    • On east end of Yakima Training Center

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 110miles

  • Sand Hollow Campground

    • 46.9220, -119.9536

    • On east side of Columbia River north of Beverly

    • Should drive there to avoid busy 243

    • Used by 6thWard Scouts youtube  IRJvSwSGEFM 

  • Beverly Dunes ORV Area

    • 46.8299, -119.8965

    • Often crowded - but you can find a spot

    • Distance from Columbia River: 2miles

  • Lenice Lake Campground

    • 46.8336, -119.8331

    • Parking

    • Distance from Columbia River: 5.1miles

  • Adams County Fairgrounds 

    • 46.7927, -119.1527

    • Near Othello

    • Othello has Grocery, restaurants, inn, parks

    • Distance from Columbia River: 39miles

  • Ralston Memorial Park

    • 46.9843, -118.3430

    • NO services in Ralston

      • Should have water at Keppler Park (May to October)

    • free campground offers drinking water

    • It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans

    • Camping in tents is allowed

    • Distance from Columbia River: 95miles

  • Reserve

    • BLM Land 

      • Most land southeast of intersection of John Wayne Trail and Columbia Plateau Trail

        • South of trail 47.0524, -118.0138 to 47.0759, -117.9480

        • Dispersed camping allowed

        • Share with cows

        • experience.arcgis.com 

      • Parking?

    • Distance from Columbia River: 114miles

  • BLM Land

    • 47.0861, -117.8063

    • The trails is closed ahead because of private property

      • If you don't want to backtrack, you can detour via Wagner Rd and camp there

        • 47.1022, -117.8254

    • experience.arcgis.com

  • Saint John

    • Off Trail

    • Tent camping allowed at the Saint John Fairgrounds and City Park

    • (509) 648-3622 (Fairgrounds)

    • stjohnwa.com 

  • Malden City Park

    • 47.2292, -117.4756

    • Distance from Columbia River: 156miles

  • Rosalia City Park

    • 47.2311, -117.37192

    • Camping, Water and sometimes a swimming pool (call to inquire)

    • Call Piper, head of the town park committee, at 5098791905 to let her know you are coming

    • Cafe has breakfast burritos 

    • Distance from Columbia River: 166miles

  • Idaho Border

    • For reference

    • Distance from Columbia River: 190miles

Camping Spots - Support Vehicle Camping

• A ride is obviously going to be more enjoyable if you don't need to pack all of your camping gear

• There are less options if you are using a support vehicle to transport gear from camp to camp

  • Camping Spots will dictate your route

  • Plan on around 40 miles intervals between camp if using a support vehicle 

• UnOfficial Camp Options

  • There are MANY "UnOfficial Camp Options" that can be set up by the Crew

  • Fire Stations

  • Schools

  • City Parks

  • Fair Grounds

  • Friends

  • You just need to call and make the arrangements

• Official Camp Options

  • North Bend

    • One of our Adult Leaders can use property here for camping

    • No running water or electricity 

    • Use this if we start adventure in Seattle

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: -8.5miles

  • Tinkham Campground

    • 47.4017, -121.5671

    • Just past Alice Creek

    • Car Campsite - short distance off trial

      • Take McClellan Butte Trailhead

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 11miles

  • Denny Creek Campground

    • 47.4117, -121.4430

    • On other side of I90

    • About 5miles off the trail where road cross bike route 47.3849, -121.5210

    • About 4 miles off trail on Annett Lake Trail 47.3848, -121.4704

  • Cold Creek Campground

    • 47.3681, -121.3947

    • At Keechelus Lake

    • Just past Hyak - Hike in camping option

      • 1 miles hike or 5 min bike

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 22.6miles

  • Lake Easton State Park Campground

    • 47.2425, -121.1851

    • At Easton Lake

    • also - RV resort on both sides of I 90

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 37.6miles

  • Whispering Pines RV Park

    • 47.1894, -120.9360

    • Cle Elum

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 51miles

  • Ellensburg KOA

    • 47.0058, -120.5948

    • Just outside of Ellensburg on eastern side of I90

    • Full services in Ellensburg

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 72.5miles

  • Bighorn Campground

    • 46.8941, -120.5002

    • NOT part of trail system

    • 8 miles South of Ellensburg

    • Consider if tubing on Yakima

  • Wanapum State Park Campground

    • 46.9040, -119.9902

    • On Columbia River

    • On east end of Yakima Training Center

    • East of Rattlesnake Lake: 110miles

  • Sand Hollow Campground

    • 46.9220, -119.9536

    • On east side of Columbia River north of Beverly

    • Should drive there to avoid busy 243

    • Used by 6thWard Scouts youtube  IRJvSwSGEFM 

  • Beverly Dunes ORV Area

    • 46.8299, -119.8965

    • Often crowded - but you can find a spot

    • Distance from Columbia River: 2miles

  • Lenice Lake Campground

    • 46.8336, -119.8331

    • Parking

    • Distance from Columbia River: 5.1miles

  • Adams County Fairgrounds 

    • 46.7927, -119.1527

    • Near Othello

    • Orthello has Grocery, restaurants, inn, parks

    • Distance from Columbia River: 39miles

  • Ralston Memorial Park

    • 46.9843, -118.3430

    • NO services in Ralston

      • Should have water at Keppler Park (May to October)

    • free campground offers drinking water

    • It is accessible to motorbikes, RVs, camper trailers and caravans

    • Camping in tents is allowed

    • Distance from Columbia River: 95miles

  • Reserve

    • BLM Land 

      • Most land southeast of intersection of John Wayne Trail and Columbia Plateau Trail

        • South of trail 47.0524, -118.0138 to 47.0759, -117.9480

        • Dispersed camping allowed

        • Share with cows

        • experience.arcgis.com 

      • Parking- need to off road a little

    • Distance from Columbia River: 114miles

  • Saint John

    • Off Trail

    • Tent camping allowed at the Saint John Fairgrounds and City Park

    • (509) 648-3622 (Fairgrounds)

    • stjohnwa.com 

  • Malden City Park

    • 47.2292, -117.4756

    • Distance from Columbia River: 156miles

  • Rosalia City Park

    • 47.2311, -117.37192

    • Camping, Water and sometimes a swimming pool 

    • Call Piper, head of the town park committee, at 5098791905 to let her know you are coming.

    • Distance from Columbia River: 166miles

  • Idaho Border

    • For reference

    • Distance from Columbia River: 190miles

Trail Reviews

Don't have time to scout out the entire trail before scheduling it?  Do your homework and talk to people who completed it in the past.  Trail reviews give a lot of great insight and should be included as part of your research. 

• Palouse to Cascades Trail Coalition

  • palousetocascadestrail.org

• 2023 Amy Korver

  • cascade.org/news/2023/01/riding-across-wa-palouse-cascades-trail 

• Washington State Parks Foundation

  • Pictures of trail

  • waparks.org/tour_parent/palouse-to-cascades-trail/ 

• Troop 305 Walla Walla

  • Scouts did it in 10 days

  • Every three years, Troop 305 cycles from North Bend, Wash., on the western side of the state to Taft, Montana

  • 2021 scoutlife.org/about-scouts/scouting-around/174197/troop-305-burns-up-the-road-on-10-day-bicycling-trip-across-two-states

  • 2018 eastoregonian.com/news/local/boy-scouts-complete-400-mile-ride-to-lookout-pass/article_1237d5f1-815d-57a5-aa9b-5897a6ae7153.html  

• 2022 6th Ward Spokane - Spiritual Momentum

  • youtube  IRJvSwSGEFM 

  • Day 0 - Drove from Spokane and camped at Lake Easton State Park to camp

  • Day 1 - Cedar Falls to Cle Elum

    • Shuttled back to campground

    • 50 mile ride

  • Day 2 - Cle Elum to the Beverly Bridge

    • Shuttled from Camp Easton to Cle Elum

    • Suttle to and Camped at the Sandy Hollow campground

    • 60 mile ride!

  • Day 3 - Planned to finish in Othello

    • Hit puncture vines

      • Flat appears to be here 46.8390, -119.6461

    • Didn't detour and rode out to destroyed bridge

    • Miles of backtracking

    • Got picked up 

      • 46.8398, -119.5967

    • Mileage?

      • Maybe planned for around 40

  • Riders

    • 2 Adults

    • 10 youth

  • Vehicles

    • SUV (GMC)

      • 6 bike trailer hitch carrier

    • SUV (GMC)

      • Trailer

  • Lessons learned

    • They road long miles for youth

    • Didn't review detours prior to trip or read signs during trip

    • It's hot

    • Still had fun

• Gravel Gridnign Boys

  • youtube  IMzo3ZIyX4U Seattle to North Bend

  • youtube  UrIoBUc8JgE North Bend to Cle Elum

  • youtube  4k6Jey-gads Cle Elum, WA to The Columbia River

  • youtube  q-fnlMN8ozw Columbia River to Othello, WA

  • youtube  U3B2E_QhdHI Othello to Ralston, WA

  • youtube  NeG8JsxJdtY Ralston, WA to Malden, WA

  • youtube  kq2lxaPjcjk Malden, WA to Plummer, ID

• 2022 joeski

  • June 4, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Day 1. Cedar Falls (*Technically Easton) to Ellensburg

  • June 4, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Day 2. Ellensburg to Othello

  • June 4, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Day 3. Warden to Escure Ranch

  • June 4, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Day 4. Escure Ranch to Tekoa

  • June 6, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Wrapup. Final Takeaways From The Ride

    • Maxxis Ikons in 27.5 x 2.2

      • somewhere between a 50mm and 2.3″ tire is really the perfect size for the trail

      • one could probably get away with a 45-47mm tire

    • Orange Seal Endurance sealant, and no punctures

  • January 7, 2023 The Palouse to Cascades Trail: a guide to crossing Washington by bike

  • January 15, 2023 The Palouse to Cascades Trail: Rock Lake to the Idaho Border

  • June 8, 2021 Palouse To Cascades Trail: Rock Lake

• 2020 Joe Korbuszewski

  • Course completed over 10 years

  • washingtongravelriding.home.blog/2020/08/15/the-palouse-to-cascades-trail

• 2021 Bennett's ride across Washington 

  •  Bennett Family from Duvall, WA

  • https://bennettsacrosswa.wordpress.com/ 

• Tourus Interruptus by Spiral Cage

  • flickr.com/photos/35237104136@N01/albums/72157679233401535

• traillink.com

• Mark Borleske Historic Virtual Historical Tour 

  • milwelectric.org/palouse-to-cascades-trail-virtual-historical-tour 

• Rails to Trails

  • Connects trails together across Washington and coast to coast (good attempt)

  • railstotrails.org/site/greatamericanrailtrail/content/washington/ 

• me-and-b productions

  • Completed in sections over several weeks

    • 30-35 miles per day

  • youtube  PorYO5S_6_Q Episode 1 Idaho to Malden via Rosalia

  • youtube  yI717MIlfew Episode 2 Malden to Revere

  • youtube  UC3uFBEuxjA Episode 3 Revere to Ralston

  • youtube  iuxH-76EVjs Episode 4 Ralston to Warden

  • youtube  fdHG3vgGZPg Episode 5 Warden to Beverly

  • youtube  Z65UwMaVe1A Episode 6 Beverly to Renslow

  • youtube  KsLIQXk1Jh8 Episode 7 Renslow to Cle Elum

  • youtube  MH_2sfur0Mk Episode 8 Cle Elum to Hyak

  • youtube  9hr4aowL2Ek Episode 9 Hyak to Snoqualmie

  • youtube  f89cOygxuks Episode 10 Snoqualmie to Seattle

  • youtube  -lgbdls5r9Y Trail recap of 10 episodes

Groups

• Friends of the Palouse to Cascades Trail

  • facebook.com/groups/355582289627913 

Tires

Having the right tires are crucial to this trip.

Many riders on Gravel Bike have completed it with tires as small as 35mm.  Other riders recommend tires 2.2" (55mm) or larger.  Some with 35s said it was fine.  Others with fat tires said some sections were too hard.

Amy Korver completed the entire trail on a touring bike with 35mm tires and 90 pounds of gear.  She recommends 2 inch tires. 

Chris Quast road the Yakima Training Center section on a road bike and recommends 40mm+ tires for an "enjoyable ride." 

• Cedar Falls to Hyak

  • Gravel Bikes with tires as small as 32mm will work 

    • Cascade Bike Club says 32mms are fine

      • cascade.org/rides-events/69978 

    • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lgk23gd 

  • This guy did 32mm to Ellensburg 3 times; loose gravel around Cle Elum - but did fine

    • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lhgqvt8 

• North Bend to Renslow 

  • 35mm tires without issue

    • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lgd8088 

• Past Renslow

  • Many riders avoid Renslow to the Columbia, opting for Vantage Highway

    • Vantage Highway is north of I 90, paralleling it west-east

    • Vantage Highway converges with I90 in Vantage and takes you straight into Wanpum State Park

  • Renslow to River

    • Sandy but not too bad

    • 40mm+ should work fine

  • 35mm

    • Amy Korver

      • Completed entire trek with 90 pound loaded touring bike

      • Ran 35mm tires - recommends 2"+ tires for sandy sections 

      • cascade.org/news/2023/01/riding-across-wa-palouse-cascades-trail 

    • This guy said he did it with 35s "just fine'

      • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lgdn4m4 

    • This guy did 35, but prefer wider east of renslow

      • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lgduz96

  • 40-50mm

    • Chris Quast recommends 40mm+

      • youtube KOd4S92f0gM 

    • Steve Luten 42mm

      • youtube tRJ53x1Y89U 

      • Bikepacking with gravel bike

    • 650bx47 - East of Easton was loose gravel but did perfect

      • reddit.com/r/seattlebike/comments/1ejdbwy/comment/lge4qf4

  • 2.2" (55-56mm)

    • June 6, 2022 Palouse To Cascades Trail. Wrapup. Final Takeaways From The Ride

      • Maxxis Ikons in 27.5 x 2.2

        • "Somewhere between a 50mm and 2.3″ tire is really the perfect size for the trail"

        • "One could probably get away with a 45-47mm tire"

      • Orange Seal Endurance sealant, and no puncture

Trail Route

Maps: ridewithgps.com/users/1919835 

Seattle to Colombia River

• Cedar Falls to Hyak 22.4 miles

  • Cedar Falls (Rattlesnake Lake) 47.4325, -121.7663

    • Large Parking area - fills up in the summer

    • Restrooms

  • Excellent day trip if going east to west

    • Tires as small as 32mm will work on Gravel Bike

    • Start on east side of Iron Horse Tunnel (Snoqualmie Tunnel)

      • 2.3 miles long

    • Travel through the tunnel and then a gentle downhill until you reach Rattlesnake Lake

    • You can continue on a nice bike trail into North Bend

      • Consider if you wish to stop for Ice Cream there

  • Going west to east

    • Gradual ascent on railway grade

    • Averages about a 2% grade

    • Pass through Snoqualmie tunnel right before Hyak

  • palousetocascadestrail.org/westofcolumbia 

  • Iron Horse Tunnel 47.3953, -121.4445

    • 2.3 miles long

    • Closed approximately November 1 through May 1 

    • It is cold and pitch black

  • Access points

    • Homestead Valley Trailhead 47.4420, -121.6761

      • Mile 29

    • Garcia 47.4240, -121.6214

      • Mile 50

• Hyak to Easton 17.9 miles

  • Hyak 47.39478, -121.3980

    • Large parking area with restrooms and water

    • Lake Keechelus Trailhead 47.3847, -121.3899

    • Cold Creek campground 47.368, -121.3945

      • NO potable water provided

      • Restroom

    • Roaring Creek campsite 47.3267, -121.3640

    • Access to camping at Lake Easton State Park  47.2471, -121.2070

      • You will need to wander through the woods and go right on a closed road to get to the campground at the far side of the lake

• Easton to South Cle Elum 11.9 miles

  • Easton 47.2340, -121.1770

    • Gas station has some groceries

    • Restaurant

  • Double K retreat center 47.2191, -121.1605

    • Camping

    • Tall Timber trail 47.2242, -121.1587

  • Trail gets a little rougher with egg sized rocks here and there

• South Cle Elum to Thorp 18.5  miles

  • South Cle Elum 47.1840, -120.9521

    • Interpretative trail 47.1822, -120.9552

      • Explains former Milwaukee Road’s development of South Cle Elum

    • Iron Horse B+B 47.1828, -120.9535

  • Cle Elum 

    • North of I-90 about 2 miles from trail

    • Full services

    • Nice place to visit 

  • Ponderosa Campground 47.15834, -120.8107

  • Two short tunnels further east a few miles before Thorp

• Thorp to Ellensburg 7.3 miles

  • Thorp 47.0652, -120.6794

    • Thorp Mill 47.07434, -120.6837

      • Historic facility

    • Supposedly there is a food market here - maybe this? 47.0737, -120.6823

  • Thorp trailhead requires actually driving on the trail to access it

• Ellensburg to Kittitas 6 miles

  • Ellensburg 47.007, -120.5505

    • Full out city with accommodations, restaurants, and groceries

    • Need to use city streets to go through Ellensburg

    • Pick up trail near Rodeo Grounds 47.0009, -120.5317

    • KOA 47.0058, -120.5949

      • West of city on other side of I 90

• Kittitas to Renslow 5.7 miles

  • Kittitas 46.9819, -120.4169

    • Grocery, restaurants, and accommodations

  • Sandy Detour

    • Amy took Parke Creek Road (which the trail follows) for this sandy section

      • Hemingston Road 46.9794, -120.4018 to Prater Road 46.9740, -120.3647

  • The next section is notorious

    • Many will end their journey here

    • Others may detour

  • WATER:

    • NO water source between Kittitas and a public potable water station northeast of Doris 46.8694, -120.0057

    • PACK EXTRA WATER!

• Renslow to Columbia River 22 miles

  • Rough section

    • Many cyclists opt to avoid this section of the trail and instead take the Vantage Highway north of I90

  • Renslow 46.9584, -120.3063

    • Former railroad station stop

    • Notable for the high trestle that crosses I-90 46.9572, -120.3048

      • You can bypass it at Prater Road if this isn't your thing

        • Trailhead is just past the trestle 46.9507, -120.2971

          • Road is blocked here for vehicles but has bike access: 46.9532, -120.2974

  • Yakima Training Center 46.9555, -120.3033

    • South side of trestle 

    • Military Base from here to Columbia River

      • Required to sign in and out when traveling across this area

      • You are not allowed to go off trail in the Yakima Training Center

      • Closures are possible but rare

  • After the Renslow Trestle the terrain becomes sandy and difficult to ride

    • Some end their journey here or detour

    • Per Amy Korver: If you don't want to struggle, you can take Stevens Road 

      • Trailhead is just past the trestle 46.9507, -120.2971

        • Road is blocked here for vehicles but has bike access: 46.9532, -120.2974

        • It is possible to use this as a resupply point for water

        • There also appears to be a toilet in the parking lot

      • Stevens Road casually follows the trail

      • Rejoins at 

        • 46.9100, -120.2298 - just past west side of tunnel

        • 46.8905, -120.1629

  • Boylston Tunnel 46.9100, -120.2307

    • In disrepair and closed due to rock fall

    • Many videos of people crawling over tumbleweeds blocking west side of tunnel

      • youtube tRJ53x1Y89U 

      • youtube KOd4S92f0gM 

      • Appears doable, depending on amout of tumbleweeds

      • NOT Recommended for Scouts!

    • Can pass over it - a bit rugged

    • Detour around the Boylston Tunnel is rocky, sharp, and winding

  • Wanapum State Park Campground 46.9038, -119.9907

    • Camping, water and other state campground stuff

    • NOTE: Doris Road 46.8713, -119.9876 is closed 

      • It appears to be a perfect shortcut to the camp

      • Advised that you DO NOT Attempt

    • Note: you Can't camp at the cove

Columbia River East

• • Following the Columbia River, there are several sections of the trail that are impassible or closed

  • Plan on several detours on roads

• Beverly to Warden  54.8 miles

  • Beverly Royal to City Junction 16 miles 

    • 2 Bridge options

    • Beverly Railroad Bridge 46.8313, -119.9491

      • Opened for nonmotorized use April 8, 2022

      • Takes you right into Beverly 

      • 3,036 foot long with spectacular views

    • Huntzinger Trailhead 46.8689, -119.9787

      • Use to visit dam

      • East side of Colombia River

      • Cross river over dam

      • Vault toilets on west side of river

      • Restrooms in park on east side of river

    • Beverly 46.8371, -119.9330

      • Nothing here except a few homes and a fire station

    • ¼ mile south of Beverly is Schwana 46.8249, -119.9283

      • Has gas station and some food supplies

    •  2 miles east of Beverly is trailhead 

      • Restroom and camping north on trail

    • Smyrna 

      • Goat Heads!

        • Concern for popped tires!

        • Stay on road to avoid

      • Between mile 11 and 14 from Columbia River

    • Avoid State Route 26 to the north due to fast traffic.

    • WATER:

      • NO Water between Beverly and Othello

  • Royal City Junction to Warden 37 miles 

    • Royal City Junction 46.8399, -119.6012

    • Royal City 46.89728, -119.6330

      • 6 miles north on Road E SW

      • Restaurants, grocery stores, inn

    • Detour off the railroad grade onto a dirt road heading east

      • Avoid State Route 26 due to fast traffic

    • Othello 46.8258, -119.1751

      • WALTMART!

      • Grocery, restaurants, inn, parks

    • CAMPING:

      • Near Othello at Adams County Fairgrounds 46.7927, -119.1527

    • There is still an active railroad until Warden

• Warden to Lind 21 miles 

  • Warden 46.9709, -119.0389

    • grocery, restaurants, a hardware store

    • Town and Country Market and Subway

  • Trail is said to get rougher than west of here

• Lind to Ralston 18 miles 

  • Lind 46.9663, -118.6189

    • Restaurants, Gas station, Jim's Market, and city hall

    • Town of Lind Park might have restroom

    • CAMPING:

      • Ralston’s city park

        • Potable water

      • If needed inquire about camping, do so at grocery store?

        • per palousetocascadestrail.org/eastofcolumbia 

  • Detour -  Follow signs downhill and through three tunnels under the highway

• Ralston to Revere 33 miles via detour

  • Trestle over Cow Creek is out between Ralston to Marengo 

    • Cow Creek about 5 miles east of Ralston

    • Cliff on both sides of the trestle

      • You can bike out there if you want, but you'll need to circle back

    • Detour takes you south of trestle

      • On private property 

        • NO Camping or wondering off trail here

  • Ralston to Marengo (detour via Cow Creek Trestle Bypass) 9 miles 

    • Ralston 46.9867, -118.3435

      • has park, camping, water and WIFI

  • Marengo to Benge-Ritzville Road crossing 5 miles 

    • Marengo 47.0226, -118.1953

      • Old trail station - nothing here

    • Trail going east passes through the Scablands of exposed bed rock

  • Benge-Ritzville Road to Revere 10 miles 

    • Benge-Ritzville Road 47.050, -118.1225

    • Passes under the Columbia Plateau Trail 47.0527, -118.0140

      • Fives miles to Reserve

      • Trail is railroad ballast - NOT easy to travel on

• Revere to Ewan 15 miles 

  • Reserve 47.08378, -117.9252

    • There is a grain silo here - that's it

  • Camping

    • Go down the Jordon Knott road to the west of the terminal onto BLM land

  • Section from Rock Creek 47.1049, -117.7693 to Ewan is private property

    • OFF LIMITS

  • Use Detour Texas Lake Road 47.0838, -117.85228

    • Head north to Wagner Road 47.0914, -117.8534

    • Head northeast to 23 47.1118, -117.8110

    • Head 4 miles east to Ewan 47.1169, -117.7355

      • Don't blink - this dirt road is the trail

      • Don't turn here, because it belongs to the grain terminal 

    • Continue to paved intersection for Rock Lake Road 47.1169, -117.7309

    • You can also detour to the south to avoid 23

      • 6 miles longer

• Ewan to Kenova 15 miles 

  • Ewan 47.1164, -117.7365

  • You are likely already on a detour

  • Trailhead is technically at 47.1341, -117.7157

    • Rock Lake area has impassable areas. 

      • Going west to east, an impassable trestle is 3 miles in 

      • Going east to west, a restricted tunnel is 2.25 miles in 47.219, -117.6139

    • You can not go around the lake

    • Will need yet another detour

      • Get on Gene Webb Road 47.1332, -117.7150 and head east

      • Take Stephen Road 47.1313, -117.66097 north over creek to next intersection

      • Take Patterson Road 47.1357, -117.6601 west to T at 47.1593, -117.6047

      • Head north Patterson Road 47.1593, -117.6047 to T at 47.1950, -117.5600

      • Head north on Patterson Road back to Stephen Road at 47.2012, -117.5551

      • You can head to Kenova or Pine City

        • Kenova 

          • NOTE: trail east of Kenova was closed due to Babb Fire and burnt bridges in 2020

          • Head east to Kenova Road 47.2021, -117.5511

          • Head north to get back on trail 47.2069, -117.5529

          • Head southeast to continue journey...unless you want to see section you missed

        • Pine City

          • Continue east on Stephen Road until the T at 47.1951, -117.5319

          • Head north on Pine City Malden Road

          • Don't miss east turn at 47.2056, -117.5250

          • Continue to Malden - trail intersection at 47.2280, -117.4846

• Kenova to Pine City 2 miles 

  • Kenova 47.2069, -117.5530

    • Name appears on Google Maps

    • There doesn't seem to be anything here other than sign and intersection

    • Trail east may be still closed due to Babb Fire and burned bridges

    • Trail west was blocked at tunnel

• Pine City to Malden 4 miles 

  • Pine City 47.2014, -117.5282 

    • Tiny town

  • Due to Babb Fire, Trail is closed

  • Take road to Malden

• Malden to Rosalia 10 miles 

  • Malden 47.2280, -117.4846

    • Not much left after Babb Fire

    • State Parks has built a new trailhead at Malden, repairing bridges and improving the surface

    • Camping at the City Park which is up the hill from the Malden trailhead

• Rosalia to Tekoa 20 miles 

  • Rosalia 47.2412, -117.3753

    • Small city 

    • Restaurants, a grocery

    • Camping at the city park 47.2311, -117.37192

      • Camping, Water and sometimes a swimming pool 

    • Best to leave the trail at Gashous Road 47.2412, -117.3753

    • Betty Bruce Street gets you back on the trail 47.2339, -117.3739

      • Called Horlacher Road on Google Maps

  • Trail winds through the Palouse farmlands to Tekoa

  • High Trestle at 47.2263, -117.0806

    • I you have a phobia, you can bypass it here 47.2227, -117.1074

• Tekoa to Idaho Border 5 miles 

  • Tekoa 47.2267, -117.0797

    • Restaurants, a grocery and a hardware store

    • No Camping or hotel

  • Trail can get really muddy, depending on when you go

  • Idaho Border 47.2960, -117.0399

    • Intersection of trail, dirt road and Teko Idaho Road

    • Trail continues into Idaho

• Idaho to Trail of the Cour d’Alenes  11 miles

  • Private property open to riders 3 ¼ miles to Mowry Road 47.3080, -116.9805

    • Railway trail is impassable at this point

    • Take hilly road to Trail of the Coeur d’Alene 47.3408, -116.8898

  • Note: Trail not too scenic east of Enaville

    • Follows I90

    • Need to share I90 on some bridges - with NO shoulder!

Off Trail Attractions

Yakima River Tubing 

• Yakima River Tubing

  • These guys get terrible reviews

• Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day

• Location: Rosa BLM Rec.  Mile post 6

• Hwy. 821 Canyon Road

• ​​3 to 4 hour float with breathtaking views

• Start Point: Umtanum 46.8554, -120.4827 ?

• End Point: Roza 46.7652, -120.4583

Yakima River Rafting

• Rill Adventures

• Alpine Adventures 

You need a Discover Pass to park at many of the Yakima Canyon River Campgrounds and Recreation Sites

You may also need to pay a $5 day fee per car, so bring some cash