Washington Parks Bicycle Route

The Adventure Cycling Association Washington Parks Bicycle Route is a double loop rather than a point-to-point route that showcases the diversity of Washington State, from its ocean and sound views in the west to the fertile orchards of the central Columbia River Valley while visiting three national parks. The beginning and end points are technically Sedro-Woolley and Elma, though the abundance of ferries in and around Seattle allow great flexibility in planning. The total distance of the two loops is 870 miles (1400 km).

Ocean Views and Rain Forest

The Washington Parks Bicycle Route begins by heading west out of Sedro-Woolley, WA where rdiers get the first opportunity to board a ferry. Out of Anacortes, Washington the San Juan Islands (Lopez, Orcas and San Juan) are easily accessed through a frequent ferry schedule. The islands are a popular bicycle touring area, each bearing its own flavor with mostly low-trafficked roads and hilly riding. Back on the main route, the next stop is Port Townsend, Washington, a historic seaport with a host of tourist activities. Continuing along the coast the route follows the Olympic Discovery Trail from Sequim to Port Angeles, Washington, the gateway to Olympic National Park, which is the first of three national parks on this route. Riders should be sure to leave time to visit the park's visitor center and/or try one of the many day hike options.

From Port Angeles to Elma the route is mostly rural riding with light traffic. South of Forks is one of the most scenic areas of the route, with incredible views and ample opportunities to explore the shorelines from the beach parking lots. Once in Elma, there are two options, head north and finish the loop in Port Townsend via the 111-mile Sound Alternate or continue east toward Mt. Rainier National Park for the larger loop across central Washington.

The Sound Alternate is a mostly rural connection back to Port Townsend that includes a spur to the Bremerton, Washington, with an option for travel to Seattle. Whidbey Island is home to a thriving artist community as well as an active naval base just north of Silverdale. Off route 5 miles is the town of Poulsbo, which proudly celebrates its Norwegian heritage.

Parks and Mountains

The eastern section of the route begins in Elma and heads east into the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Eatonville has its roots in the timber industry. In spite of the closure of its mill in 1942, it continues to grow as a residential community and recreational jumping off spot for the region. Traffic volume increases as you approach Mt. Rainier National Park, especially June through August. As riders leave the park, they will crest two mountain passes in rapid succession, Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass, and the grade of these ascents is a steady 5-8%. From here it is mostly downhill to Selah, just north of Yakima, Washington to the Yakima River.

The environment on the eastern side of the Cascades is markedly drier as the route follows the Yakima River north to Ellensburg. Continuing north, Blewett Pass (4,102 feet, 1252 m) is just ahead before reaching U.S. 2/97. Entering the off route mountain town of Leavenworth is like riding into an alpine village. All businesses are dressed up in a Swiss-themed motif. North Cascades National Park provides another opportunity to get off the bike and try a day hike. The route continues on SR 20 until Marblemount where local roads are used to avoid heavy traffic and it generally follows the Skagit River to Sedro-Woolley and reconnects to the western loop.

Terrain

Leaving Sedro-Woolley headed west the route is rolling down to Sequim where it flattens out along the Straight of Juan De Fuca. Heading south from the coast the route starts to roll again with smaller hills. From Elma, the Sound Alternate headed back north starts with a small climb, and then is rolling again back to where it rejoins the main route south of Port Townsend. From Elma headed east, the route gradually starts to climb, culminating in two mountain passes in Mt. Rainier National Park. The route then descends mostly to the Yakima area, before starting to climb along the Yakima River, culminating with Blewett Pass south of Cashmere. After a slow descent, the road starts to slowly climb as it follows the Columbia River and Methow River, topping out at the 5,477 foot (1672 m) Washington Pass west of Mazama, before slowly descending back down to Sedro-Woolly.

Logistics

From Port Angeles to Elma, with the exceptions of Forks, Amanda Park and Montesano, services are sparse so riders must be prepared by carrying extra food and water. Some longer days will also be required if riders stay in hotels along this section. Around Mt. Rainier National Park during the summer tourist season, the crowds pick up and reservations are recommended for campgrounds and motels. As a full service town, Ellensburg is a good spot to replenish supplies and visit a bike shop. Due to heavy snow falls, the highway in North Cascades National Park is usually closed mid-November to mid-April though the park remains open with limited access.

ee also

*bicycle touring
*Adventure Cycling Association

External Links

* [http://www.nps.gov/mora Mount Rainier National Park]
* [http://www.nps.gov/noca North Cascades National Park]
* [http://www.nps.gov/olym Olympic National Park]
* [http://www.peninsulatrailcoalition.com Olympic Discovery Trail]