Flat gravel section — Palouse to Cascades State Park

The South Cle Elum – Lake Easton State Park loop from Hyak offers a challenging touring bicycle experience, tracing the historic Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail through changing landscapes. You'll pedal past the serene Lake Easton, cross the impressive curved bridge over Cabin Creek, and enjoy distant views of the Cascade Peaks. The terrain is mostly unpaved, compacted gravel, with some deeper sections, so bring a mountain bike or gravel bike with wide tires to handle the 61.0-mile (98.2 km) distance and 1599 feet (487 metres) of elevation gain.

Plan for a full day out, as this difficult route is estimated to take around 9 hours and 6 minutes. The Hyak trailhead is a great starting point, offering ample parking, restrooms, and water. Remember that a Discover Pass is required for access to Washington State Parks, which you'll encounter along the way.

This route follows a historic railroad corridor, providing a unique glimpse into the region's past, particularly around South Cle Elum where you can find interpretive information about the former Milwaukee Road. Primitive campsites are available at Cold Creek and Roaring Creek if you're looking to extend your adventure, though they lack potable water.