The best cycling routes in Marckworth State Forest
4.1
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334
riders
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Touring cycling in Marckworth State Forest features an extensive network of gravel logging roads, providing varied routes through a serene environment. The area is characterized by thousands of acres of dense forests, expansive wetlands, and rumpled rocky hills. These routes often follow well-packed gravel surfaces, with some sections having looser gravel, making them suitable for touring bicycles with appropriate tire widths. The forest also includes notable features like waterfalls and occasional viewpoints across valleys.
Best touring cycling routes in Marckworth State Forest
- The most popular touring cycling route is Bike loop from Carnation, a 10.0 miles (16.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 39 minutes to complete. This route offers a moderate challenge through forested landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Sultan – Skykomish River loop from Sultan, a difficult 40.8 miles (65.7 km) path. This route explores river valleys and offers a longer, more demanding ride.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Nick Loutsis Park loop from Duvall, a 17.2 miles (27.7 km) trail leading through a mix of parkland and rural scenery, often completed in about 1 hour 44 minutes.
- Touring cycling in Marckworth State Forest is defined by extensive gravel logging roads, dense forests, and varied terrain including wetlands and hills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Marckworth State Forest are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Marckworth State Forest's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 2, 2026
8
riders
42.8km
03:59
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
65.7km
04:54
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
10.9km
00:42
50m
50m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
59
riders
67.7km
04:20
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1.0
(1)
1
riders
42.6km
02:37
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Perfect trailhead for the Snoqualmie Trail. Good parking, porta potty, plenty of shade.
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Wonderful trail between Carnation and Snoqualmie - wooded, a slight uphill, good surface.
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Sultan is a small, charming community situated where the Wallace, Skykomish, and Sultan rivers meet. It offers stunning mountain views and a rich history. Established in 1880 at the location of a Skykomish village, the town saw its beginnings during a small gold rush. Sultan was officially platted in 1889, shortly before the arrival of the Great Northern Railway, and became a center for mining and the lumber industry.
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The Skykomish River is a free-flowing river that spans 29 miles from the confluence of the North Fork Skykomish River and the South Fork Skykomish River to where it meets the Snoqualmie River. The river is a popular destination for anglers and whitewater enthusiasts.
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Lake Joy is a 105-acre lake surrounded by a community of around 1,000 residents who live on or around the lake. The roads encircling the lake are pleasant for riding due to low traffic; however, access to the lake is private.
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Carnation Farms is a community-based hub for regenerative food and agriculture, and it is also home to the famous Carnation milk. This landmark farm has been in production since 1908. Additionally, the farm offers a year-round farmstand that functions as a farmer's market, offering seasonal produce, local dairy, pasture-raised eggs, local honey, local wines, and much more.
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Beautiful ride along the river. Very hard pack gravel. Almost completely flat except a section by Fall City where there is a very gradual rise.
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Carnation Farms is where Carnation Milk originated - now with a coffee/sandwich shop for a mid-ride refuel and rest!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Marckworth State Forest?
Marckworth State Forest is characterized by an extensive network of gravel logging roads. These are generally smooth and wide with gentle grades, though some sections can have looser, chunkier gravel. You'll cycle through dense forests, expansive wetlands, and rumpled rocky hills, offering a serene environment away from urban noise.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Marckworth State Forest?
Yes, there are routes suitable for families. The Nick Loutsis Park loop from Duvall is an easy 17.2-mile (27.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 44 minutes, offering a mix of parkland and rural scenery. This route is a good option for those looking for a less strenuous ride.
What tire width is recommended for touring cycling in Marckworth State Forest?
Given the gravel logging roads, a minimum tire width of 32mm is suggested for touring cycling in Marckworth State Forest. Wider tires are generally recommended for better comfort and traction, especially on sections with looser gravel.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes available?
Yes, many routes in Marckworth State Forest are designed as loops. For example, the Bike loop from Carnation is a moderate 10.0-mile (16.1 km) route, and the Carnation Valley loop offers a moderate 26.5-mile (42.6 km) ride through the valley.
What are the parking options for accessing touring cycling routes?
There are no designated recreational facilities or official trailheads within Marckworth State Forest. Parking is typically found on road shoulders near gated entrances. Remember that a Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access.
Are there any permits or passes required for touring cycling in Marckworth State Forest?
While no specific cycling permits are needed, a Washington State Discover Pass is required for vehicle access if you plan to park within the State Forest boundaries. This pass supports the maintenance of state recreation lands.
Can I expect to see any waterfalls or scenic viewpoints along the routes?
Yes, Marckworth State Forest is home to notable waterfalls like Upper Cherry Creek Falls, Cherry Lake Falls, and Cherry Creek Falls, which are popular destinations. While scenery can vary, some higher points like Elwell Cliffs offer views across the valley towards Mount Pilchuck and other peaks on clear days.
What is the difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Marckworth State Forest?
The routes vary in difficulty. You can find easy options like the Nick Loutsis Park loop from Duvall. Moderate routes include the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, a 42.0-mile (67.7 km) path. For a more challenging experience, consider the difficult Sultan – Skykomish River loop from Sultan, which is 40.8 miles (65.7 km) long.
What should I be aware of regarding logging operations in the forest?
Marckworth State Forest is a working forest, meaning active timber operations occur. Visitors should be aware of logging trucks, especially during weekdays. It's important to exercise caution and be mindful of industrial traffic on the gravel roads.
What do other touring cyclists say about their experience in Marckworth State Forest?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.4 stars from over 10 reviews. Touring cyclists often praise the sense of solitude and the quiet environment, highlighting the extensive gravel road network that allows for varied routes and a true wilderness experience.
What should I bring with me for a touring cycling trip in Marckworth State Forest?
As there are no designated recreational facilities, it's essential to be self-sufficient. You should bring your own water, food, and reliable navigation tools like a GPS device, as official maps are not readily available and signage can be limited.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Marckworth State Forest?
There are over 10 touring cycling routes available in Marckworth State Forest, offering a range of distances and difficulty levels to explore the diverse landscapes of the region.
Most popular routes in Marckworth State Forest
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