The best traffic-free bike rides around Cle Elum
4.5
(5)
70
riders
10
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Cle Elum traverse a varied landscape in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The region features river valleys, including the Cle Elum and Teanaway Rivers, providing scenic routes through dense forests. Cyclists can experience gentle gradients along converted rail trails and more undulating paths through wooded areas within the Kittitas Valley. Lake Cle Elum, a seven-mile-long reservoir, offers water views along some routes.
Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Cle Elum
- The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is South Cle Elum – Teanaway River loop from South Cle Elum, a 41.2 miles (66.4 km) trail that takes about 5 hours 55 minutes to complete. This difficult route explores river valleys and forested sections.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Roslyn Urban Forest – Coal Miners' Memorial loop from Cle Elum, an easy 7.1 miles (11.5 km) path. This route offers a relaxed journey through forested areas and the Roslyn Urban Forest.
- Local touring cyclists also love the South Cle Elum – Lake Easton State Park loop from Cle Elum, a 40.8 miles (65.7 km) trail leading through varied terrain towards Lake Easton State Park, often completed in about 6 hours 4 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Cle Elum is defined by river valleys, dense forests, and views of the Cascade Mountain foothills. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging long-distance routes.
- The routes in Cle Elum are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from 5 reviews. More than 70 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Cle Elum's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 3, 2026
6
riders
61.7km
05:35
340m
330m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
11.5km
00:45
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
65.7km
06:05
340m
340m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The State Park is on the West shore of Lake Easton - very nice campground. An excellent overnight spot in the Spring/Summer/Fall when doing the Palouse to Cascades trail. Worth looping around the lake to see it from all sides and experience the tunnel and bridges. Decent provisions available in town.
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Great bridge! You can ride all the way around Lake Easton, over this bridge, under a cool tunnel, past the State Park, and across another bridge that used to be the main highway across the cascades (Highway 10). Very beautiful ride!
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I highly recommend the Coal Mines trail as an easy access to the various mountain bike trails in the area - great system up there!
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If you have been riding West to East, this is what you have been waiting for. A unique bridge over the Yakima River. You can cross the river, stand on one side, stand on the other, stand in the middle. The bridge doesn’t mind either way. Very high quality bridge that doesn’t move when you walk on it because it used to support trains. A great place to reflect on things that have happened and say well “that’s water under the bridge”, and you’ll be both literally and figuratively correct at the same time. Can’t beat that.
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To help you ride through the monotony of this stretch of the trail, I recommend you stop and take a mental break at Yakima River Bridge #5. On summer weekends there are groups of people riding the river on inner tubes and this point serves as their exit from the river - always a fun time when they are here. Also, the active rail line bridge is right next to the trail bridge, and seeing a train rumble by is an earth-moving adventure.
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The station house is restored and looks great - it used to house a restaurant, but that moved elsewhere.
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This is the last tunnel you will see until (or the first tunnel you have seen since) Thorp. Wooded, along the lake, nice spot to stop.
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Say hello to a friend. If you are travelling West to East, this is the first of many times you will cross over the Yakima River. OR... If you are travelling East to West, say goodbye to the friendly river you have been crossing over and over.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Cle Elum?
There are 11 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Cle Elum. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy, family-friendly rides to more challenging long-distance loops through the region's diverse landscapes.
Are there any easy, no-traffic touring routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Cle Elum offers 5 easy, no-traffic touring routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Roslyn Urban Forest – Coal Miners' Memorial loop from Cle Elum, which is just over 11 km long and features minimal elevation gain, taking you through scenic forested areas.
What are the best times of year to cycle the traffic-free routes in Cle Elum?
The best time to cycle the traffic-free routes in Cle Elum is typically from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the weather is generally mild and dry, making for pleasant riding conditions. The region's river valleys and forests are particularly vibrant in spring and fall.
Are there any long-distance, car-free touring routes in the Cle Elum area?
For those seeking longer, car-free touring experiences, Cle Elum has several options. The South Cle Elum – Teanaway River loop from South Cle Elum covers over 66 km, taking you through picturesque river valleys. Another challenging option is the South Cle Elum – Lake Easton State Park loop from Cle Elum, also over 65 km, offering diverse terrain.
What kind of scenic views can I expect on these no-traffic routes?
The no-traffic routes in Cle Elum offer a variety of scenic views. You'll cycle through lush river valleys, dense forests, and along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Routes often provide glimpses of Lake Cle Elum and the surrounding natural beauty, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer and elk.
Are there any loop routes available for touring cyclists?
Yes, several loop routes are available for touring cyclists looking for a circular journey. The South Cle Elum – Teanaway River loop from South Cle Elum is a notable example, providing a comprehensive tour of the area's natural features without retracing your path.
What attractions or points of interest can I find along or near the traffic-free cycling routes?
Along or near the traffic-free cycling routes, you can explore several interesting points. The Roslyn Urban Forest offers panoramic views, while the Cascade Rail Foundation South Cle Elum Station provides a historical insight. For a break, consider visiting the Pioneer Coffee Roasting Company. You might also encounter the Suncadia Wildlife and Historical Trails.
Is parking available near the starting points of these quiet cycling routes?
Parking is generally available near the starting points of many quiet cycling routes in the Cle Elum area. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages or by checking local resources for trailheads and public access points.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Cle Elum?
The no-traffic touring routes in Cle Elum are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the car-free paths, the stunning natural scenery, and the variety of routes suitable for different skill levels.
Are there any routes that pass by Lake Cle Elum or offer water views?
While specific routes may not directly hug the entire shoreline, many routes in the region offer views of Lake Cle Elum or pass near its vicinity. The lake is a prominent natural feature, and cycling in the area often provides opportunities to enjoy its stunning water views, especially around areas like Speelyi Beach.
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