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Routes
United States
Washington
Kittitas County
Snoqualmie Pass

Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Hyak

Routes
United States
Washington
Kittitas County
Snoqualmie Pass

Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Hyak

Moderate

4.9

(5313)

12,288

riders

Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Hyak

01:27

25.5km

210m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Palouse to Cascades State Park

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

175 m

Hyak Station

Highlight • Rest Area

The best place to stop for a rest and some food after climbing up the trail and going through the tunnel. There are restrooms, fresh water, a bike repair stand, …

Tip by

2

695 m

Snoqualmie Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

The tunnel is a part of the former railroad system that is the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. It is close to the former train station of Hyak. If …

Tip by

3

701 m

Snoqualmie Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

One instant you're riding along a mountain trail and the next you find yourself in a completely dark tunnel (expect the tiny prick of light at the end). Soak up …

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4

4.37 km

Snoqualmie Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

Hike or cycle through the historic train tunnel.
Of course no trains anymore.
Closed during the winter months.

Tip by

5

4.45 km

Snoqualmie Tunnel west entrance

Highlight • Structure

Western end of a 2.5 mile tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass. Former railroad tunnel, now open April-September (depending on snow). Great adventure destination - you can cross the pass to the …

Tip by

6

7.62 km

Avalanche Shed in Palouse to Cascades State Park

Highlight (Segment) • Monument

This is one of several avalanche sheds that protected the railroad in the winter - and the only one still standing. Nice signboard explaining how it worked and why it …

Tip by

7

12.3 km

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Bridge

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is a long gravel route across Washington, great for bikepacking or long rides. The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a must—dark, damp, and fun (bring …

Tip by

8

18.0 km

Avalanche Avenue

Highlight • Monument

There is an old avalanche shed here that used to protect the rail line from midwinter snow and avalanches. You can ride under or alongside it.

Tip by

B

25.5 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

25.2 km

188 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

25.1 km

268 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (790 m)

Lowest point (650 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Friday 26 June

11°C

5°C

76 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 18.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Description

If you're looking for a truly unique gravel biking experience that blends history with natural beauty, the Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Hyak is an absolute must-do. This moderate 15.9-mile (25.5 km) route, with a gentle 698 feet (213 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 26 minutes, making it an accessible adventure for a wide range of riders. It's perfect for those seeking a distinctive ride without overly challenging terrain, offering a memorable journey through one of the region's most popular trails.

What to expect on Snoqualmie Tunnel – Snoqualmie Tunnel loop from Hyak

This route primarily follows the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, a former railway line, which means you'll enjoy consistently gentle grades and a mostly hard-packed gravel surface. The undeniable highlight is the 2.3-mile-long Snoqualmie Tunnel itself, a profoundly dark, damp, and cool passage that maintains a steady 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside the tunnel, the scenery shifts to picturesque forested areas, river valleys, and lakes, with occasional glimpses of volcanic peaks and historic trestle bridges. The rail-trail design ensures there are no steep climbs, making this a manageable and enjoyable ride for all skill levels, especially those who appreciate a unique landmark experience.

Planning your visit

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a seasonal feature, typically closed from November 1st to May 1st due to dangerous icy conditions, so plan your visit accordingly. Even on warm days, the tunnel is significantly cooler and damp, so you'll want to bring warm clothing layers. Crucially, the tunnel is entirely unlit, so multiple powerful lights – both headlamps and bike lights, plus backups – are essential for safe passage. Parking is available at the Hyak trailhead, and arriving earlier in the day is always a good idea during peak season.

  • Distance: 15.9 miles (25.5 km)
  • Elevation gain: 698 feet (213 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 26 minutes

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