As someone who usually avoids crowds, I'll have to admit I was happy to see so many bicyclists riding on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail on Saturday.
The reopening of the 2.3-mile-long Snoqualmie Tunnel in July has once again made this 21-mile section of trail between Cedar Falls and Hyak a popular destination for outdoorsy folks, including families.
It proves that money spent on construction — or in this case repair — of biking and hiking trails pays off.
Biking uphill
This was my second trip here this summer, this time with my neighbor, Kazuki. He wanted to experience the long, but mild climb up to and through the tunnel that connects western and eastern Washington, and the speedy return.
We had been here a year ago and had come across may a half a dozen other bicyclists who were making their way to the summit, or on their return trip.
The tunnel was closed then, victim to falling rock and water damage inside that made it a safety problem. Not surprising considering it opened in 1915 as part of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad.
Repairs
Last fall, a contractor began $700,000 worth of repairs to reinforce the tunnel wall and path. The refurbished tunnel opened on July 5 as part of the 20th Anniversary Mountains to Sound Greenway Trek from Ellensburg to Seattle. The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust describes the trail as the backbone to the 1.5 million acre area.
Based on my visit in early August and this weekend, I'd say the reopened tunnel is an instant hit.
We left the Cedar Falls trailhead about 10 a.m. In an hour, we started coming across groups of cyclists heading downhill.
Bikes
A few were grown men on expensive mountain bikes with the latest front and rear suspension systems.
But most appeared to be families or youth groups. The kids rode the same bikes they used to scratch around their neighborhoods. One of the youngest in a group of about 50 was riding a Barbie-style pink bike with a banana seat and high handlebars.
I rode a mountain bike with no suspension and slick, 1-1/4 inch tires. My friend had front shocks and knobby tires. The route is packed gravel; you can ride just about anything.
Shuttle
That group of 50 cyclists was the largest we saw on Saturday. Someone had trucked the bikes up to Hyak, while some left their cars in Cedar Falls and others drove up to the Summit. A picnic lunch awaited the group down at Rattlesnake Lake, which adjoins the Cedars Falls trailhead.
That scheme for most of these cycling groups: Leave a vehicle at Cedar Falls, drive to the summit at Hyak, pass through the tunnel and ride downhill, then drive back to the car in Hyak.
The 2% grade doesn't seem like much when you're riding uphill, but you can pick up some speed and momentum on the return trip. I usually find that going uphill gives me a chance to enjoy the mountain scenery. On the downhill run I'm just trying to avoid the occasional rock in the packed gravel trail.
Not crowded
Even with all the visitors this past weekend, I don't want to leave the impression that the trail is really crowded. It's not. There were miles and miles where we didn't come across anyone in either direction. The trail is wide enough for cyclists to pass.
The most congestion is in the tunnel itself, where bicyclists mix with hikers.
While most bicyclists carried lights, some of those on foot did not, making it hazardous to suddenly come up to someone in the dark. Go slow.
Some other hints:
The tunnel is dark and cold and wet, you'll want to wear a jacket inside and light up the trail with a headlamp.
You'll need a Discover Pass to park at the Cedar Falls or Hyak trailheads. I didn't see anywhere to buy a pass, so you'll have to go to Discover Pass online.
Bus-Up 90, a Snoqualmie Pass trail shuttle is in operation between Cedar Falls and Hyak. Check the website for reservation information.
There's no fresh water at the Cedar Falls trailhead, but the Seattle PUD visitor's center (you'll see the signs) has water fountains and flush toilets. There is water at the Hyak trailhead restrooms.
Other tunnels along the length of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in the vicinity of Easton and Cle Elum are still closed, although they do have marked detours.
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