The official reopening of the Snoqualmie Tunnel on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail also means the return of a shuttle service to the highest point of the trail for bicyclists.
Agate Pass Transportation is launching its Bus-Up 90 service from the trailhead at Cedar Falls to the trailhead at Hyak in July.
The bus service is designed for cyclists who want a lift to the summit for an easy 23-mile ride downhill.
The shuttle can accommodate 21 passengers and bicycles; it runs on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Steady climb
As part of the old Milwaukee Road, the John Wayne Pioneer Rail-Trail rises at a steady 2% grade from Cedar Falls to the Snoqualmie Pass at Hyak. Near the summit, it passes through the 2.3-mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel.
While I've maintained it's more fulfilling to ride the length of the trail through the Iron Horse State Park, up and down, the shuttle bus provides a good service to families or those who aren't quite up to the uphill grade.
It's also a good introduction to off-road bicycling for those who might be worried about the climb, although a 2% grade isn't that noticeable until you turn around and return.
Tunnel reopening
That tunnel has been closed since January 2009 when inspectors determined that leaking water and falling rocks made the tunnel dangerous for bike travel. Because the Hyak Trailhead is just east of the tunnel, there was no way to pass through to the rest of the trail and head west to Cedar Falls.
This also created a huge obstacle for bicyclists using the rail-trail to cross the state; it made a detour onto I-90 just about mandatory.
The official Snoqualmie Tunnel reopening is scheduled to on July 5 to coincide with the 20th Anniversary Mountains to Sound Trek, July 2 to 10, from Ellensburg to Seattle. The trekkers will make the trip by bicycle and on foot.
Contact information at the Bus Up 90 website.
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