Bikepacking Session #5 - Field Trip - Palouse to Cascades Trail

Field trip: Basic Bikepacking Course

Bikepacking Session #5 - Field Trip - Palouse to Cascades Trail

An overnight field trip to put your bikepacking gear and skills to the test on the trail.

  • Bikepacking Gravel I, Bikepacking Gravel II
  • Moderate
  • Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft

This will be a one night bikepacking trip to a location in Eastern WA. The location is subject to change based on weather and conditions.

NOTE: An E-Bike is not allowed in this course.

SATURDAY - Participants and instructors will be divided into smaller groups. The plan is to meet in South Cle Elum, ride eastward on the P2C trail for 7.3 miles, and set up camping at Ponderosa Camp. After setting up camp, groups will day-ride further eastward, and return to camp in the afternoon. (Sunrise 6:36 AM. Sunset 7:38 PM).  The dayride will vary by group.  The groups are set in advance based on fitness, bike type, gear load, etc... Course leaders will help participants choose the appropriate group.

The route varies from smooth to rough gravel, chunky gravel, etc.  It can also include headwinds in one direction or the other, and elevation gain returning to camp. 

  • Group 1 - Planned to be an additional 9 miles to East Taneum Road for a total mileage of ~ 25 miles.
  • Group 2 - Planned to be an additional 13 miles to Thorp Fruit Stand, for total mileage of ~ 33 miles for the day.
  • Group 3 - To be determined and may be excluded based on conditions. Could be 18 miles RT to Ellensburg for a total mileage of ~ 44 miles.

SUNDAY - The plan is to have breakfast at camp, ride back to the trailhead, and have a post-ride brunch. Return time is about 12 to 2 PM.

PERMITS AND FEES - Parking at the Washington State Park Trailhead requires a WA Discover Pass. There will be an overnight camp fee that the leader will split and and collect from among trip participants & instructors.

The route difficulty is rated as "Gravel I / Gravel II". For  the detailed definition of these ratings, see the Bikepacking Activity Overview Chart.

Meeting time to be announced prior to trip but expected to be 7~8 AM at the  South Cle Elum P2C Trailhead.

The location may change based on weather and conditions.

Route/Place

Palouse to Cascades Trail



  • Green Trails Rattlesnake Mtn No. 205S

    Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S

    Green Trails Mount Si NRCA No. 206S
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Bike and all your overnight gear!

Trip Reports