Bikepacking Session #7 - Field Trip - Palouse to Cascades Trail

(Click on [MORE+] to view the whole description.)

This will be a one night bikepacking trip to a location in Eastern WA, tentatively along the Palouse to Cascades trail (can change depending on weather, fire danger, etc.)

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 around 6:30 AM. Sunset around 7:40 PM).  The destination for 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. 

SUNDAY - The plan is to have breakfast at camp, ride back to the trailhead, and have a post-ride brunch and debrief. 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.  Meeting place is planned to be  South Cle Elum P2C Trailhead.