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Palouse to Cascades State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 257 Google reviews · Running trail in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 51 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Palouse to Cascades State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wide trail popular for hiking and bike rides, plus sledding (in winter), featuring a long tunnel.
What runners say about Palouse to Cascades State Park
“Long, wide sections of the track are ideal for cross-country skiing, letting users glide with ease while taking in the stunning views of far-off mountains and snow-covered forests.”
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is an amazing outdoor location that provides families, adventurers, and nature enthusiasts with an amazing experience. This trail near Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, offers year-round panoramic grandeur and is ideal for hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing.
Great bike trails with a view. It is all gravel. Be prepare if you want to bike/hike the tunnel it gets pretty cold in there. VERY clean restrooms. Discovery pass require for parking or you can pay the daily fee.
Amazing trail featuring a 2.2 mile long tunnel and a very rare geocache. Highly recommend.
A great day hike. 2.25 miles each way. Very cool, even on a hot day. Even if it's 90 degrees outside, bing a light jacket because it's damp and cool with a slight breeze inside the tunnel. Also, it's a long tunnel so bring a flashlight. Dark as night in there and you will walk into a wall without a light.
Trail conditions & character
“Long, wide sections of the track are ideal for cross-country skiing, letting users glide with ease while taking in the stunning views of far-off mountains and snow-covered forests.”
“There are restrooms at the parking lot and only 1-2 restrooms after the parking lot for the ~14 mile stretch.”
“Groomed gravel path that goes through a dark, damp 2+ mile tunnel on an old railway turned trail going west!”
“There are restrooms at the parking lot and only 1-2 restrooms after the parking lot for the ~14 mile stretch.”
“There are restrooms at the parking lot and only 1-2 restrooms after the parking lot for the ~14 mile stretch.”
“What is better than being in the mountains on a level trail that lets you walk or bike as far as you want?”
“Even if it's 90 degrees outside, bing a light jacket because it's damp and cool with a slight breeze inside the tunnel.”
Plan your run at Palouse to Cascades State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance51 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.wa.gov
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