Directions to Hyak:
Head east on I-90 to Exit 54. Exit 54 is just past Snoqualmie Summit. At the end of the exit ramp turn right then immediately turn left on a road that parallels I-90 heading East. This road heads towards a Department of Transportation maintenance yard. When you reach the gated maintenance yard turn right. Take the first road going off to the right. Follow this road to the Hyak parking lot. If you end up at Hyak Lodge or at Keechelus Lake you have missed the right turn heading to the Hyak parking lot.

If you start at the pass, the trail will take you on a gentle 16-mile descent through old-growth forests, ending near the North Bend area.

Features:
The trail offers forest, streams, bridges, vantage points and gorgeous Fall color in the last month of the season. The trail's hard-packed gravel surface, which follows the path of the old St. Paul/Milwaukee Pacific Railroad (completed in 1910 and last used in 1980) is easy to navigate.
You are likely to encounter a wide variety of wildlife along the trail. Sightings of elk, deer, and rabbits are common and there is always a possibility of mountain lions and bears.

Since it is an old railway grade the trail grade is very constant and gradual. The trail is lightly graveled, very similar to a hard packed gravel road. There is some deep gravel on some of the trestle bridges that will likely be too difficult to ride through. The maximum grade along the Iron Horse Trail is about 2.2%. The end of the ride where the trail goes down to Olallie State Park and the Twin Falls Trailhead there is a short section where the grade is over 10%.
The ride starts up at Hyak and immediately heads right through the two-and-a-half-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel. Although you can see the light at the end of the tunnel from the entrance, it's very dark inside and a strong light or flashlight is a necessity. The tunnel spooks some trail users.

At mile 4.5 you will pass a snowshed. At mile 7 you will cross over a 175-foot-high trestle. Although it's road width, it has a loosely packed surface. Those with a fear of heights might want to avoid this trail or return back to the pass. The next trestle bridge is at mile 14. At mile 15 you will come to the third trestle bridge and an area that is used for rock climbing. If the weather is good you may see some rock climbers on the cliffs above the trail. You will cross one more trestle bridge at about mile 15.5. After mile 16 keep an eye out for the Twin Falls Trailhead heading downhill on your right. The turnoff is a wide doubletrack trail with the same gravel surface as the Iron Horse Trail. Take the trail down to Exit 38 and Olallie State Park. Be careful, the downhill section is more than a 10% grade. At the bottom of the Twin Falls Trailhead it is about 1/2 mile along the road to get to the parking area near Olallie State Park.

Other Info:

The John Wayne Trail (located in the Iron Horse State Park) is a Rails-to-Trails conversion on the old Milwaukee Road rail line. It runs 100 miles from Vantage (mid state) to North Bend (just East of Seattle). It has been designated a Millennium Legacy Trail by the White House. It is popular with hikers and mountain bikers. It has not been tried on a scooter or power chair, but it is such a cool rails-to-trails, it has been included here for those seeking to push their limits. I'm going to check it out the summer of 2003.

For a minimal fee, J.B. Reynolds, owner of Mountain Outfitters of North Bend will meet you at the trailhead just off I-90's exit 38 (by North Bend) and take you to Snoqualmie Pass. He provides a map as well, to guide you down the trail. Guided tours (half-day or full-day) can also be arranged.

Gold Creek Pond

Directions:
From Seattle east on I-90, take exit 54, signed Hyak/Gold Creek. At the end of the exit ramp, turn north. The road immediately heads east. Continue for about 1 mile, then turn left on a dirt road signed Gold Creek. In 0.4 mile, bear left at the fork in the road and enter a large graveled parking area. There is paved, accessible parking on the north edge of the parking area.

Features:
The paved trail (1 mile round trip) goes to a small reflective pond and crosses its outlet to a picnic area. The trail is mostly flat (to 8%). The views up Gold Creek Valley are spectacular. It is a perfect place to have a picnic on a sunny day as you motor across the pass. Interpretive signs at viewpoints with benches.

Mt. Si Creekside Loop Trail (DNR)

Directions:
Start at I-90 exit 32 near North Bend. Go N for 0.2 mi. Turn left on SE North Bend Way. Go 0.4 mi. Turn right on 432 Ave SE (Mt Si Rd). Go 2.3 mi. Trailhead on left.

Features:
Mt Si Natural Resource Conservation Area. There is a short wheelchair-accessible loop trail that begins in the parking area. Summit Trail is not accessible. Take a packed gravel trail around a meadow in a mostly deciduous forest. The easy trail crosses two log bridges over a small steam with hug big-leaf maple and alder trees serving as a back drop. Picnic tables are spaced around the meadow and benches provide rest for walkers or simply a place for reflection.

Other Info:
Day-use only.

Tinkham Discovery Trail - Tinkham Creek Campground

Directions:
Start at I-90 exit 42. Drive southeast 1.5 miles to the Tinkham Creek Campground. Follow the one-way campground road to the far east end, where the road turns north to the trailhead.

Features:
A great little trail (.5 mi round trip) that offers a path through second-growth forest (rated as moderate for wheelchair users). Plans are to extend the trail to circle the beaver pond, crossing the inlet stream by boardwalk.

Other Info:
Accessible restrooms and picnic tables are located along the road in the middle of the campground (48 camp sites). The is the closest Forest Service campground to Seattle. It is set on the bank of the South Fork Snoqualmie River. North Bend Ranger District
(425) 888-1421/TDD(800) 272-1215

Denny Creek Campground is further east on I-90 (50 mi east of Seattle). Take the Denny Creek/Asahel Curtis exit. Accessible restrooms, picnic area, and camping in old-growth forest.

Ollalie State Park

Directions:
Access and parking is provided off Exit 38 from Interstate 90.

Features:
Olallie State Park is a day-use park in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. It features dramatic waterfalls, cliff formations, riverbanks and living old-growth trees up to 14 feet in diameter.
A level trail runs along the river. There is a fish weir at Weeks Falls with good viewpoints, fishing opportunities, and a 1/4-mile interpretive trail at Weeks Falls that educates visitors on the history of an old wagon trail that once went through the middle of the park.
The area abounds in huckleberries. If you take this in September it may take an hour or so because you will pass by blueberries and huckleberries ripe and ready. The glory of giant old-growth trees vie with the grandeur of two waterfalls. An 80-foot bridge connects Twin Falls and Weeks Falls, located one mile into the park. The falls are particularly spectacular in winter when the water volume dramatically increases.

Other Info:
Olallie provides access to the Iron Horse Trail, an old Milwaukee Railroad path that starts in North Bend and extends to the Iowa Border.

Twin Falls State Park

Directions:
The trailhead is located off Exit 34 from I-90.

Features:
This park contains a 1.3-mile forested trail (each way), that runs along the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and leads to a spectacular view of the upper and lower Twin Falls. The trail crosses the river between the two waterfalls on a 75-foot free-span bridge and continues on to connect with the John Wayne Trail. The trail is not accessible.

Gardiner-Weeks Memorial Park - North Bend

Directions:
located on Bendigo Boulevard, a key gateway to the city of North Bend.

Features:
This 3.3 acre neighborhood park has approximately 200 feet of frontage on the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River and is The Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum, the Mount Si Senior Center, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Booth, and the summer Farmer's Market are located within the park boundaries. Other facilities include a gazebo, picnic tables, and a short, paved walking path. A paved parking lot is provided at the Senior Center and a small gravel parking lot is provided at the Information Booth.

William Henry Taylor Park - North Bend

Directions:
Parking is provided along McClellan Street.

Features:
This 1.0 acre park houses the North Bend Railroad Depot.The Depot was constructed in 1988. It serves as the eastern terminus for the Puget Sound and Snoqualmie Valley Historical Railway train, which runs in the summer and Christmas season between Snoqualmie and North Bend. Depot facilities include a ticket office, meeting rooms, and restrooms. A landscaped lawn area, with benches and picnic tables extends south from the Depot to adjoin senior citizen and multi-family housing developments. The Tanner Trail, including its only paved section, runs east-west through the park.

The Snoqualmie Valley Trail

The Snoqualmie Valley Trail is a 36-mile, gravel surface rails-to-trails path that follows from Duvall to North Bend. The trail winds through rural countryside, crosses several streams, and also offers encounters with a variety of wildlife. The trail is crushed rock and original ballast surfacing. Former railroad trestles have been decked and hand railed from Duvall to Tokul Road.

Click map to see entire trail system.

According to King County Parks this trail is not readily accessible to people in wheelchairs due to the crushed rock surface. However, it is an easy trail for power chairs and electric scooters, and most of it could be handled in a wheelchair with assistance.

Access Points: McCormick Park; Nick Loutsis Park, 356th PL SE, Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area, NE 4th & Ballarat Ave in North Bend.

Directions:

From McCormack Park in Duvall: At the light at Stephens Street and Hwy. 203, turn toward the water, park, and take a short trail into the park. There is a portable toilet only, and visitors are advised to bring their own drinking water.

From Nick Loutis Park in Carnation: Take Entwhistle Road east, and drive 4 blocks to the parking area at Milwaukee Avenue.

From 356th PL SE to Tokul Tunnel: From Seattle, follow I-90 east to SR 203 (exit 22) . Follow SR 203 through Fall City and at 2 miles past Fall City go east for 0.7 miles to the trail.

From Rattlesnake Lake trailhead: Drive east on Interstate 90 and get off on Exit 32. Turn right on 436th Avenue Northeast, which becomes Cedar Falls Road, and drive 2.7 miles to Rattlesnake Lake, where you can park. The trail begins a quarter-mile from the Rattlesnake Lake parking area. Go back down the road and look for gated side roads and a small parking area off to your right. Although the railroad trail is also gated, it is officially open to outdoor recreationists.

Afterward, if you're a "Twin Peaks" fan, you can stop in at Tweeds Cafe in North Bend for a burger, cherry pie and "damn fine" coffee. Recently renovated after a fire, the restaurant -- was once known as the Mar-T Cafe.

Features:

McCormack Park to Carnation:

This trail winds througt the Cherry Valley from Duvall to Carnation. Plenty of shaded areas for those hot sunny day trips. Much of this section of trail parallels the SR 203 Duvall-Carnation road.

Nick Loutisis Park to Spring Glen Road -- 12.8 miles round trip:

Heading south on the trail there's a long trestle over the Tolt river. Beyond that are views of several farms. The trail continues from there, surrounded by deciduous trees. This trail would be at its best during the Autumn! The trees block most views of the valley below. There is another long trestle over Griffin Creek. Just before reaching the Spring Glen Road there is another long trestle passing over No Name creek. Since this trestle was built, it connects the entire trail for those folks who want to continue to Tokul Tunnel.

From 356th PL SE parking area to Tokul Tunnel -- about 6 miles round trip:

This stretch is considered by some to be the highlight of the trail. Surrounded by deciduous trees and fields, you have views opening into the Snoqualmie Valley. A high curving bridge over Tokul Creek causes folks to stop and stare. There is no access beyond the tunnel.

Rattlesnake Lake to Tanner -- about 10-1/2 miles round trip:

Shortly after starting down the trail you'll come to Rainbow Lake. At about 1-1/2 miles, you'll come to a trestle which may be a turn-a-round point for wheelers. It's about 100 feet off the ground, lacks handrails and you can look down through the spaces between the ties. Those with a fear of heights might want to avoid this trail or return back at this point. This section of the trail offers views of the South Fork Snoqualmie River, Cedar Butte, Rattlesnake Mountain and Mount Si.

Click here for Seattle PI's article on this section of the trail. The Trail passes through or is close to several key areas in North Bend including Meadowbrook Farm, Tollgate Farm, Three Forks Park, downtown North Bend, Torguson Park, Two Rivers Alternative School (trail parking available on the weekends), North Bend Elementary School, and the North Bend Library.

Other Info:

The trail connects to the Tanner Trail, trails in the City of Snoqualmie, including the 15 miles of trails on Snoqualmie Ridge (8+ miles are developed to-date), and much of King County’s 300-mile regional trail system. This trail system includes the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail at Fall City, a six-mile, paved trail that runs from Preston to an overlook of Snoqualmie Falls. The Snoqualmie Valley Trail has recently been linked with the John Wayne Trail at Rattlesnake Lake. The John Wayne Trail is linked to the Pacific Crest Trail, running from Canada to Mexico, near Snoqualmie Pass. Although the trail is relatively flat, it runs downhill from Rattlesnake Lake, near North Bend, to Carnation.

There is a campground nearby at King County's Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation near the Snoqualmie River.

Preston-Snoqualmie Trail

Directions:
Trail parking is provided at two sites along the trail. The first is in Preston just east of 308th Ave SE. The second is on Lake Alice Road one mile south of Fall City.

Features:
This paved, 6.5 mile rails-to-trails goes from Preston to Snoqualmie Falls Viewpoint. It is This trail rewards users with an interesting view of Snoqualmie Falls after experiencing several miles of deeply wooded forest and lots of tiny streams and waterfalls. The Trail itself is flat, wide and paved and Wheelchair Accessible. A short series of switchbacks near the mid-point can be a challenge to some users.There are no restroom or water facilities.

From the Alice Lake trailhead, head north on the blacktop trail marked by a sign indicating a Snoqualmie Falls viewpoint in 1.8 miles. Follow the trail for about 15 minutes. Views in this first mile look across to Cascade foothills and down to pastoral scenes in the valley of the Snoqualmie River. Follow this trail to the top of a ridge with benches and picnic tables. Here is an expansive view of the Snoqualmie River Valley and, if ceiling is above 5000 feet, a great view of Mts. Si and Teneriffe. The trail continues, but this is the turnaround point for this easy stroll. As you start back note a log across a trail going down to the right. This is a closed but navigable trail which returns to the hard surface Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. When you regain the blacktop, turn right and continue another 10 minutes to its end. Take a moment to appreciate a distant view of Snoqualmie Falls. Return the 1.8 miles to the parking lot for a total distance of about 4 miles. If time and energy permit, take the trail in the opposite direction for a mile to the Preston/Fall City Road.

See the Emerald City Wanderers website for more trail details and pictures.

Lake Sammamish State Park

Directions:

1.5 miles northwest of Issaquah
Contact: Park Ranger, (206) 455-7010

Features:
Most of the wetlands in this area are on the north side of Issaquah Creek. The trail near the wetlands is not well maintained, but it improves toward the mouth of the creek.

Issaquah Trail (Rainier Boulevard Corridor)

Directions:
Issaquah Trail Center at First and Bush Streets in Issaquah.

Features:
A 2-mile trail along a former Burlington Northern Railroad corridor. Wheelchair Accessible

Other Info:
The bicycle and walking trail connects Issaquah High, a middle school, two elementary schools and the south residential neighborhoods with downtown. The trail is used heavily by students, in part because it goes by the Community Center, and is used by some people to commute to work. As part of the city's overall trails system, it connects to the South Issaquah Park-and-Ride and to recreational trails on Tiger Mountain.

High Point Accessible Trail Loop (DNR and Issaquah City Parks)

Directions:
The High Point Trailhead can be reached from I-90 by taking Exit 20 High Point Exit; turning south and turning right onto SE 79th, and then traveling to the end of the road which terminates at the High Point Trailhead and Parking area. The entire road is used for parking. The Puget Power road up to the gate is rather steep in places (over 8%). If you call several days in advance3, the Department of Natural Resources will meet you at the gated Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Access Road, so that you may drive to a parking spot beyond the steep grade. (Question - why can't PSE accomodate us to remove this barrier?)

Features:
Accessible trail(5000 ft) with wildlife viewing platforms within the West Tiger Mountain/Tradition Plateau Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). Wooden benches along the trail for nature contemplation and a place to rest.

The Around the Lake and Bus Trails link to provide a graveled accessible trail loop (constructed to ADA standards) from the High Point Trailhead. The trail includes forest, wildlife and lakeshore viewing at Tradition Lake. Lake Tradition features Oregon ash trees and madrone groves, as well as a few old growth firs. The lake is freqented by migratory waterfowl.

It's a great opportunity to experience an alpine lake setting close to the city. (The area is locally referred to as the Issaquah Alps.) The trail winds through dense forest shared by huckleberry, salal, and ferns. The Cascade foothills provide a back drop to this sparkling lake. Even though it is short, it is well worth the visit.

Other Info:
Day-use only. Site accesses 46 miles of hiking trails and 8 miles of horse, hiker, mountain bike trails. Accessible trail does not go completely around lake.

Tiger Summit Trailhead (DNR)

Directions:
From Issaquah, go E on I-90 to exit 25. Turn right onto SR 18. Go 4.5 mi to Tiger Summit. Turn right. Take Westside Rd to left for 0.3 mi to site on right.

Features:
Horses, hikers and mountain bikes allowed on 18 miles of non-motorized trail. A horse mounting ramp, and 2500 ft. compacted crushed rock accessible interpretive trail.

Other Info:
Day-use only. Seasonal Trail Closures: 10/15 - 4/15.

Symbols

	An agency or a trip evaluation has rated all or part of the trail as wheelchair accessible.
	There is some terrain greater than a 5% grade. A wheelchair user may require assistance on portions of this trail. Suitable for power mobility devices.
	No Dogs are allowed on the trail.