Burn Ban - Level 1

Fires allowed in all designated fire pits and grills. Propane and gas grills allowed.

Paved portion of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
New trestle build along the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
A view of the water from a bridge along the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
View from the Cow Creek Bypass along the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
People riding bikes along the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail

The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail gives hikers, cyclists and equestrians a taste of Washington’s scenic diversity from the forested Cascade Mountains to the arid scrublands of eastern Washington. Explore a variety of environments, flora and wildlife along this 287-mile cross-state trail.

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed
  • Horses Allowed

Parts of the trail may have construction, missing trestles or pass through private property. Make sure you check for detours and closures before heading out.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail except for snowmobiles in the winter. You may ride your snowmobile only from Stampede Pass Road to Cabin Creek.

Snoqualmie Tunnel is closed Nov. 1 - May 1, and the re-opening date is weather dependent.

Participate in winter sports at Sno-Parks located along the trail. You will need a seasonal or day permit Dec. 1 - March 31. Hyak, Crystal Springs and Lake Easton Sno-Parks also require a groomed trail sticker with the seasonal permit. Daily permits do not require a sticker.

Activities

Biking

Bird Watching

Camping

Fishing

Geocaching

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Horseback Riding

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Rock Climbing

Winter Activities

Amenities

Automated Pay Station

Accessible Restrooms

Restrooms

Picnic Tables

Accessible Parking

Parking

Interpretive Opportunities

Sno-Park

Accessible Trails

Bike Trails

Equestrian Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

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Creek

Forest

Freshwater

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Lake

Meadow

Mountain View

River

Seasonal Wildflowers

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Waterfall

Wetland

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires not Allowed
  • Horses Allowed

Parts of the trail may have construction, missing trestles or pass through private property. Make sure you check for detours and closures before heading out.

No motorized vehicles are allowed on the trail except for snowmobiles in the winter. You may ride your snowmobile only from Stampede Pass Road to Cabin Creek.

Snoqualmie Tunnel is closed Nov. 1 - May 1, and the re-opening date is weather dependent.

Participate in winter sports at Sno-Parks located along the trail. You will need a seasonal or day permit Dec. 1 - March 31. Hyak, Crystal Springs and Lake Easton Sno-Parks also require a groomed trail sticker with the seasonal permit. Daily permits do not require a sticker.

Map & visitor guide

Sitting on the historic Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad nicknamed the "Milwaukee Road", this 287-mile trail runs from Cedar Falls near North Bend (railroad milepost 2136) to the Idaho border (railroad milepost 1850). Your scenery and activity options will vary depending on what time of year you take the trail. In the spring and summer, you will pass by small waterfalls, farmland and train depots, and go through old train tunnels and over high trestles and bridges. Experience vibrant changing colors and golden fields if you travel during the fall. The winter season opens up options for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and snowshoeing.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail West starts in King County at Cedar Falls Trailhead (milepost 2136) continuing to the west end of the 2.3-mile long Snoqualmie Tunnel (milepost 2117). During the summer months, this short section of trail lets you access the Deception Pass Climbing Area and primitive first come, first served campsites at  Alice and Carter creeks.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central takes over at the Snoqualmie Tunnel, continuing through Ellensburg, over the Columbia River at Vantage and ends at Royal City (milepost 2010). Primitive first-come, first-served campsites are available at Ponderosa Pines, Roaring and Cold creeks. Pass by two historic train depots in South Cle Elum and Kittitas and enjoy  expansive views from the Renslow Trestle going over I-90 and Beverly Bridge in Vantage crossing the Columbia River.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail East starts in Warden (milepost 1974) in Grant County traveling through Adams, Whitman, and Spokane counties to end at the Idaho border (milepost 1850). While mostly going through the arid scrublands, eastern Washington holds its own beauty. There are breaks in the trail due to active rail lines and towns.