Rene Herse Cycles was born out of our passion for exploring the forgotten mountain passes of the Cascade Mountains and beyond. Here we share our favorite routes.
Some routes take you on big adventures deep into the Cascade Mountains. Others are the routes we've scouted for our weekly rides—easily accessed from Seattle. All feature great riding and (relatively) little traffic.
Explore the passes that lent their names to our Rene Herse tires and ride the routes that you've read about in Bicycle Quarterly! For each route, there are descriptions, stats and links to maps and GPS files – everything you need to plan your own adventure. Enjoy!
A word of caution: Conditions in the mountains change frequently. We cannot guarantee that these routes are rideable at any given time – please inquire about local conditions before setting out and consider the possibility of washouts and other obstacles that may or may not be insurmountable. Many of these routes take you into remote country. Be prepared and use these routes at your own risk. Rene Herse Cycles, its owners, employees and contributors do not accept liability nor legal responsibility for any contents of these pages.
The Cyclos Montagnards celebrate mid-century randonneurs and proto-bikepackers whose spirited adventures inspire us. We offer the Cyclos Montagnards Challenge and the R80/R70/R60 Honors for riders looking for fast-paced long-distance adventures. Click here for more...
A pleasant leisurely ride with great views of Seattle, the water and the mountains.
16 miles (26 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38954250
Seattle downtown
One of the best rides in Seattle, with challenging climbs and technical descents, great views, and a café stop.
43 miles (69 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38970601
University of Washington Light Rail Station
A perennial favorite with no stop signs or traffic lights, little traffic and many twists and turns as the road winds through the ravines on the side of this island in the middle of Lake Washington.
20 miles (32 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38954386
Leschi (on Lake Washington)
A great introduction to gravel riding, with bucolic roads, little traffic, and some ups and downs. None of the climbs are super-steep or long, so this loop is suited to riders of most abilities. Café stop in Carnation is a definite plus.
24 miles (39 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47436874%20
Duvall (25 miles (40 km) / 45 minutes east of Seattle)
Gravel in the city? This mixed-surface ride along pipeline and power line rights-of-way sees almost no traffic. Add some (non-technical) trails across the Redmond Watershed Preserve, and you have a recipe for year-round fun!
53 miles (85 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53350530
University of Washington Light Rail Station (alternative access: Bothell)
This amazing loop starts just a ferry hop from Seattle, yet it takes you into truly remote places. Gorgeous views and some of the most technically challenging gravel anywhere. Read more
80 miles (129 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38224402
Bremerton (ferry from downtown Seattle)
All-paved and very challenging ride in the Cascade foothills. Figure-8 loop – you can ride one half first, then come back for the second part. Read more
70 miles (113 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38223788
Issaquah, WA (25 miles east of Seattle)
Combine gravel and singletrack with amazing views of Mount Rainier. Featured in the Winter 2021 Bicycle Quarterly. Read more
19 miles (31 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38225359
Greenwater, WA
Explore the famous passes of the Cascade Mountains – Babyshoe, Elk, Naches, Cayuse and Chinook Passes – in one of the most challenging rides anywhere. Wonderful roads with beautiful views of three large volcanoes. Figure-8 loop – you can ride just one of the two halves. Even cut in half, it’ll be an adventure you’ll never forget! Read more
432 miles (696 km) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38224037
Packwood, WA
