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The Snoqualmie Valley is a farming and timber-producing region located along the Snoqualmie River in Western Washington, United States. The valley stretches from the confluence of the three forks of the river at North Bend to the confluence of the Snoqualmie River and the Skykomish River (home to the Skykomish / Skai-whamish, a Snoqualmie band), forming the Snohomish River at Monroe. This stretch of the river includes Snoqualmie Falls. Towns in the valley are North Bend, Snoqualmie, Preston, Fall City, Carnation, and Duvall. The valley is the ancestral home of the Snoqualmie people. The name Snoqualmie comes from the native word for “Moon the Transformer” and originates in the creation myth of the Snoqualmie people. I am a Bodybuilder athlete and adventure seeker always on the lookout for authentic experiences – especially if it involves active and adventure travel!Each night you will camp in a designated site or stay in a thatch hut at one of the local villages along the route, which is all part of the Kokoda experience.

It’s a true adventure hiking Nyiragongo. A strenuous hike straight up the side of the volcano takes visitors to an altitude of 3,470 m. Hikers overnight on the volcano rim where they can gaze into the bubbling lava lake below.Today, trekkers from around the world reflect on the four pillars of Kokoda, which are mate-ship, endurance, sacrifice, and courage as they push themselves physically and mentally to complete the arduous journey across the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Track is a challenging single-file trail, which runs right through the Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea.

Suicide Cliff is a large, rocky outcrop near the top of the mountain offering fantastic views of the city. But be warned, it doesn’t have this name for anything, and doing the hike is considered suicidal by many. Each year people die on this trail so it is recommended for only the most experienced and prepared hikers.

However, there are plenty of guided tour options which usually include proper equipment, all your meals, and sometimes a mule. The Ausangate Trek is a challenging, yet rewarding hike in Peru for those who want to get a taste of the untouched Andes.

There are several routes to choose from, each varying in distance and length of time. It takes between five and nine days to hike Kilimanjaro; the longer the route, the more acclimatization time you get, and the less likely you are to suffer from altitude sickness. The possibility of getting altitude sickness is what makes Kilimanjaro such a challenging, and one of the hardest hikes in the world!If you are planning to carry a backpack during your hiking in Italy, I have compiled a very detailed review of the Best Backpacks for Travel in the market today –you should ad the ruta 0-4-0 in Tenerife, Spain. There, you can hike from the beach up to the highest mountain of spain, the Teide, with a total hight of 3715 (12,188.3202 Feet) in one day! Am awesome, but challenging experience!

The reason why hiking Zugspitze is one of the hardest hikes in the world is the elevation gain. If you choose the Reintal route, the trailhead of the hike is located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen at an altitude of 708 m /2323 ft and the summit of Zugspitze is at 2,962 m / 9,718 ft. This means an elevation gain of 2200 m / 7,217.80 ft within the course of about 10-11 hours.

Let’s start this list of the hardest hikes in the world, with this spectacular day hike in the last frontier, Alaska! When you hike the Harding Icefield trail, your day starts with the easy, but also incredible Exit Glacier Hike. The beginning of the trail winds through cottonwood and alder forests, passing through heather-filled meadows, and ultimately starts to climb above the tree line. The hike to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is a demanding but immensely rewarding feat. As the highest free-standing mountain in the world, conquering Kilimanjaro takes time and dedication. That being said, it is a very accessible mountain to climb in that it doesn’t require much technical skill – just a lot of walking and a little bit of scrambling! Combine the extreme wind chill with potential altitude sickness, and it can make for a pretty grueling few hours! It’s all worth it when you’re greeted by the sun rising over Africa at the top. Note that climbing Kilimanjaro can only be done with a licensed guide. Volcan Acatenango in Guatemala is a stratovolcano that is located close to the city of Antigua and is considered one of the best hikes in Central America. It’s been dormant since the early 20th century, making it safe to hike. Hiking Volcano Acatenango is hard because most of the journey is on a steep incline which becomes tougher the higher you go. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most popular hikes in China and is considered one of the hardest hikes in the world because of the high altitude, and its incredibly steep cliffs of over 2,000 meters (6,560 ft.). It offers beautiful views of the Jinsha River, the surrounding mountains, and the gorge. Make sure to visit during October or November, when the weather is most pleasant and the river is calmer.

I had the chance to hike the volcano during my trip to New Zealand in 2015, and it definitely deserves not only to be part of the hardest hikes in the world but also, the most dangerous. In a turbulent environment, visiting White Island is not for the faint of heart or for the sensitivity of the nose. The moonscape-like landscapes are in a permanent state of unrest facilitating some vigorous displays of geothermal activity.The O-trek is not for the faint-hearted, while the hike itself is not very technical it is a full 126 kilometers. In addition, you will need to carry your food supplies, tent & sleeping bag (if you choose not to sleep in a Refugio), and other trekking necessities with you on your back for the full 126 kilometers.

The trail starts at Interlaken and finishes at Brienzer Rothorn. To complete the trail you will need at least 10 hours, so it is essential you set off before sunrise in order to make it on time to Brienzer Rothorn’s last train down to Brienz.

The height is what makes this trek challenging. That said, anyone who is reasonably fit could do this hike with or without a guide. It is a popular trail with lots of facilities on the way. The key is to take it slow to give your body enough time to adjust.The Annapurna Circuit trek is also one of the most diverse trails in Nepal. Going from the tropical lush and green lowlands to the farmed terraced hills and the arid high-altitude mountains. The highlights are definitely the view of the snow-capped peaks around you when you cross the Thorung La.

The Half Dome Trail is a 15-mile (24 km) trek that starts in Yosemite Valley and climbs 5193 feet (1582 m) before reaching the top. One of the hardest parts about the trail is climbing the Half Dome cables at the end of the hike. The final push to the top involves ascending near-vertical cables for 400 feet.When at the summit of Acatenango, you can see unprecedented views of the smoke, ash, and lava as it explodes from Volcan Fuego’s crater. And, you’ll feel the earth trembling and shaking as well. To climb Acatenango, most hikers join a guided tour out of Antigua. The hike is typically done over 2 days, with one night spent in base camp so you can see Volcan Fuego erupting overnight.

Want to tackle one of the hardest hikes in the world? If so then one of the best things for you to do at the Grand Canyon is to hike the grueling, Nankoweap Trail.

These apocalyptic landscapes look like something right out of ‘Mount Doom’ in the Lord of the Rings movies, and that’s because all of those famous scenes were filmed here! Tongariro is normally done as a point-to-point hike and it’s relatively safe, although it’s still an active volcano. The New Zealand government constantly monitors the volcanic activity here, but of course, there’s no safety guarantee.The hike is well-signposted and can be easily done without a guide. Make sure to book your refugios in advance at the visitor’s information center in Puerto Natales. While strenuous, the hike is much more scenic than the route taken on the W-trek. The views will serve as a reminder that those aching calves are well worth it. If you want to do the hike in one day, you have to start the hike as early as possible, ideally at 3 am, but better at 2 am. If you start later, you will get to the top when it’s already cloudy and the view will not be clear. As you start when it’s still dark, you will need a headlamp or a torch. Because the hike is very difficult, you should carry as little as possible. On the way, there are several alpine huts where you can have drinks, snacks, and proper meals. From about 1,500 it gets rockier and steeper. The rocks are really big in some parts. There are around four main routes leading up to Kowloon Peak. The most direct routes (the south and west) are the most dangerous. The trails coming from the north and east are easier/safer and recommended.If you’re looking for one of the hardest hikes in the world with stunning views, it’s hard to beat Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Located in California’s spectacular Sierra Nevada mountain range, Half Dome is a striking granite formation that towers over the park. Climbing to the top of Half Dome is a difficult feat that challenges even the most seasoned adventurers. The Hardergrat trail in Switzerland has considered one of the hardest hikes in the world for a reason. Besides the stunning views, it is not appropriate for people with vertigo, as the path is narrow with 1,500 meters (5,000 ft.) of drops on both sides! The W-trek in Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most hiked paths in all of Patagonia, in fact, if your trip coincides with summer, you will need to book your camping spot or Refugio well in advance to have a chance at completing the hike.

By far the hardest part of the hike is the ascent to the peak. It takes around 6-7 hours to walk up to Uhuru Peak, which is usually done at night in freezing temperatures.The hardest part comes at 2,600 when you are about to give up. From Zugspitzplatt (2,600 m / 8,530 ft) to the famous roof terrace of Zugspitze, Münchner Haus (2,959 m / 9708 ft), the distance is very short but imposes new challenges.For those who feel comfortable in their hiking abilities, it is possible to complete the Ausangate trek without a guide. There are no villages or shops along the way, so be prepared to carry all your own food and gear in high-altitude conditions. There are no guesthouses, but there are small covered shelters to pitch a tent.

The hike to Everest Base Camp is a challenging 12-day trek at a high altitude and completing this hike is a significant accomplishment. The trekking route that is most commonly followed is 120 kilometers long starting at the mountain village of Lukla in Nepal.Once, you reached the Münchener House, where you will find a lot of tourists who went up by cable cars, you are just a couple of meters away from the summit of Zugspitze (2,962 m / 9,718 feet).

The Tongariro Crossing in New Zealand is one of the world’s biggest and best day hikes. This is considered one of the hardest hikes in the world because of its length and difficult terrain. A long trek that takes you through a volcanic national park on the North Island, with Mars-like peaks and smoking craters.The most popular hike in Papua New Guinea is most definitely the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea is known as one of the hardest hikes in the world.

With the total elevation gain being 5150 ft./ 1500 m, the final hour of the hike is the toughest. You are so high up that you’re climbing through volcanic sand instead of solid ground. Combined with the altitude, it’s strenuous. Hiking Acatenango is worth the pain because when you reach the summit, you have views of an actively erupting volcano. The famous Volcan Fuego is directly next to Acatenango. Since 2002, Fuego has had many small eruptions every day.White Island, which is also known by its Maori name, Whakaari, is the peak of a huge submerged volcano rising more than 1,000 feet out of the waters of the Bay of Plenty. It is the only marine volcano and the most active in New Zealand. Unfortunately in December 2019, there was a tragic eruption killing many hikers, and as a result of the eruption event, there are currently no on-land tours of the island in operation.

The volcanic gases at White Island are discharged at high temperatures (100 to 800 degrees) so that anybody falling into a vent would be rapidly cooked. Visiting the island is strictly controlled and restricted to certain licensed companies by the Board of Trustees.Expect to find steep, snow-covered slopes, difficult route-finding, and avalanche hazards, with trails covered in varying amounts of snow. If you hike in wintertime, I recommend bringing some microspikes for hiking in the snow to be able to hike safely in this terrain.That being said temperatures are moderate and anytime outside during the rainy season is the best time to go. Those how to make the trek will enjoy the secluded Kalalau Beach and the most amazing views!

Hikers will not need a guide for the first half of the hike as the trail is well-marked. However, when hiking the lower gorge, there will be a guide directing hikers as it can become dangerous being so close to the river. It’s best to book bus tickets to the trailhead as well as pick-up the next day at the scenic viewing area. Make sure to pack water and a first aid kit for any falls or scrapes.

Kowloon Peak is the highest mountain on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. It is only 602 meters (1,975 feet) tall, however, it is one of the toughest and most dangerous hiking trails in the territory thanks to its steep paths covered by trees, roots, and large boulders, with frequent sheer drops.On the way, you will meet the different ethnic groups that live in Annapurna. The rural villages that you pass through all have their own character. On the way, there are plenty of basic hotels and restaurants to stay the night. You start your adventure in the city of Pokhara, and the full trek starts in Besisahar and ends in Beni. This would take more than 3 weeks. Due to road access, there are now many ways to make the hike a bit shorter.Generally, the best time to do the Tongariro Crossing is from November to April, but even in these months, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on any DOC weather advisories, because the trail is sometimes closed because of cruddy weather conditions.The trail is known for its spectacular mountain scenery, tough climbs, and fascinating Sherpa culture and Buddhist temples. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a tea house trek, trekkers stay in small local guest houses known as tea houses in the mountain settlements on the trail. Accommodation at the tea houses is cheap and basic, meals are served and no bookings are necessary.

That is unless you are up for the more challenging – yet so much more scenic – 10-day hike called the O-trek. Considered one of the hardest hikes in the world, and one of the ultimate South American hikes.

The second day will take hikers through to the middle and lower gorge to see the river down below. When coming back up from the lower gorge, hikers can climb a 90° iron ladder for even more adventure! The Track begins at Owers’ Corner in Central Province, which is 50 kilometers east of the capital, Port Moresby. The Kokoda Track finishes in the village of Kokoda, which is in the Oro Province. Permits are required to climb Half Dome and they are notoriously hard to come by. Most permits are distributed by lottery in the spring, although a small number are also available via a daily lottery. If you can’t get a permit for a day hike, consider applying for a Half Dome backpacking permit instead. Camping partway to the top is a great strategy to break the hike into shorter sections for those who can’t tackle the entire trek in a single day.There are six routes to reach the highest mountain peak in Germany: Reintal, Höllentalklamm, Jubiläumsgrat, Kletterroute Eisenzeit, and two more routes including Via Ferrata trails which Gatterl, Stopselzieher. They are equally difficult, especially if you want to do it in one day. You will definitely need shoe spikes that fit over your hiking shoes towards the top which can be rented for $10-12 in town, or you can buy your own for about $25. There is a 10ft patch of ice just below the top and no chains on that section to hold on to. Go early and beat the crowds. Wonderful experience and fantastic views the way up to the summit, but this hike is NOT meant for people severely afraid of heights. The trail is a total distance of 96 kilometers, which sounds like a long way but when you break it up over 8 days it becomes a manageable 12 kilometers a day. The important part to consider is that it is very slow going due to the muddy and uneven terrain. 12 kilometers on flat terrain walking around the local park may take you 2-3 hours but on the Kokoda Track, you can expect to go twice as slow so 5-8 hours a day of hiking is about the norm.Jungfrau Region’s highest peaks; the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau are all visible. You might even spot some mountain goats along your hike. Hiking the Hardergrat trail is a great challenge and a huge accomplishment for any hiking enthusiast or trail runner.

If you miss the train you will be forced to descend 1,700 m after an already exhausting day. You don’t need any special equipment to complete this hike in the summer months, but extreme care should be taken, as the trail is very exposed. The 24 km (15 miles) ridge is physically exhausting with over 3,000 m elevation gain. The views along the way are breathtaking. Below you is the stunning Lake Brienz with its turquoise water.This is a very popular and scenic hike in Zion National Park (Utah) that now requires permits to hike the chain section since 2022. It’s safe enough as long as you walk carefully and take your time, but try to avoid doing this hike in rainy or icy weather. The final summit view at Angels Landing gives you a 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon, along with the tiny roads and shuttle buses below, and you can even look down at the gigantic peak you just climbed!

Also, black bears are spotted daily here, so forget the altitude effects if you are short of breath, and make noise when you hike to avoid surprising a bear. And this advice goes to any hiking trail on any Alaska itinerary – Always carry a bear spray with you!The Everest Base Camp Trek in the Himalayas in Nepal is one of the most famous and also, the hardest hikes in the world. Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364m is where some of the best mountaineers in the world start their attempt to climb the highest mountain on the planet, Mount Everest. The Ausangate circuit is one of the best hikes in Peru, and also one of the country’s hardest hikes. This high-altitude trek never dips below 4,000 meters and includes hiking over mountain passes at a staggering 5,200 m. It also continues to top the lists for one of the hardest hikes in the world, but also one of the most beautiful hikes. The Ausangate trek boasts trails around sparkling alpine lakes, glacial peaked mountains, free-range alpacas, and remarkable landscapes. Kauai is one of the Hawaiian islands and is home to the stunning Na Pali Coast. The coastline can be seen via boat, helicopter, or a 22-mile hike. For those who are up for the long hike with hundreds of switchbacks, an elevation gain of over 6,000 feet, and drop-off cliffs, then you’ll be in for a real treat.If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram to stay up to date with my travels & Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to keep you with my workout videos. It also has an immense historical significance as it was the epicenter of the Kokoda Battle between the Japanese and the Australian Forces in WWII. The grueling battle of war along the muddy ridges of the Kokoda track was played out in harsh tropical conditions. It’s a very challenging hike and gets a bit crowded on weekends, but don’t let any of this put you off, because it’s incredibly scenic and the experience is once in a lifetime. You’ll want to bring lots of water and a jacket because the weather can change quickly in the mountains.I hope you have chosen your bucket list of hiking for your next adventure. Also, challenging yourself and building your stamina is very important for a healthy lifestyle. And one of the best ways to get stronger is to go on a challenging hike. The most important thing is to keep active and safe travels, everyone!

Equipped with hard hats and gas masks hikers are advised to follow in the guide’s footsteps to assist in the preservation of the crater floor. Deeper and deeper into the crater, the sulphuric fumes gathered in the hikers’ throats.This steep part is extremely slippery and full of little rocks and rough gravel. You will need to scramble so that you don’t keep sliding back here. This is where you had better wear thin hiking gloves. They will protect your hands when putting your hands on the rocks and the Via Ferrata ropes.

There are about 40 routes that lead to the summit of Rainier, and the three most popular are Disappointment Cleaver, Emmons-Winthrop, and Kautz Glacier. All of these routes require basic mountaineering skills to reach the summit safely.It’s difficult to beat Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo if you’re looking for one of the most incredible and hardest hikes in the world. This active volcano is located in an area that has been volatile for decades and is still rife with militia activity between different rebel groups.

If you are searching for the hardest hikes in the world, we have many things in common. Just like me and some of the top travel experts, you also love hiking and exploring the best dream destinations on the planet and their challenging hiking trails.

The hike is well-known to be a 2-day hike with the first half taking hikers from the upper gorge through to the Naxi village, beyond the 28 bends which is known as the hardest part of the hike, and through to the Halfway Guest House where guests can stay the night and rest.

The Seattle, Lake Shore & Eastern railway completed a rail line as far as North Bend (which is near the falls) in 1889. The first train to visit the falls was, unsurprisingly, a tourist excursion. With the rail line in place, Snoqualmie Falls’ role as a mecca for travelers was set. Later that year, naturalist John Muir visited the falls and described them as the most interesting falls he had seen.

The first non-Indian to see the falls was Washington Hall, a surveyor who in 1848 was guided by Indians to the site. In 1851, explorer Samuel Hancock visited the falls and wrote the first published account of the event.

Charles H. Baker was an engineer for the rail line in its early days, and saw an amazing potential for the surging flow of water during his many sojourns above it. After becoming unemployed in the economic Panic of 1893, he convinced his wealthy father to finance his idea of building a power generator deep within the rock beneath the falls.

Over the years, the falls continued to beckon tourists and travelers. In the early part of the twentieth century, the Sunset Highway was built from Kirkland, making the area easily accessible by automobile. In 1919, the Snoqualmie Falls Lodge was opened on the north side of the falls to cater to weekend motorists. Today, at the same location, the Salish Lodge carries on this tradition in a more elegant fashion. In 1855, Edward Warbass (1825-1906) led the first tourist expedition, a party of 15 men and women, to the falls. By this time a handful settlers inhabited the upper valley, and they were able to follow trails from Seattle, about 30 miles to the west. Their tale was printed in the Seattle Weekly Gazette, which most likely heightened local interest in the spectacle. Early photos of the falls show a large rock in the center of the brink. This rock, known as Seattle Rock, was dynamited in 1900, after causing too many logjams near the top. At the same time, a small dam was built to maintain water levels for the power plant during the dry summer months.Snoqualmie Falls is a 276-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River about 30 miles east of Seattle on the way to Snoqualmie Pass. The falls have been for generations a sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe and a source of hydraulic power. Today it is the second-most visited tourist attraction in Washington state, after Mt. Rainier. “Pleasure Excursion” Pioneer and Democrat (Olympia), July 27, 1855, p. 2; “That Excursion,” Ibid., August 24, 1855, p. 2. Also see: Margaret McKibben Corliss, Fall City In The Valley of the Moon (Fall City, WA: Margaret McKibben Corliss: 1972). Note: On January 3, 2008, this Timeline was corrected. Most importantly, the date of the first tourist visit was changed to 1855. The claim of a present-day source of 1865 for the first tourist visit to Snoqualmie Falls is in error. In 1893, a young daredevil leaped off of the falls with a parachute, in a well-attended, advertised show. To the horror of onlookers, he got caught in the updraft and smashed into the rockface. Rescuers carried him up from the base of the waterfall in the hopes of transporting him by train to a Seattle hospital, but they were too late.

Lake Constance Trail is no small feat. In fact, it’s a huge one, often regarded as the hardest hike in the Olympics. This 23.3 km trail requires 1,493 m of elevation gain, but the devil is in the details—parts of this route are very, very steep and dangerous, and there is little respite from the grind. Some hikers can do it in a (long) day, but most adventurers backpack. Come prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!

Lake Constance Trail is regarded as the hardest and steepest hike in Olympic National Park, and as such, we only recommend this trail for experienced, confident hikers. It’s a very full day trip if you intend to finish it without backpacking, so prepare appropriately and give yourself ample time. Watch for ribbons and red markers as you go.The initial stretch follows Dosewallips Road along the river, which is gorgeous. When you come to the Elkhorn Campground, stay right at the Y-junction. After a few more miles (about 5 from the trailhead), the trail to Lake Constance is on your right, heading straight up. The big push begins here. It’s relentlessly straight up with np switchbacks to aid your progress. You’ll be climbing with your hands for long stretches and this section lasts for a full two miles, which will likely feel like the longest two miles of your life.

The Snoqualmie Valley Regional Trail is a rail trail in King County, Washington. The 29-mile (47 km) trail follows a portion of the former alignment of the Milwaukee Road, which was constructed in 1911 and abandoned in 1973.

The trail parallels Cedar Falls Road before it heads east passing Rainbow Lake and down through the Boxley Creek drainage where a trestle bridge crosses a tributary of Boxley Creek. The trail intersects the eastern edge of a subdivision and crosses the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. The trail continues under I-90 and crosses North Bend Way, running through North Bend. The path progresses the Mt. Si Golf Course to Reinig Bridge which crosses the Snoqualmie River. The trail is interrupted by a short flight of 15 steps after the bridge. Users of the trail can re-access the main path by two different route connections.Originally constructed in 1911 for the Everett branch of the Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, this 400 foot wide wooden trestle spans Tokul Creek 100 feet below. Distinguished by its curved construction, the Tokul Trestle makes a great photo stop along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail.

Reopening the bridge, located close to Snoqualmie Falls, means that bicyclists won’t have to detour to State Route 202 on the valley floor when traveling between the towns of Carnation and Snoqualmie.

There are several on the Snoqualmie Valley Regional Trail and the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. The chasms they span always create a break in the tree-line, enabling spectacular views.

The trail runs for 31.5 miles between Duvall in the valley and Rattlesnake Lake in the Cascades. The detour through Snoqualmie is the only gap on the trail.The trestle was built by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad for a spur line that ran between Cedar Falls (Rattlesnake Lake) and Everett. It was rehabbed in 1949, but abandoned in 1973 as the Milwaukee Road prepared for bankruptcy.

The timber trestle, spanning a 120-foot-deep canyon since 1911, had been closed since last September when King County decided it was time to close the old railroad trestle for repairs.

We parked at SVT trail parking in Fall City to ride the trail towards North Bend, but found out that the trail ends in just 3 miles when you reach the Tokul Tunnel. Next to the Tokul tunnel we saw a very fit young male cyclist walking his light weight rode bike down a very steep dirt hill to reach the SVT. On the other side of the tunnel are a steep set of wood stairs with no hand rail. I’m a 4’-9” woman with a heavy mountain bike so I didn’t attempt the stairs or hill. We thought it was best to turn around and ride back towards Carnation. Beautiful shady ride in forestThe Snoqualmie Valley Trail rolls from verdant dairy land in the north to a clear blue mountain lake in the south. Along the way, travelers are treated to numerous trestle crossings, historic towns, views of mountains and farmland, and a roaring waterfall. The 31.7-mile packed gravel trail follows an extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (also known as the Milwaukee Road) that linked Everett to the main line heading east-west over the Cascades. On its southern end, the trail joins the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, which extends east to the Idaho border.

To access the trail from Rattlesnake Lake, take Exit 32 from I-90, and head south on 436th Avenue SE/Cedar Falls Road SE for 3.2 miles to the parking lot at Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area.The North Bend trailhead, at Fourth Street and Ballarat Avenue, marks the last leg of the trail. Reaching the outskirts of town, the trail begins a barely perceptible grade past rows of blackberry bushes. Passing beneath Interstate 90 and then a short bridge over the rushing South Fork Snoqualmie River, the path begins its winding, 450-foot climb to Rattlesnake Lake over the next 5 miles. Most of the trail is shaded through this section, and it crosses a high trestle over a Boxley Creek tributary.

A worthwhile side trip in this area joins the 1.5 million visitors a year who witness the Snoqualmie River plunging 268 feet into the valley. To visit Snoqualmie Falls, remain on Tokul Road at the detour, and turn right onto State Route 202. Cross the road to Salish Lodge and the rest area overlooking the falls. From here, an alternate route back to the trail passes the extensive collection of locomotives and railcars owned by the Northwest Railway Museum in old town Snoqualmie. This option starts with a right turn onto SR 202 from the falls, crosses a bridge, and meets the City of Snoqualmie Centennial Trail in less than a mile. The trail parallels the highway, passes the train collection, and ends at the old railroad depot, now a museum and ticket office for tourist trains. Continuing through town on SR 202/Railroad Avenue, the alternate route turns left onto Meadowbrook Way and returns to the detour.

People on foot, bike, or horseback can expect extended flat sections and a couple of graded climbs. Trail users can choose their terrain by trailhead: Duvall to Carnation for a flat ride, Carnation to Snoqualmie Falls or North Bend to Rattlesnake Lake for a climb, or Snoqualmie to North Bend for preserved natural features. Multiple trailheads allow easy access to smaller chunks of trail and leapfrogging with a second car.Went on a Sunday. Very few riders. Can do as much or little as like. Slight uphill grade after about 6 miles. Unpaved but easy riding on mountain bike. Would not recommend road bike.

In the north, Duvall’s McCormick Park sits on the banks of the Snoqualmie River. The relocated railroad depot is restored nearby at Stephens Street and Railroad Avenue. The next 9 miles cross several farm entrances and roads en route to Carnation, which earned its name from the dairy industry that once boomed in the area and is remembered by large hay barns that dot that landscape. Wetlands, waterfowl, and songbirds create a peaceful, open setting and a barrier between trail and road. The trail arrives at Nick Loutsis Park in Carnation, where you can take a side trip a couple blocks west to visit riverside Tolt-MacDonald Park. The trail crosses the Tolt River and passes Remlinger Farms, open to the public.We walked from Snoqualmie Falls over to this trail and thought we’d get off the road, but a long strength of it was just walking an a paved road, until getting to the Reinig Bridge. From there on it’s flat and mostly shaded…but also just straight ahead through a golf course. We left the trail at North Bend

Signs at the summit point toward Iron Horse State Park, where the connection to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail can be made. Ahead are Rattlesnake Lake and the Cedar River Education and Conference Center, where visitors can learn more about the area.Rode out and back from Carnation to the big trestle with two kids (12 & 14) today. Trail in fantastic shape, lots of bikers and families on/along the trail. Railroad grade on the way up was totally manageable for us and made the return trip breeze by. Lots to see with bridges and some views of the valley below as it climbs. Highly recommended. We parked immediately adjacent to the trail in Carnation, noticed many other access points and one ~ 2 miles from the Tokul trestle that would make a good hiking destination or biking for younger kids. Total trip time was 1 hour 53 mins with plenty of stops.

Walked the section between 356th st and Tokul Trestle with the dog. The 2.4 mile walk to the trestle is easy and flat, mostly shaded, and has a couple of open spots with valley views. Around 1.7 miles in you can hear range noise from the Snoqualmie Gun Club. The Tokul Trestle is amazing and high above the river below, and we passed about half a dozen bikers, runners and hikers.Leaving Carnation, the trail begins a moderate, 400-foot climb to the upper valley. Over the next 8 miles, three trestles offer stunning valley and river views framed by evergreens. An on-road detour begins at a stairway immediately before the Tokul Road underpass at about mile 18. Climbing the stairs, the 2.5-mile detour turns right onto Tokul Road and then left onto Southeast Stearns Road. The road name changes to Mill Pond Road as it passes a lake once used by the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Co. and Weyerhaeuser. The crumbling remnants of the mill, which at one time employed 1,200 people, are visible in the distance and remain a King County historic site.Did the 10.1 mile trail ride starting in Carnation and stopping at the Tokul tunnel yesterday, Oct 14. The trail is in great condition and fall colors magnificent. First time on this section and found the elevation gain very easy to handle. Hope to get a few more rides on this trail before weather window closes. Highly recommend Mount Si remains the dominant feature over the next few miles as the route crosses the trestle and passes through the Three Forks Natural Area, where the North, South, and Middle Forks of the Snoqualmie converge. A mobile fixture here is a herd of some 450 elk that migrate out of the hills to feed at the Mount Si Golf Course and the publicly owned Meadowbrook Farm, south of the trail on Boalch Road. The trail meanders past working farms as well as preserved open space areas, and connects to the cross-state Palouse to Cascades Trail in Iron Horse State Park. Points of interest include Tolt-MacDonald Park, Meadowbrook Farm, Three Forks Natural Area and the Tokul Trestle.One of the longest regional trails in King County, and one of the most rural is the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. Once an extension of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad connecting Everett in the north to the main east-west line heading over the Cascade Mountain range, the converted rail-trail now hosts walkers and bikers looking for a rural adventure.This is the Trestle over Tokul Creek, which is a deep gorge that flows across the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. On the north upstream side you can make your way along the Tokul Creek Forest Trail.