TRAIL BOSS

So it pains me to admit this, but I've never ridden up to Rainier. 410 and 12, but never the actual Paradise route.

I'm planning on doing it soon, and was wondering a couple things from those of you with intimate knowledge of the route.

1. What's the best (non-slab) route from Seattle?

2. Are there any road hazards/sketchy areas/amorous rednecks that I need to be aware of?

3. How are the gas intervals?

4. Is riding all the way up and over advisable?


I have made use of both google and googlemaps... I just want some input from my fellow forum members. First hand info is always best, and we all know it's illegal to lie on the Internet.


Thanks!

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West Seattle Cager

1. From Seattle, if you want to avoid I-5 or I-405 you can take 509 to 188th ST. in Sea Tac and head South on Highway 99 (too many lights) or Military Road (less lights) until you get to South 320th St.. Turn Left and Head down Peasley Canyon Rd way and take Highway 18 to the Auburn/Black Diamond exit, then take the infamous Green Valley road to Highway 169 to Enumclaw which put you on Highway 410.

Of course taking 405 from Lynnwood to Highway 167 in Renton to the Highway 18 Junction in Auburn would be the fastest, but its all multi-lane freeway.

2. Its Western Washington and Seattle suburbs, there is no difference in getting through Seattle. I-5 through Seattle is a PITA, so I-405 might be quicker through Eastside traffic than Seattle traffic

3. Gas is not a problem. Many Chevron stations give a 10 cents per gallon discount if you pay cash.

4. If you go all the way to Yakima, I would spend the night in Yakima. Its a four to five hour ride from Seattle.

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TRAIL BOSS

Four to five hours?

What kind of road are we talking about, here? Is it well paved? What kind of pace are you running?

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West Seattle Cager

All paved, Highway 410 is all two lane highway. In a relaxed style riding no more than 20 MPH over the speed limit. I tossed in a hour for meals, general BS, taking photos and the usual bathroom/rest breaks.

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TRAIL BOSS

Roger. Thanks.

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Bluuu

I haven't done the entire route you're taking about. However...

Gas...
I did do the 410 out of enumclaw (good spot to gas up before heading out) to 123 to 12 on my way to fs25 couple times last year. I had no problem making it to packwood where gas is available. Unless you can get some better advice, you might consider bypassing your turn onto Stevens canyon road which hooks up with paradise road and going into packwood for gas, then back track. It's not much of a back track...10 maybe 15 miles. Once you head up to paradise road I have no idea. Haven't been.

Road condition...last year
410 was fine, some woopdedoo here and there and some fresh patching, but ok. Some dips and frost heaves as I got into the park.

123 started out a little sketch...pavement was rather rough for the first few miles as you start heading down but got better. Some dips and frost heaves.

12 was nice...and boring

None of it gave me any problems and you're far more skilled than me, so as long as your not trying to rail it and your leaving time to see shit coming at ya I wouldn't anticipate any moments. It's a nice peaceful ride with minimal traffic.

Can't help you beyond that cause I haven't gone around the mountain. It's just my route south. In fact, I hadn't decided but I might be going that way Wednesday morning.

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TRAIL BOSS

Oh wait.... I think either you guys are misunderstanding my question, or I'm mistaken in the access points.

I'm asking about 706 to Paradise Rd, then down to 123.

I've ridden 410 and 12 to Yakima plenty. That's 4 hours from my front door in Arlington.

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Bluuu

I'm sorry. I misread your post. You already know all about 410/123/12.

Nevermind.

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West Seattle Cager

Oh, I might add you will want to fill up in Enumclaw. Gas is typically 75 miles apart on 410. You will pay a higher price (20 to 30 cents a gallon) between Enumclaw and Yakima.

If you are only going to the Mt. Rainier summit hour and half to two hours from Enumclaw. 45 minutes to an hour from Seattle to Enumclaw.

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TRAIL BOSS

I do appreciate the input... Just looking for specifics on 706, Paradise and Stevens Canyon.

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West Seattle Cager

http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.htm

http://www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/ste...bilitation.htm

706 and Paradise are all paved two lane roads. You will have no problems Unsure about Stevens Canyon Road

Check the links above

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thrifty

I'm horrible with road names but it looks like Stevens Canyon Road is the one heading up to Paradise from the East side... If that's the case I was just through all of that the other day and the road does have gravel parts in the beginning when you enter the park and then at the big S curve part after the tunnel.... There's signs up that warn caution.. That's when the gravel starts... A lot better then it was earlier in the month. Other then that all's good... Make sure you go up Sunrise though...

Gas up in Enumclaw and you'll be good for the whole trip over the mount...

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nsrg500

Sounds like a good ride?
I've never been up on a bike. Only been to Yukyma and back in a truck/RV.
Might be a good days ride?

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thrifty

It's a great way to spend the day... Here's the route I took the other day... LINK

Except I shot down to Packwood for gas..

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nsrg500

Sounds like a good place to end up.
I'd come from Everett of course and go out through Fall City to 18, then to 169 to 410 and so on.
Have to avoid nasty 'ol High Bridge. That was my route to Tacoma last Friday.
H.B to Fall City to 18 to I 5 to Down town Tacoma, return 512 to 167 to 405 to home.
Kind of a sucky ride at 4pm heading down.

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ZREX MIKE

Kirk, you're talking about my backyard. You will be riding on a weekday, yes?? Riding through the park on a weekend in the summer is an exercise in frustration. 706 from Elbe to the park entrance is as boring a ride as you've ever seen; straight and flat, but short. After that the fun begins, but be careful. Speed limits are low through the park, and rangers can write some expensive tickets. With the proper "sticker" and lots of apologies, I've dodged two "healthy" citations. Let me know when you're planning this if you want some company.

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TRAIL BOSS

Thanks brother.

PM sent.

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MB2

Hmmm, is this a road worthy of the trip down? I've done 410/12 plenty of times...I know those aren't really worth it.

But, it's always good to have a list of roads to check out for when you get bored.

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MichelinMan

Do not forget that Alder is closed and likely will be for the rest of the season. This will impact your route should you include Hwy 7. Check the WADOT site for more info!

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Runout

Don't forget to stop at Scale Burgers in Elbe . And don't even think of going up there on a weekend like was mentioned before.

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