Bicycling

Bicyclist on Westside Road

Jayme Margolin

At Mount Rainier, cyclists can enjoy bicycling that is both challenging and scenic. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails and the park does not have any designated bike trails.

September and early October are generally excellent times for cyclists to visit Mount Rainier. During these months, there are usually fewer vehicles on the roads and fall colors enhance the scenery. However, many facilities and services are reduced or discontinued after Labor Day.

Be aware that the park may temporarily close any road to bicycle use. Signs will mark closed roads and cyclists can check current road status when planning a trip. Availability of bicycling equipment in or near the park is very limited and cyclists should be prepared to make repairs on their own. For your safety, wear a helmet.

Riding the Roads
Using E-bikes
Cycling Events
Mount Rainier Experience: Biking Westside Road (video)

 

Riding the Roads

Park roads are steep, narrow, winding and have unpaved shoulders. There are several significant elevation gains and losses. Cyclists are advised to maintain safe speeds on downhill sections. While in the park, bicyclists are required by Federal regulation to ride single file. Bicyclists may ride two abreast only on Westside Road and Carbon River Road, where vehicles are not allowed. However, please be aware of hikers also using those roads.

Nisqually Entrance - Paradise
From the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, it is 19 miles one-way with a 3,400 foot gain in elevation to Paradise.

NE Entrance - Sunrise
From the northeast park boundary on SR410, it is 20 miles with an elevation gain of 3,650 feet to Sunrise.

Carbon River Trail (former road)** - NOTE: Due to a large number of fallen trees, the Carbon River Trail is temporarily impassible for bicyclists and challenging for hikers. Thanks for your patience while crews work to clear the road. (updated 1/22/21)
The Carbon River Trail, in the northwest corner of the park, is approximately 5 miles long and offers a ride through a rain forest alongside the Carbon River to Ipsut Creek Campground. The former road is not paved, but is mostly gravel with some rougher patches. Due to the damaging November 2006 flood, bicyclists share the route with pedestrians but the road is closed to motor vehicle traffic. Also, the road is subject to flooding so it could close at any time. Check current road conditions when planning your trip. **Only E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted.

Mowich Lake Road
The Mowich Lake Road is also in the northwest corner of the park at the end of Highway 165. This 5-mile dirt road leads to a beautiful sub-alpine lake. Please note that this dirt road often has rough conditions with large potholes, and is popular with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Westside Road**
The Westside Road is just beyond the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park. The first three miles of the road are open to motor vehicles as well as bicycles. There is a small parking area at the end of this three mile section and many mountain bikers choose to leave their cars at this point. There are challenging climbs and many spectacular views along this 9.25 mile stretch to Klapatche Point. Please note that due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the hazard zone. **Only E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted.

Longmire
Another option for mountain bikers is the road behind the volunteer campground in Longmire. Vehicle parking and access to this road are at the Community Building in Longmire. The road through the campground connects with Forest Service Road 52 (also called Skate Creek or Kernahan Road).

 

Using E-bikes at Mount Rainier National Park

E-bikes are now allowed everywhere traditional bicycles are allowed in Mount Rainier National Park. This includes all park roads currently open to motor vehicles. E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted on roads and trails that are currently open only to bicycles, including the Westside Road to Klapache Point and the Carbon River Road from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground.

E-bikes in excess of 750 watts (1 h.p.) are considered motor vehicles under this policy and are only permitted on park roads open to vehicles. Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes are not allowed in designated wilderness or areas managed as wilderness. Public land managers retain the right to limit, restrict, or impose conditions of bicycle use and e-bike use in the future in order to ensure visitor safety and resource protection.

Safety information and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the Electric Bicycles in National Parks website. Learn more about laws and policies at Mount Rainier National Park.

 

Cycling Events at Mount Rainier

Each July, the Redmond Cycling Club sponsors RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day), in which 750 cyclists test themselves on a 154 mile course with 10,000 feet of total elevation gain.

 

Duration:

4 minutes, 42 seconds

There are many ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park. Most visitors explore the park in vehicles or on foot, but why not by bike? Most of Westside Road is closed to vehicles, but is open to bicycling and hiking. Ride through old-growth forest, visit a historic ranger cabin and stonework bridges, and pause to remember the long history of the mountain.