Mini Trip Report/ e-Bike Glamp Overnight

Challenge
Kevin and Ann leave-from-home e-bike overnight trip with almost no gear.

Trip
Ride round trip Kirkland to Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie, on trails 95%.

Details

• Day 1 Route: north on Cross Kirkland Corridor to Eastrail, then Sammamish River Trail to East Lake Sammamish Trail to the Issaquah Preston Trail past Preston to the Deep Creek Trail to Azalea Park, then briefly on roads to the Snoqualmie Ridge Trial to Snoqualmie Falls.
• Challenges: Issaquah Preston trail stops a few miles after Preston, requiring a brief ride the busy Preston Fall City Road. Trail resumes shortly on south side, access to which involves switchbacks up (see photos), then crossing a “closed” bridge (seemingly more of a “guideline”). “Deep Creek Trail” turns out to be single-track with like 1000 feet of vertical gain…requiring some pushing of bikes.
• Accommodations: spa-level room at Salish Lodge with unlimited access to jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath reduced kids’ inheritance somewhat, but worth it.
• Day 2 Route: short road travel up Tokul Road to “tunnel” (big culvert), then lovely Snoqualmie Valley Trail to Novelty, where Google Maps indicates there is road access to the Tolt Pipeline Trail headed west, which turns out to be incorrect because just before it intersects the W. Snoqualmie Valley Road it terminates onto private property with a sign that says, “If you can read this you are trespassing.” This requires a death-defying ride back down to, and then up, Novelty Hill Road to another access point in the Trilogy development. But then a pleasant if gravel ride on the Tolt Pipeline trail west to the Sammamish River Trail, then retrace route home.
• Google: round trip really about 75 miles, 4-5 hours each way, see this link.
• Quotes: “Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure.” —Bob Bitchin. “A long hot tub soak and a cocktail can help your attitude.” —Ann Harrang