This loose gravel used as a trail substrate makes these trails unpassable by bicycle. The loose gravel is tantamount to attempting to ride a bicycle across a sand dune. The gravel is soft and loose and creates too much friction for a bicycle ride longer than a quarter mile. This is a real shame and potential waste of resources. Trails must be hard packed for decent travel by bicycle. This isn't the only trail with this issue here in Washington. Many sections of the Palouse to the Cascades trail also suffer the same poor choice in trail substrate.

JUST BEAUTIFUL-SEMPER FI

This is an awesome ride from the westernmost start at Rattlesnake Ledge all the way to the Renslow Trestle east of Ellensburg.

There's a few miles around Easton where someone in their "infinite wisdom" put the gravel on the trail so heavy that it made riding difficult, but it's doable.

Then there's the sand that the Army spread claiming "habitat restoration" from the Renslow Trestle across the last 20 miles to the Columbia River totally destroys the joy. Right, pure sand... does the Army think this is the Saharan Desert? To me, it seems pretty clear the Army did that in hopes to discourage bikers from crossing that section - you'll need fat tires to have any hope to ride it, and even then it will be a battle.

Forest fires still smoldering

Soft gravel and not very scenic from either side of CleElum. Rode 12 miles each direction. Could not sightsee as it was difficult to manage.

Glad we went on a weekday. And seeing 5 moose made our day. The bridge is awesome also. One of my very favorite rides.

Lots of detours! Nice view along the city river section but every direction there were detours. And then homeless coming out of the bushes.

Rode the trail in June, 2021 as the first leg of the 300k Bitterroot Loop. Left our car at Harrison, stayed overnight at the Lakeview Lodge, and rode next day from Harrison to Wallace. Stayed at the Wallace Inn & then next day continued East to Mullan, then continued on Nor Pac & Olympian trails to Haugan. Trail surface was paved & very smooth, no problem for road bikes. Great views of Coeur D'Alene Lake & River. If it fits with your schedule, ride on a weekday, it will be less crowded.

I love this ride. Rode the whole trail over several weekends, broken up into chunks. I'd go 20 miles out – 20 miles back. You are mostly out in nature on this trail. I've seen moose, deer, lots of ducks and geese, cranes, coyote, etc.. Along the way are plaques explaining highlights and history of the area. And should you need, there are clean restrooms and benches and tables (in the shade) along the way. Be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing stop in Harrison, Enaville, Cataldo, Kellog, and Wallace. I planned my bike ride so I'd hit a cafe in one of these towns at just the right time to refresh myself with a cold beer and pulled-pork sandwich. I plan to ride this trail, or at least sections of it, once every year.