Why go in summer: For a scenic country ride with blackberries and burgers along the way.
Drive time: Half-hour from Seattle
Main valley hubs: Fall City, super-cute Snoqualmie, and happening North Bend.
José Mandojana
Salish Lodge & Spa is perched directly above Sno Falls, giving guests the perfect place to enjoy the view.
What brings 1.5 million tourists a year? Raging Snoqualmie Falls (which, few realize, are almost 100 feet longer than Niagara).
What brings locals? Leafy roads, Snoqualmie River, and Mt. Si, the 4,130-foot slab of hike-able rock that anchors the valley and resembles the face of a man staring up at the sky.
Car of choice: A Subaru Outback crowned with a bike rack.
Dress code: Keens and Croakies, spandex and bike helmets.
Sugar rush: The handmade almond toffee crunch from Chew Chew Cafe & Candy (8102 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie; 425/292-9516).
Bike fest for everyone: The annual Tour de Peaks(ride Aug 15, $35; festival at Mt. Si Aug 13–15, free), with four different route lengths.
Our summer bike route, 2 ways
Snoqualmie Valley is made for cycling. For an easy, flat 22-mile ride, park in Fall City (6 miles northwest of Snoqualmie, on State 202), then stick to country roads en route to Remlinger Farms and back.
The more difficult route, if you don’t mind a climb, is all 33 miles from Snoqualmie and back, with a beautiful detour along S.E. Fish Hatchery Road. Download map and detailed directions here.
José Mandojana
Owner Bethany Wright stands outside of Snoqualmie’s go-to breakfast spot, Koko Beans Coffee House.
Kick off with a scone
Start at Koko Beans Coffee House($; 8010 Railroad Ave. S.E., Snoqualmie; 425/888-0259), a locals’ hangout, for a latte and still-warm cinnamon scone baked by owner Bethany Wright.
José Mandojana
In summer, Snoqualmie is virtually covered in ripe, wild blackberries. Pull off the road during your ride and grab a handful or two to go.
Turn your hands purple
You’ll pedal past barns and meadows, through woods and along the river, with knockout views of the Cascade foothills. Be sure to pull off the road for juicy bites of summer: Right now, ripe blackberries are almost everywhere along the route; W. Snoqualmie River Road S.E. is especially chock-full.
Stretch out your legs on the farm
Family-owned Remlinger Farms is your turnaround point—and an ideal spot for a breather, with barnyard animals; a bakery and restaurant ($); and fresh peaches, apricots, and blueberries piled on old wagon carts, to buy for the ride back. 32610 N.E. 32nd St., Carnation; 425/333-4135.
Après burgers and beers
Back in Snoqualmie, hit a 1902 community hall turned restaurant. The Woodman Lodge Steakhouse & Saloon has pressed tin ceilings, old Douglas fir floors, and caribou heads hanging from the walls. Yes, steaks are the star, but try the Big Tatonka (buffalo) burger, smothered in smoked gouda and served with hand-cut fries. $$$; 38601 S.E. King St.; 425/888-4441.
Make it a weekend
Looking directly over Sno Falls, Salish Lodge & Spa couldn’t be more perfectly placed. Enjoy the view from the window-walled restaurant—or from one of the 89 recently renovated rooms, with jetted tubs for two, wood-burning fireplaces, and access to the steam room, sauna, and soaking pools. If that doesn’t do it, treat your sore muscles to the Salish Spa. Rooms from $279
