Alternate Sunday Yakima Tour ride on the Mather Memorial scenic Highway in the Cascades

 Upper Yakima Valley to American Fork or at least close to Chinook Pass Steady Pace up and Moderate return- 70 miles and gradual 2600 feet gain.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54108879

                  Meet Natches Greenway Trailhead parking lot - restrooms available

          Sunday, May 17th, 2025 @ 9:45AM for a 10:00AM rollout - maybe earlier.  

* Per WSDOT the highway will still be closed to through traffic on Sunday and the weather conditions look favorable.   If you decide to join there are no services available until return to Natches - 2 large water bottles and food recommended in addition to a sense of adventure.

As an alternate to the Canyon ride, I'm riding the closed to through traffic Mather Memorial Highway (410) to at least closed gate 5 miles from Chinook pass - maybe further.  Regardless of how far we go, it will be a scenic treat.   I put the entire route on a diet and feel it's more sensible to enjoy the lower half of the climb - stopping at American Fork (Mount Rainer viewpoint).   Per the WSDOT website the highway is not going to open till May 24th to through traffic (there will be vehicles on road just many less).   The route will depend on weather conditions the day of the ride -anything can happen in May.  This is out and back with you guessed it - over gradual climb over approximately 70 miles round trip with only a 2600 foot elevation gain mostly on the first half of the ride.    I rode a few miles of 410 on the last day (Monday) of the Yakima Tour last year and can attest the road is indeed signed closed to through traffic - other cyclists I met verified "it's amazing riding".   Drinks at the end of ride in Natches. 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mbs/recreation/mather-memorial-parkway-sr-41

Ride leader - Lou Rivetti.    425-446-9019