Snoqualmie Tunnel MTB Tour: Seattle 20-mile Downhill Ride

You ride through a pitch-black tunnel on a mountain bike, lit only by the lights on your handlebars.

A 5-hour mountain bike activity from Seattle that takes you by shuttle to Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains, where you ride downhill on an old railroad line. You start with a 2.3-mile tunnel ride in darkness, then descend 20 miles through trestle bridges, waterfalls and mountain views on brand-new bikes with a live guide leading the way.

The experience

The shuttle picks you up in downtown Seattle and drives you to the trailhead at Snoqualmie Pass. Once there, you get fitted to a top-quality mountain bike, helmet, gloves and protective gear chosen for the terrain. The operator packs bottled water and snacks for the day, so you're not stopping to hunt for supplies partway through a descent.

The ride itself opens with the Snoqualmie Tunnel: 2.3 miles of pitch-black railroad tunnel where your bike light is the only thing between you and the dark. You emerge into daylight and then spend the next stretch dropping 20 miles downhill on the old rail bed, crossing giant trestle bridges high above the ground and passing waterfalls and Cascade vistas. Your guide sets the pace and handles the route. You focus on the ride itself. The whole outing takes about 5 hours from pickup to return.

A 4-person minimum runs each departure, so the operator will contact you if your date doesn't fill. The activity suits riders with at least moderate fitness. The downhill pitch and the tunnel's darkness are the physical asks here, not climbing. Children from age 14 can join, and the guide speaks English throughout.

What’s included

• Your mountain bike, helmet, gloves and protective gear.
• bottled water and snacks for the day.
• shuttle pickup from downtown Seattle.
• and a live guide in English leading the entire route.

Before you book

Days and timesFriday and SaturdayDeparts at 12:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Seattle Mountain Bike Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the route and the commentary without translation. Riders aged 14 and up with moderate fitness can manage the downhill pitch and the tunnel darkness, but the activity is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular conditions that limit exertion.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Snoqualmie Tunnel like to ride through on a bike?

The Snoqualmie Tunnel stretches 2.3 miles through pitch-black darkness on the old railroad line. Bike lights are provided so you can see the track ahead, and you emerge into daylight on the other side before the main descent begins.

Do I need to be an experienced mountain biker to do this tour?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to handle a downhill ride on a mountain bike. The operator provides brand-new bikes, a helmet, gloves and protective gear, and a guide leads the route, so the focus is on managing the descent rather than technical skill.

What happens if fewer than 4 people sign up for my date?

The tour requires a 4-person minimum to run. If your departure date does not fill, the operator will contact you to try to move you to another date or find another solution.

What's included in the price?

The mountain bike, helmet, gloves, protective gear, bottled water, snacks, shuttle pickup from downtown Seattle and a live guide leading the route are all included. Gratuities are not included.