Route Beta: Biking Over Stevens Pass

This post provides route beta* for bicyclists who are interested in cycling over Stevens Pass, along Highway 2, in Washington state.

* "Beta" is a term utilized among rock climbers to indicate specific information on how to accomplish a climb or task.

• The highest point of Stevens Pass is 4,061 ft in elevation.
• Ascending the pass from the west is steeper, and thus more difficult, than ascending the pass from the east.



The elevation profile for the 37 miles from Skykomish, WA
to the intersection of Highway 2 and WA Route 207.

• The shoulders along Highway 2 are "wide enough." The shoulders disappear, however, for bridge crossings.
• Google Maps provides great bike directions, but beware that some of the road signs indicating turn-offs are either easy-to-miss or, occasionally, non-existent.
• If you stick to Highway 2 (as opposed to taking side roads), you have the benefit of seeing the progress of your ascents/descents, as signage along the Highway provides the elevation at numerous locations along the pass.
• Google Maps suggests taking Reiter Rd, which is west of the pass, on the north side of Highway 2. This road is beautiful and has very little traffic. However, note that this road involves descent elevation gain that is then lost when later reconnecting with Highway 2.
• Google Maps suggests taking Tye (Scenic) Rd, which is west of the pass, on the north side of Highway 2. This road is beautiful, has very little traffic, and has a number of switchbacks (which is particularly beneficial for the ascent, if biking eastward). However, note the following:
• The road alternates between paved and loose gravel sections. If you are not comfortable riding on gravel, or if your bike tires are not suitable for gravel-riding, you may wish to avoid this side road, particularly on the descent, as you will be traveling at fast speeds.
• You will come to a point along the route where the road appears to end. Push or ride your bicycle onto the narrow trail straight ahead, cross the footbridge, and then continue to follow the road.
• If traveling westward on Highway 2, the turnoff for Tye Road is not marked. It is the first road on your right after you begin your descent. It will be a tight hairpin turn to your right, directly onto loose gravel.
• As the descent is fast, I recommend sticking to the main Highway for the descent.
• When I rode over the pass, the shoulders were pretty dirty with large chunks of gravel, and so I opted to take the lane on the descent.
• There is a restroom (pit toilets) at the top of the pass. Look for signage.
• Should you require wifi, there is a McDonalds located in both Monroe and Sultan.
• Consider staying at the Dinsmore's Hiker Haven in Baring. If you stay, please contribute a donation, as running a gig such as this is not inexpensive.