I finally had time and cooperative weather to ride this classic PNW loop through the mountains. The Seattle Randonneurs have a 200K brevet route but since I was riding on my own I decided to short it by ~30 miles and avoid some of the less scenic city riding.

I started this ride by entering through the Park entrance at Longmire and parking in the day use lot behind the lodge.

I’d been planning this ride for months ever since reading about the climb to Babyshoe Pass in BQ. The climb from Highway 12 to the summit at the intersection with FS 2150 has an average grade of 6% and a max grade of 20% with soft, loose gravel and rough washboard making it tough to keep traction and rhythm.

Enjoyable hike in perfect fall conditions. Started hiking around 10am with air temperature just above freezing so dress appropriately. The trail is in good condition but lacks any signage so be sure to follow the directions, particularly bearing to the right at the T. Arrived at the ridge around noon.