Hiking Washington’s trails is always a blast. But if you own a bike, you know how exhilarating it is to pedal down those gravel roads and backwoods paths. Our state’s rail trails offer a perfect opportunity to do this, especially the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Here’s why you’ll want to add this picturesque adventure to your bucket list.

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail, also known as The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, is a rail trail that actually spans most of Washington.
Jeff Dase / alltrails.com
However, the most scenic and popular part is the 37-mile stretch from North Bend to Lake Easton.
The trail is mainly used from May until October, and it's a popular summertime destination.
Jeff Dase / alltrails.com
While most people explore the trail on bikes, you will occasionally see some hikers enjoying it.
To say this is a scenic adventure is a huge understatement.
David Smith / alltrails.com
A good portion of it is located within Iron Horse State Park, which is breathtaking in every season.

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The more of this trail you bike, the quieter and more peaceful it will become.
David Smith / alltrails.com
If you're lucky, you'll have long stretches of the trail entirely to yourself.
Eventually, you'll reach the shores of the highly underrated Lake Easton.
Ron Pierce / alltrails.com
Lake Easton State Park is located just off I-90, and there are six miles of bike trails here as well. It's also the perfect place to enjoy a picnic when the weather allows.
The trail was originally a railroad line that was decommissioned in 1980.
Natalie Smith / alltrails.com
The following year, Chic Hollenbeck and his organization hosted annual horse and wagon rides across Washington along the trail. The goal was to solidify the public ownership of the land. It worked, and in 2002, it was designated a National Recreation Trail.
This section of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail is absolutely stunning.
Ron Pierce / alltrails.com
Check it out this spring or summer and see for yourself.

Have you ever hiked or biked along Washington’s rail trails?

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John Wayne Pioneer Trail, Warden, WA, USA