Cycling Rides Around Enumclaw #2--Mt Rainier

The first section of Cycling Trails and Other Rides Around Enumclaw focused on the Foothills Trail, including our own and the trails in Buckley, Wilkeson, and from South Prairie to Puyallup.  Part 2 will talk about rides within Mt Rainier National Park.  These rides are divided into two parts--those on unpaved roads closed to motor vehicles, and downhill runs on paved roads.  Descents are from Paradise to Longmire, the Stevens Canyon Road, Sunrise, and nearby Chinook Pass.  Unpaved rides include the Carbon River Road, the Westside Road, and the Longmire-Skate Creek Road.  Remember that cycles are not permitted on any trails within the Park.  For mountain bike trail rides in that area, look to the national forests.  Fall is the best time to cycle the pavement at Mount Rainier, as the vehicle traffic is light, so I will begin with the gravel and dirt routes.