RAMROD – Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day 2026

RAMROD – Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day 2026

Presented by Redmond Cycling Club
Road Cycling
Enumclaw, WA
Jul 30, 2026
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About This Event

This 157-mile circumnavigation of Mount Rainier delivers one of the most scenic and challenging single-day rides in the Pacific Northwest. The course combines 10,000 feet of climbing with stunning alpine vistas, taking riders through varied terrain that showcases the mountain from every angle.

The route begins and ends at Enumclaw High School, starting with a gentle descent to the lowest elevation near Orting before transitioning into 40 miles of rolling hills through small towns like Eatonville, Elbe, and Ashford near Mount Rainier National Park entrances. After a gradual climb on Skate Creek Road to Packwood, riders face the day’s most demanding challenge nearly 100 miles in: the brutal 9-mile ascent up Cayuse Pass.

The technical descent from the pass leads to one final test—a 6-mile climb to Crystal’s alpine valley. The remaining 36 miles offer mostly descending or rolling terrain, culminating in a fast descent down Mud Mountain Dam just 9 miles from the finish.

Organized by Redmond Cycling Club, this event runs annually on the last Thursday of July and attracts around 800 participants. Registration operates through a lottery system that opens each March, reflecting the ride’s popularity among serious cyclists. The event provides three main food stops, including breakfast before the start and celebratory ice cream at the finish, with gluten-free options available by advance request.

Limited SAG support is available along with emergency medical coverage, but riders should be prepared for mechanical self-sufficiency on this remote mountain circuit.

Redmond Cycling Club

Event Organizer
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The Redmond Cycling Club (RCC) is a well-established cycling organization based in Redmond, Washington. The club was founded to foster camaraderie among cyclists and promote road cycling throughout the Pacific Northwest. RCC is known for organizing various rides and events that emphasize both the challenge of cycling and the beauty of the local landscape. Their mission is to encourage cycling for recreation, fitness, and adventure, offering a supportive environment for cyclists of all levels.

One of the club’s most renowned contributions to the cycling community is the annual RAMROD (Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day). This prestigious endurance cycling event challenges participants with a spectacular route around Mount Rainier.  Strambecco rates the event Best-in-Class for the Northwest.

RAMROD: Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day

RAMROD is one of the most iconic and challenging one-day cycling events in the Pacific Northwest. It is a test of endurance, fitness, and mental toughness as cyclists traverse 152 miles and climb over 10,000 feet in elevation, circling Washington’s tallest peak, Mt. Rainier. Due to the strict environmental regulations within Mt. Rainier National Park, participation is limited, making it a coveted and sought-after ride among serious cyclists.

Key Features of the Ride:

  • Course: The route features spectacular scenic beauty, passing through dense forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic views of Mt. Rainier’s glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Riders experience two major climbs—one up to Paradise and the other over Cayuse Pass—that provide breathtaking scenery but demand significant physical effort.
  • Elevation Gain: Cyclists face more than 10,000 feet of climbing, with steep ascents and thrilling descents. The combination of distance and elevation gain makes RAMROD a true endurance test.
  • Terrain: The route includes a mix of highways, mountain roads, and rolling hills. The challenging terrain and the potential for varying weather conditions add to the event’s difficulty.
  • Support: RCC provides exceptional support for participants, including well-stocked rest stops and safety measures along the course to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The club works closely with the National Park Service and local communities to make RAMROD a seamless rider experience.

RAMROD has built a reputation as a bucket-list ride for avid cyclists, attracting participants from across the region and beyond. Due to its demanding nature, participants must be well-prepared and experienced in long-distance, high-elevation cycling. Each year, cyclists compete in a lottery system for entry, reflecting the popularity and exclusivity of the event.

Through events like RAMROD, the Redmond Cycling Club continues to play a vital role in promoting cycling culture in the Pacific Northwest while offering unforgettable experiences that highlight the region’s stunning natural beauty.

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