Live In Maple Valley

Get ready for a day of cycling, camaraderie, and celebration as the Eastside Touring Club (ETC) hosts its highly anticipated Annual Picnic Ride! This beloved community event brings together cycling enthusiasts of all levels for a scenic journey around Lake Sammamish, followed by a relaxing picnic in the beautiful surroundings of Confluence Park in Issaquah, a short drive from Maple Valley, WA. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for a challenge or a casual cyclist seeking a pleasant afternoon, this event offers something for everyone. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23, 2025, and join your neighbors for this tradition that celebrates our active community spirit.

The ETC Annual Picnic Ride kicks off at noon from Confluence Park in Issaquah, where cyclists will gather to start the popular Lake Sammamish loop. The main route follows a counter-clockwise path of approximately 25 miles, taking riders along the East Lake Sammamish Trail to downtown Redmond, including the recently opened link to the Redmond Central Connector Trail. The return journey to Confluence Park will guide participants via West Lake Sammamish Parkway and through the Pickering Square complex before reconnecting with the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

For those seeking flexibility in their riding experience, the ETC Picnic Ride offers several alternative route options to accommodate different preferences and skill levels. Ambitious cyclists looking for additional mileage can venture north from Redmond on Eastrail before cutting east across the valley through various connection points, including the PSE Trail, 116th St NE, 124th St NE, or extending to Chateau Ste. Michelle and 145th St NE. These variations allow riders to join the Sammamish Trail and eventually reconnect with the main picnic route. Meanwhile, those preferring a shorter experience can enjoy an out-and-back ride on the East Lake Sammamish Trail for up to 20 miles of scenic cycling.

Comfort and convenience have been thoughtfully considered in the route planning, with multiple restroom facilities available throughout the journey. Participants will find restrooms at the starting point in Confluence Park and approximately 9 miles into the ride at Sammamish Landing Park. Additional facilities are accessible with short detours at Marymoor Park (around mile 13) and Idylwood Park (approximately mile 15). These strategically placed rest stops ensure riders can enjoy the beautiful Lake Sammamish scenery without worry, making the experience pleasant for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

After working up an appetite on the scenic ride, cyclists will reconvene at Confluence Park for a community picnic scheduled from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The ETC has reserved the park’s shelter exclusively for this gathering, providing a comfortable space for participants to relax, share stories from the road, and enjoy each other’s company. This thoughtful arrangement ensures that riders completing various route options can all join together for the post-ride celebration, regardless of their chosen distance or pace. Even if you can’t make the ride portion of the event, you’re welcome to join just for the picnic festivities—simply sign up and note that you’ll be attending only the picnic portion.

The ETC will generously provide pizza and water for all participants, ensuring everyone has something delicious to refuel with after their cycling adventure. For those who’d like to contribute to the communal feast, bringing a salad or cookies to share is welcome but entirely optional. While enjoying the scenic park setting, please note that Issaquah Park rules prohibit alcohol on the premises. If your plans change after signing up, please inform the organizers through Meetup or on the day of the event by by texting the provided contact number (425-880-4550) to ensure accurate headcounts for food and arrangements.