The best cycling routes in Umatilla County

Umatilla County offers a variety of touring cycling routes. Our guide features 5 routes, with all of them rated as moderate or difficult, providing diverse experiences for cyclists.

While many routes offer moderate challenges, the region does provide options for easier rides. The Kingfisher Trail, for instance, offers generally accessible sections with views of the Umatilla River. The region research also mentions the Adams ride as an easy route with light traffic, and segments of the Lewis and Clark Trail at Hat Rock State Park are suitable for biking.

Umatilla County's touring cycling routes traverse diverse terrain. You'll find rolling farmlands, scenic river valleys along the Columbia and Umatilla Rivers, and the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The Umatilla National Forest offers dense forests, narrow ridges, and plateaus, with elevations ranging from 1,600 to 6,400 feet. Some routes are mostly paved, while others may include unpaved segments.

For those seeking longer rides, consider the Pioneer Park – Middle Waitsburg Road loop from Whitman College, which spans over 54 kilometers and is rated difficult. Another substantial option is the Pioneer Park – Kingfisher Trail loop from Walla Walla, covering nearly 44 kilometers.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Umatilla County are designed as loops. Examples include the Kingfisher Trail – Diversion Canal loop from Whitman College and the Kingfisher Trail loop from Walla Walla, both offering scenic circular journeys.

Along the routes, you can experience the beauty of the Umatilla River and Columbia River, offering riparian scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Blue Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, and you might encounter rolling wheat fields around Pendleton. Notable attractions include the Umatilla River Trail, and the Oregon Trail Overlook. Jubilee Lake within the Umatilla National Forest is also a popular spot.

Yes, Umatilla County offers dedicated mountain biking opportunities. The Red to Red Trail and Adventure Trail are designated mountain bike trails located in Echo and Pendleton, respectively. The Umatilla National Forest also provides extensive roads and trails suitable for mountain biking, catering to single-track enthusiasts and cross-country trekkers.

The touring cycling routes in Umatilla County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from more than 5 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, from river valleys to mountain foothills, and the scenic beauty of routes like the Kingfisher Trail, which showcases riparian scenery and local wildlife.

Yes, the river valleys, particularly along the Umatilla River and Columbia River, are excellent for wildlife viewing. The Echo/Umatilla River Ride is noted for its stunning beauty and local wildlife. The Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, around the Columbia River, is also known for its diverse wildlife habitats. Consider routes like the Kingfisher Trail – Pioneer Park loop from Walla Walla for river views.

The region offers diverse experiences throughout the year. While specific recommendations depend on the route and elevation, late spring through early fall generally provides the most favorable weather for touring cycling. In late summer, you might find huckleberries along trails like the Umatilla Rim Trail, and meadows full of wildflowers are common in spring.

Umatilla County is rich in history. You can find segments of the historic Lewis and Clark Trail at Hat Rock State Park. Other historical attractions include the Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area and the Pendleton Underground Tours. The River to Hills and Whisky & Rocks Farm Trails also offer unique self-guided routes to explore the region's agricultural history.