The best gravel rides around The Dalles

The Dalles offers a diverse range of terrain for gravel biking. You'll find routes that transition from paved surfaces to crushed gravel, dirt, and even old wagon roads and rocky trails. This variety includes rolling hills, open grasslands, and areas winding through cherry orchards, providing a dynamic riding experience.

While many of the dedicated gravel routes in the guide are rated as difficult due to significant elevation gain and varied surfaces, the region also offers more accessible options. The Klickitat Park – View of the Klickitat Valley loop from Mayer State Park, for example, offers a challenging but rewarding experience. For a more leisurely ride, the paved Riverfront Trail along the Columbia River provides an 8-mile path suitable for families to enjoy scenic views.

The Dalles region is rich with stunning views and points of interest. Along your rides, you might encounter breathtaking vistas from places like Rowena Crest or Tooley Lake viewpoint. You can also get a unique perspective of the Columbia River at The Dalles Bridge View. The Tom McCall Preserve summit also offers expansive views.

The Dalles enjoys a favorable climate with approximately 300 days of sunshine annually and significantly less rainfall than other parts of Oregon. This makes for an extended season for outdoor adventures. Spring is particularly beautiful, especially in areas like the Dalles Mountain Ranch, which is renowned for spectacular wildflower displays, including golden balsamroot and purple lupine, alongside wide-open views over the Columbia River Gorge.

Yes, The Dalles offers several challenging routes for experienced gravel bikers. The The Dalles Bridge View loop from Chenowith is a demanding 141.3 km (87.8 miles) route with over 2000 meters of elevation gain. Another significant option is the Klickitat Park – View of the Klickitat Valley loop from Lyle, which spans 99 km (61.5 miles) with nearly 2000 meters of climbing.

Many routes in the area, such as the Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park, often start or pass near state parks or designated trailheads which typically offer parking facilities. For routes originating from Mayer State Park, parking is generally available there. Always check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.

Yes, many of the gravel biking routes in The Dalles are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park and the View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park. These circular routes offer varied scenery without the need for shuttle arrangements.

The komoot community frequently praises the diverse landscapes and challenging nature of the gravel routes around The Dalles. Riders often highlight the sweeping views of the Columbia River Gorge, the unique experience of riding through cherry orchards, and the variety of surfaces from smooth gravel to more rugged dirt roads. The region's dry climate and extended riding season are also highly valued.

Yes, some routes in the region provide panoramic views of distant peaks. For instance, the Cherry Heights Trail, which winds through rolling hills and cherry orchards, is known for offering views of The Dalles, the Columbia River, and distant peaks like Mount Hood and Mount Adams. While not explicitly listed in the guide's routes, many of the higher elevation gravel roads will offer similar expansive vistas.

While The Dalles has some local public transport options, direct access to the more remote gravel biking trailheads via public transport can be limited. Most gravel routes, especially those venturing into the Klickitat Valley or Dalles Mountain areas, are best accessed by car, often starting from designated parking areas at state parks or trailheads. Planning your route and checking local transport schedules in advance is recommended if you plan to use public transport.

Gravel biking in The Dalles often involves significant elevation gain due to the region's hilly and mountainous terrain. For example, the Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park includes over 1000 meters (3280 feet) of climbing, while the Klickitat Park – View of the Klickitat Valley loop from Lyle features nearly 2000 meters (6560 feet) of ascent. Riders should be prepared for challenging climbs and rewarding descents.