Old Mill Fuel Building – Banks Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
Old Mill Fuel Building – Banks Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
5.0
(8111)
8,112
riders
Old Mill Fuel Building – Banks Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
01:53
41.3km
320m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
13.8 km
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This section of the …
Tip by
20.0 km
Old Mill Area
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
20.8 km
Old Mill Fuel Building
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
27.5 km
Banks Vernonia State Trail
Highlight • Cycleway
Tip by
36.1 km
Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
41.3 km
Clayhill Horse Staging Area
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
41.3 km
Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
41.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
36.1 km
2.94 km
2.02 km
240 m
Surfaces
36.0 km
4.27 km
811 m
240 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (340 m)
Lowest point (180 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
18°C
9°C
65 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a scenic and accessible road cycling route in Oregon, the Old Mill Fuel Building – Banks Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a solid choice. This moderate 25.7-mile (41.3 km) ride features 1051 feet (320 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. It's a popular route for those seeking a car-free experience through diverse landscapes, suitable for a wide range of cyclists.
What to expect on Old Mill Fuel Building – Banks Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
This loop takes you along Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" project, following an old railroad bed that ensures a generally gentle grade. You'll journey through a picturesque mix of green, pine-scented forests, open glades, and pastoral farmlands, with thick stands of Douglas fir, maple, cedar, and alder providing welcome shade. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and local wildlife like hawks and even coyotes. While the grade is mostly gentle, be prepared for a steady uphill section leading to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, and note that the trail surface can be inconsistent with bumps from tree roots and occasional holes. The highlight for many is the impressive Buxton Trestle, a 733-foot long, 80-foot high wooden structure offering expansive views.
Planning your visit
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park serves as an excellent access point, offering ample parking, restrooms, and a visitor center. While the trail is mostly paved, some sections can be rough, so a gravel bike or cyclocross bike might offer a more comfortable ride than a traditional thin-tired road bike. The towns of Banks and Vernonia, at either end of the longer Banks-Vernonia State Trail, also provide amenities like cafes and bike fix-it stations. The trail is popular year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery.
Trail details
- Distance: 25.7 miles (41.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1051 feet (320 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 52 minutes
Comments
Want to know more?
Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.
Sign up for free