The best cycling routes in Klickitat County

Klickitat County offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 40 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy scenic loops to challenging rides with significant elevation gain.

You'll find diverse terrain, from paved roads along the Columbia River Gorge to gravel sections on rail-to-trail conversions like the Klickitat Trail. The region includes rolling prairies, oak and pine forests, and more rugged, forested areas as you approach the Cascade Mountains and Mount Adams. Some routes may include unpaved segments, so a touring bike with wider tires is often recommended.

Yes, Klickitat County has several easy touring cycling routes suitable for families. For instance, the Waterfront Park loop is an easy 3.9-mile (6.3 km) trail that takes about 26 minutes to complete, offering pleasant views along the waterfront. Another accessible option is the Taylor Lake loop from The Dalles, an 11.7-mile (18.9 km) easy route through varied terrain.

The Klickitat Trail is a notable 31-mile rail-to-trail conversion that follows the Klickitat River and passes through the scenic Swale Canyon. While mostly gravel and potentially rough in sections, it's ideal for touring bikes equipped with wider tires, offering a unique 'back-road adventure' experience. It's known for carved gorges, geological formations, and abundant wildflowers. Note that parts of Swale Canyon may close due to fire risk from June to October.

Klickitat County offers numerous scenic vistas. The Columbia River Gorge provides stunning views of the river and canyons. The Klickitat Trail features unique geological formations and wildflowers. Specific areas like Catherine Creek, Major Creek, and Dalles Mountain State Park are renowned for vibrant wildflower displays, especially in spring. You might also catch views of Mount Adams in the western part of the county.

Spring is particularly beautiful for touring cycling in Klickitat County, as many areas like Catherine Creek, Dalles Mountain State Park, and Bird Creek Meadows burst with vibrant wildflower displays. Summer offers warm weather, but be aware that parts of Swale Canyon on the Klickitat Trail may close due to fire risk from June to October. Fall also provides pleasant riding conditions with changing foliage.

Yes, Klickitat County features several challenging routes with significant elevation gain. For example, the Memaloose Lookout – Twin Tunnels Trail loop from Columbia Gorge Discovery Center is a difficult 38-mile (61.3 km) route. Another demanding option is the Memaloose Lookout – Mosier, Oregon loop from Memaloose State Park, which spans 47.2 miles (76 km) with considerable climbing.

The touring cycling routes in Klickitat County are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 10 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscapes, the scenic beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, and the unique experience of trails like the Klickitat Trail.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Klickitat County are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the easy Waterfront Park loop and the moderate Twin Tunnels Trail – Mosier, Oregon loop from Bingen Harbor. You can find various loop options for different distances and difficulties.

For general information about outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, you can visit the Klickitat County website at klickitatcounty.gov. For details specifically on the Klickitat State Park Trail, refer to the Washington State Parks website at wa.gov.

While Klickitat County is known for its rivers and canyons, specific routes like the Klickitat Park – Eightmile Creek Falls loop from Pitt offer the chance to experience waterfalls. This is a difficult 53.4-mile (85.9 km) route, providing a rewarding journey through the landscape.

Klickitat County's diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. Along the Klickitat Trail, especially near the Lyle trailhead in winter, you might spot bald eagles. The region's forests and prairies also offer opportunities for birding and observing other local fauna, contributing to a rich natural experience.