The best cycling routes around Banks
5.0
(8)
162
riders
12
rides
Touring cycling around Banks features a network of dedicated state trails and routes through natural reserves. The landscape primarily consists of varied terrain, including forested sections and open areas, characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. These routes often follow former railway lines, providing relatively gentle gradients suitable for touring cyclists. The region offers a mix of longer, more challenging routes and shorter, easier options.
Best touring cycling routes around Banks
- The most popular touring cycling route is Banks Vernonia State Trailโฆ
Last updated: June 25, 2026
5.0
(3)
33
riders
14.4km
00:48
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
31
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(4)
53
riders
21.5km
01:16
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
56.3km
03:46
720m
720m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
53.9km
03:52
810m
810m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Banks
Tips from the Community
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, repurposing a 21-mile abandoned railroad between Banks and Vernonia. This is where the trails begins/ends in Banks. There is a parking area, a water fountain, and a restroom here. The trail features an 8-foot wide paved path for hiking and biking, alongside a 4-foot gravel equestrian trail. It is at a generally gentle grade and passes through fields, forests, and farmlands with scenic mountain views, in Washington and Columbia counties.
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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, repurposing a 21-mile abandoned railroad between Banks and Vernonia. This is where the trails begins/ends in Banks. There is a parking area, a water fountain, and a restroom here. The trail features an 8-foot wide paved path for hiking and biking, alongside a 4-foot gravel equestrian trail. It is at a generally gentle grade and passes through fields, forests, and farmlands with scenic mountain views, in Washington and Columbia counties.
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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, repurposing a 21-mile abandoned railroad between Banks and Vernonia. The trail features an 8-foot wide paved path for hiking and biking, alongside a 4-foot gravel equestrian trail. It is at a generally gentle grade and passes through fields, forests, and farmlands with scenic mountain views, in Washington and Columbia counties. Key highlights include 13 bridges and the impressive Buxton Trestle, a 733-foot long, 80-foot high bridge, which is open to hikers and bikers.
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This heavily wooded nature preserve is part of a much larger greenbelt complex. Keep an eye out for large wildlife like deer as you pedal past, and an ear out for evidence of songbirds; both thrive in this habitat.
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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail stretches over 21 miles and is a paved multi-use trail that connects the towns of Banks and Vernonia. It is an ideal spot for hikers, bikers, equestrians, and anyone who wants to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains, fields, and forests of Washington and Columbia counties. The path has five trailheads, including parking and restrooms for easy access, making it an excellent option to enjoy a long or short run in a picturesque natural setting.
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A short distance from Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a 1,654-acre park with incredible views and many opportunities to explore nearly 30 miles (48.28 km) of trails on the beautiful hillside. A day-use area with picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water is available here. You will find plenty of space to take a break and spend time in this gorgeous park.
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The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon's first Rails to Trails park. It is a super good 21-mile, multi-use, traffic free trail open for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. There are good facilities and attractions along the route include trailhead parking areas with day use amenities.
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Just 34 miles west of Portland is a super good outdoor heaven. Set on a cool forested hillside, LL Stub Stewart State Park offers a great variety of camping and an endless amount of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Banks?
Banks offers over a dozen touring cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes more than 300 times, highlighting the region's diverse cycling opportunities.
What is the general difficulty level of touring cycling routes around Banks?
The routes around Banks offer a mix of difficulties. You'll find 2 easy routes, 3 moderate routes, and 7 difficult routes, ensuring options for both casual riders and experienced touring cyclists.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are easy routes perfect for beginners or families. A great option is the Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning, which is a pleasant 9.0-mile (14.4 km) path along a well-maintained state trail with minimal elevation gain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Banks?
Touring cycling routes in Banks primarily feature dedicated state trails and paths through natural reserves. The landscape is varied, including forested sections and open areas characteristic of the Pacific Northwest. Many routes follow former railway lines, offering relatively gentle gradients.
Are there challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists in Banks?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, routes like the Sunset Ridge Nature Reserve loop from North Plains offer a more demanding experience. This 33.5-mile (53.9 km) trail includes significant elevation changes through a nature reserve.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Banks?
The touring cycling routes in Banks are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Cyclists often praise the dedicated paths, the varied natural scenery, and the opportunity to explore natural reserves away from traffic.
Are there circular touring cycling routes available in Banks?
Yes, many of the popular touring cycling routes around Banks are circular. For example, the Banks Vernonia State Trail โ Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Banks offers a substantial 36.4-mile (58.5 km) loop, allowing you to start and end in the same location.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Banks?
The best time for touring cycling in Banks is typically from spring through fall (April to October) when the weather is milder and rainfall is less frequent. The forested sections provide pleasant shade during warmer months, and the state trails are generally well-maintained year-round.
Can I bring my dog on the touring cycling routes in Banks?
Many state trails in the Pacific Northwest, including sections of the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, are dog-friendly. It's generally expected that dogs are kept on a leash and that owners clean up after their pets. Always check specific trail regulations before you go.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots along the touring cycling routes?
Given that many routes traverse natural reserves and former railway lines, you can expect numerous scenic spots. The varied terrain, including forested sections and open areas, provides opportunities for picturesque views of the Pacific Northwest landscape, especially along the dedicated state trails.
Is public transport available to access the touring cycling routes in Banks?
Public transport options directly to trailheads in Banks can be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving to a trailhead with parking, especially for routes that start further from urban centers. Many routes are accessible from towns like Banks or Manning.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Banks?
Parking is typically available at designated trailheads for the state trails around Banks. For instance, you can often find parking in towns like Banks, Manning, or North Plains, which serve as starting points for many popular routes such as the Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from North Plains.
Most popular routes around Banks
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