The best gravel rides around Chenoweth

The Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park offers a challenging and scenic gravel biking experience, tracing an old railroad line through diverse terrain. You'll ride through oak and ponderosa pine forests, alongside the Klickitat River, and into the remote beauty of Swale Canyon, with surfaces ranging from paved to rugged gravel and sharp rocks. This difficult 36.0-mile (58.0 km) route, with 3409 feet (1039 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 4 hours and 45 minutes, making it ideal for experienced riders seeking a varied and rewarding journey.

To tackle this route, you'll want a cyclocross or mountain bike equipped with gravel tires; wider tubeless tires (45c-47mm) and front suspension are highly recommended for comfort and control over the rougher sections. The trailhead is conveniently located at Mayer State Park. Keep in mind that Swale Canyon is typically closed from July to September due to heat and fire danger, so plan your visit accordingly, and consider bringing extra tubes or tire liners to prevent flats from thorns.

This loop is a fascinating rail-trail conversion, following a historic Burlington Northern railroad line that once transported goods. A significant portion of the trail parallels the Klickitat River, a nationally designated Wild & Scenic River, known for its salmon and steelhead trout, and a winter home for bald eagles. You'll also encounter historic trestles, some still featuring "bone shaking railroad ties," offering a glimpse into the area's past.

The View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park offers a challenging gravel biking experience through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. You'll traverse diverse terrain, from packed gravel to rough, chundery sections with old railroad ballast, and even some single-track feel in the remote Swale Canyon. The scenery is a constant reward, with dramatic carved gorges, oak and ponderosa pine forests, and expansive views of the Klickitat River Valley, often including Mount Adams and Mount Hood. Spring is particularly vibrant with abundant wildflowers.

Planning your ride requires attention to detail; this difficult 44.1-mile (70.9 km) loop with 2516 feet (767 metres) of elevation gain typically takes around 5 hours and 6 minutes. The Swale Canyon portion is frequently closed from late June to mid-October due to fire risk, so check conditions before you go. Given the varied and often rough surfaces, wider tubeless tires (40-47mm) are highly recommended to enhance comfort and prevent flats, especially through the jagged shale rock garden sections. Be prepared for limited cell service and carry plenty of water and supplies.

This route incorporates a significant portion of the Klickitat Trail, a historic rail-to-trail conversion that follows the nationally-designated Wild and Scenic Klickitat River. Beyond the challenging ride, the area is rich in wildlife, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities, including winter bald eagle habitats. Just be mindful of rattlesnakes and ticks, which are present in the region. This loop is a true getaway, providing a sense of solitude and a deep dive into the natural beauty of Klickitat County.

If you're looking for a gravel biking adventure that truly tests your mettle while delivering spectacular scenery, The Dalles Bridge View loop from Chenowith is a top contender. This difficult 87.9-mile (141.4 km) route, with its 6876 feet (2096 metres) of elevation gain, promises nearly nine hours of varied terrain and breathtaking vistas. You'll navigate everything from chunky gravel roads to smooth pavement, all while enjoying expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding plateau, including the iconic Dalles Bridge itself.

Planning your ride on The Dalles Bridge View loop from Chenowith means preparing for a significant undertaking. This hard gravel ride demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills, especially given the "punchy, chunky and steeper" climbs. The dry weather of The Dalles area makes it a prime location for gravel cycling, with the fall season being particularly recommended for the vibrant foliage along Chenoweth Road. Ensure you carry ample water for the 8 hours and 51 minutes estimated duration.

What makes this route truly special is the perfect convergence of excellent roads, minimal traffic, and stunning natural beauty. You'll traverse landscapes shifting from high desert to oak and ponderosa pine forests, spotting dramatic basalt formations and cherry orchards. The experience of riding across The Dalles Bridge, with its rich history, adds a unique touch to this challenging and rewarding gravel biking journey.

The Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park offers a truly unique gravel biking experience, blending challenging terrain with expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge. You'll navigate a mix of paved and unpaved sections, with the gravel portions along the Klickitat Trail featuring rough, rocky surfaces and even "jagged shale rock garden" sections. The route takes you through dramatic landscapes, including carved gorges, unique geologic formations, and remote areas like Swale Canyon with its striking basalt cliffs. This moderate 20.4-mile (32.8 km) ride, with 920 feet (280 metres) of elevation gain, is best for experienced riders and takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes.

To tackle this route, plan to start from Mayer State Park, where parking is available. Given the varied and often rough gravel surfaces, it's crucial to bring repair kits to handle potential flats from sharp rocks and thorns. The trail is not suitable for bikes with skinny tires; wide, knobby tubeless tires are highly recommended for comfort and control. Be mindful of ticks and rattlesnakes, particularly during the warmer months, and prepare for plenty of sunshine as the area enjoys about 300 sunny days a year.

This loop is celebrated as the most popular gravel bike trail in Klickitat County, distinguished by its path along the nationally designated Wild & Scenic Klickitat River. It's part of a former railroad corridor, offering a generally gentle grade despite its rugged surface. The trail transitions from a remote tributary canyon to a National Scenic Area, providing spectacular scenery and serving as a winter habitat for bald eagles. Its unique blend of natural beauty and challenging terrain makes it a remarkable gravel biking destination.