1.
Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco
25.7km
01:32
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best cycling routes around Chinook
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 31, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling around Chinook, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, so we've sifted through the noise to bring you a curated shortlist of the absolute best, saving you the guesswork.
Touring cycling around Chinook is all about embracing the Pacific coastline. Expect gentle gradients as you pedal along coastal paths, through river valleys, and into forested areas, with a few minor hills to keep things interesting. This region truly shines with its opportunities to explore state parks and the unique natural features of the Pacific Northwest. The routes here are primarily easy, making it accessible for many.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the popular Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco. This 15.9 miles (25.7 km) easy ride offers fantastic coastal views and a real sense of place. For a shorter, equally rewarding experience, the Fort Stevens State Park – Battery Russell loop from Fort Stevens State Park is a great choice at 7.3 miles (11.8 km), perfect for exploring the park's history and scenery. Dive in and discover why over 100 touring cyclists have already explored Chinook with komoot.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco | 25.7 km | 120 m | Easy |
| Fort Stevens State Park – Fort Stevens State Park loop from Fort Stevens State Park | 7.23 km | 10 m | Easy |
| Fort Stevens State Park – Battery Russell loop from Fort Stevens State Park | 11.8 km | 20 m | Easy |
| Battery Russell loop from Fort Stevens State Park | 6.73 km | 10 m | Easy |
2.
Fort Stevens State Park – Fort Stevens State Park loop from Fort Stevens State Park
7.23km
00:26
10m
10m
This easy touring cycling loop at Fort Stevens State Park offers a delightful 4.5-mile (7.2 km) ride through varied landscapes, perfect for a quick outing. You'll pedal through lush spruce and hemlock forests, past serene wetlands, and along shore pine areas, with opportunities to spot wildlife. The route is predominantly flat with only 29 feet (9 metres) of elevation gain, making it accessible for all skill levels and a great option for beginner friendly cycling.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park provides ample parking and even bike rentals if you need them. The trails are generally open year-round, but a quick check of the local weather forecast will help you pick the best time for your 25-minute ride. This loop is ideal for a relaxed spin, offering a taste of the park's natural beauty without a significant time commitment.
Fort Stevens State Park is rich in both natural and historical features. Beyond the diverse ecosystems, you can explore remnants of the Fort Stevens Historic Site, which played a role from the Civil War through WWII. The park is also home to the famous Peter Iredale Shipwreck, an iconic Oregon Coast landmark that adds a unique historical touch to your cycling adventure.
View route
3.
Fort Stevens State Park – Battery Russell loop from Fort Stevens State Park
11.8km
00:43
20m
20m
The Fort Stevens State Park – Battery Russell loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, weaving through a varied landscape of dense spruce and hemlock forests, serene wetlands, and coastal shore pine areas. You'll enjoy mostly flat, multi-use trails that lead you to the historic Battery Russell, where you can explore old artillery batteries and the Pacific Rim Peace Memorial, making for a ride that's as scenic as it is educational.
This easy 7.3-mile (11.8 km) route with only 77 feet (23 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 43 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists of all abilities. Parking is readily available at Battery Russell, which is a central point within the park and typically less crowded than the military museum. Consider an early start to potentially spot deer and elk along the way.
Fort Stevens State Park, located at the mouth of the Columbia River, is a sprawling 4,300-acre area rich in both natural beauty and historical significance. Beyond the Battery Russell loop, you can easily access other attractions like Coffenbury Lake and the famous Peter Iredale shipwreck by bike, making this a great starting point for exploring the park's diverse offerings.
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4.
Battery Russell loop from Fort Stevens State Park
6.73km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Justus
September 2, 2025, Bench With a View of the Estuary, Fort Stevens State Park
Fantastic
Translated by Google•
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Ilwaco is a charming fishing town located on the Long Beach Peninsula's south end in the state's southwest corner. It's a quick trip from Astoria and very close to Long Beach. The town is situated between the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean and is known for its historic buildings and tranquil atmosphere.
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Sue
December 20, 2023, View of Beard's Hollow
Beard's Hollow is a beach located in a circular indentation at the foot of a cliff on the Pacific Ocean, roughly one mile west of Ilwaco. It was named in honor of Captain E. N. Beard, the bark Vandalia's commanding officer. Unfortunately, the Vandalia was lost at sea near the mouth of the Columbia in 1853, and all crew members perished. The ship was later found floating upside down near McKenzie Head, and Captain Beard's body was discovered on the beach below what is now called Beard's Hollow.
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Sue
December 20, 2023, Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive 4,300-acre park boasts a rich military history, having once been a vital installation that guarded the entrance of the Columbia River. This beautiful park has a lot to explore, including excellent trails for multiple running routes, a freshwater lake, beaches, dunes, a museum and a fascinating historic shipwreck.
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Sue
December 19, 2023, Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive 4,300-acre park boasts a rich military history, having once been a vital installation that guarded the entrance of the Columbia River. This beautiful park has a lot to explore, including excellent trails for multiple running routes, a freshwater lake, beaches, dunes, a museum and a fascinating historic shipwreck.
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Sue
December 15, 2023, Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a must-visit destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This expansive 4,300-acre park boasts a rich military history, having once been a vital installation that guarded the entrance of the Columbia River. This beautiful park has a lot to explore, including excellent hiking and bike-friendly trails, a freshwater lake, beaches, dunes, a museum and a fascinating historic shipwreck.
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Sue
December 15, 2023, 155mm GPF Gun
During World War II, the 155mm gun was widely used as a harbor defense weapon across many Coast Artillery installations throughout the United States. This one was never installed at Fort Stevens, although two similar to this were mounted nearby in North Cove, Washington. The projectiles fired by this gun were quite heavy, weighing approximately 95 pounds each, and had an impressive range of nearly 11 miles.
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Zohar Kankonda-Fiszman
December 15, 2023, Battery Russell
Battery Russell was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It was named after Bvt. Major Russell, who died during the Civil War, and the fort served as a defense system until the end of the Second World War.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Chinook?
There are 5 touring cycling routes around Chinook, all of which are rated as easy, making them accessible for various skill levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Chinook?
Touring cycling around Chinook features diverse landscapes, primarily characterized by coastal paths, river valleys, and forested areas. The terrain generally offers gentle gradients, with some routes including minor hills.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Chinook?
Yes, many of the routes around Chinook are circular. For example, you can enjoy the Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco, or explore Fort Stevens State Park – Peter Iredale Shipwreck loop from KOA/Fort Stevens.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the touring cycling routes?
Along the routes, you can explore significant historical sites and viewpoints. Consider visiting Fort Stevens State Park, the Columbia River South Jetty Observation Tower, or the historic Battery Russell. The North Head Lighthouse also offers scenic views.
Are there any routes that pass by shipwrecks or other unique historical features?
Yes, the Fort Stevens State Park – Peter Iredale Shipwreck loop from KOA/Fort Stevens specifically explores Fort Stevens State Park and passes by the historic Peter Iredale Shipwreck, offering a unique historical sight.
What is the average rating for touring cycling routes in Chinook?
The touring cycling routes in Chinook are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.6 stars from over 9 reviews. Cyclists often appreciate the coastal scenery and accessible paths.
Are there any routes that offer views of the coastline?
Absolutely. The Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco is a popular route that features beautiful views of the coastline and Beard's Hollow.
What is the longest touring cycling route in the Chinook area?
The longest touring cycling route is the Ilwaco – View of Beard's Hollow loop from Ilwaco, which is 15.9 miles (25.7 km) long and typically takes about 1 hour 31 minutes to complete.
Can I find routes that go through state parks?
Yes, several routes take you through state parks. For instance, the Fort Stevens State Park – Fort Stevens State Park loop from Fort Stevens State Park leads through coastal forest and parkland within Fort Stevens State Park.
Are there any routes that explore river areas?
Yes, you can cycle along river areas. The Skipanon River loop from KOA/Fort Stevens offers a pleasant ride along the Skipanon River.
How many touring cyclists have explored Chinook using komoot?
More than 99 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Chinook's varied terrain, indicating a vibrant cycling community in the area.
What is a good route for a shorter touring cycling experience in Chinook?
For a shorter ride, consider the Fort Stevens State Park – Fort Stevens State Park loop from Fort Stevens State Park, which is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) and can be completed in about 26 minutes.
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