1.
Rowland Lake – Lower Labyrinth Falls loop from Mosier
13.7km
01:23
390m
390m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
View route
The best MTB trails around Rowena
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 4, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan mountain biking around Rowena, you know how quickly the options can feel overwhelming. It's tough to tell which mountain bike trails are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it – you want the highlights, not the guesswork.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community has ridden, mapped, and reviewed these routes, giving us the inside scoop on what makes mountain biking around Rowena truly special. This guide is your curated shortlist, designed to save you the endless scrolling and get you straight to the best rides. Expect varied terrain, from basalt cliffs to grasslands and scrub oak forests, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge. While the network offers options for different ability levels, many of the most rewarding routes here are on the more challenging side, promising significant elevation changes and panoramic views.
For a challenging day out with incredible vistas, we'd point you towards the Rowena Crest – Memaloose Lookout loop from Mosier. At 49.0 miles (78.9 km) with a substantial climb, this difficult route offers some of the most rewarding views of the Gorge. If you're looking for a slightly shorter, but still demanding, experience, the Rowland Lake – Lower Labyrinth Falls loop from Mosier is a fantastic choice at 8.5 miles (13.7 km). With more than 20 mountain bikers already exploring Rowena's varied terrain with komoot, you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rowland Lake – Lower Labyrinth Falls loop from Mosier | 13.7 km | 390 m | Hard |
| Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park | 78.4 km | 860 m | Hard |
| Rowena Crest – Memaloose Lookout loop from Mosier | 78.9 km | 1,410 m | Hard |
2.
Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park
78.4km
06:20
860m
860m
The Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park delivers a truly rugged mountain biking experience, tracing the Wild and Scenic Klickitat River through dramatic canyon landscapes. You'll cover 48.7 miles (78.4 km) with 2825 feet (861 metres) of elevation gain, navigating varied terrain from gravel to rocky unimproved railroad ballast, all while enjoying views of rolling oak and ponderosa pine forests. This difficult route, typically taking 6 hours and 19 minutes, is a backcountry adventure best suited for riders with good fitness and a mountain bike equipped for bumpy sections and varied surfaces. It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the high-desert landscapes of the region.
Planning your ride on this Klickitat Trail mountain biking route requires attention to detail. Starting from Mayer State Park, ensure you carry ample water and supplies, as potable water is scarce and cell phone coverage is limited along much of the route. Be aware that sections of Swale Canyon may be closed due to fire danger from June to October, so check seasonal considerations before heading out. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers, but also be mindful of ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes.
This trail stands out as a unique rail-to-trail conversion, traversing a remote tributary canyon that eventually meets the Columbia River Gorge. It's a public access route, but much of the surrounding land is private, so staying on the trail and closing gates is essential. The Klickitat Trail is renowned for its natural beauty, offering excellent birding opportunities and a sense of wild remoteness that sets it apart from more developed Columbia River Gorge bike routes.
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3.
Rowena Crest – Memaloose Lookout loop from Mosier
78.9km
06:19
1,410m
1,410m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Sue
January 1, 2025, Klickitat Park
Klickitat Park is a picturesque and tranquil spot nestled right along the river. It is an ideal spot for a picnic along the water or a place to cool off on a hot day. There is plenty of parking and a vault toilet; however, you'll need to bring your own drinking water.
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Alex
November 7, 2023, Memaloose Lookout
About 50 feet off the highway, the pavement takes riders to an overlook of the Memaloose Hills, called the Memaloose Lookout. Memaloose Overlook has a viewpoint of Memaloose Island and is a great photo opportunity, especially on a clear day.
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Alex
November 4, 2023, Tooley Lake viewpoint
Look northward toward the Colombia River Gorge to see a separate lake called Tooley Lake sandwiched between the highway and the Colombia River. Tule Lake is fed by the Lost River, and at an elevation of 4,035 feet, this lake is popular for fishing.
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Alex
November 4, 2023, Rowena Crest
The Rowena Crest is an impressive viewpoint for cyclists and drivers and has a trailhead. On the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can look down on Mayer State Park and the Columbia River Gorge. Riders will see the iconic Rowena Loops they just came up with and can be impressed on their efforts climbing the horseshoe curves that wind up and down. On a clear day, look south to see Mt. Hood.
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Teri S
March 15, 2021, Lower Labyrinth Falls
Enjoy the rainbow that forms on this modest waterfall just under 500 yards into your hike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Rowena?
There are 4 mountain bike trails listed in this guide for the Rowena area, offering diverse routes within the Columbia River Gorge.
What is the general difficulty level of mountain bike trails in Rowena?
The mountain bike trails around Rowena are generally challenging. This guide features 1 moderate route and 3 difficult routes, with no easy options. Expect significant elevation changes and varied terrain.
Are there any loop trails for mountain biking in Rowena?
Yes, all the mountain bike routes in this guide are loop trails. For example, you can explore the Rowland Lake loop from Bingen or the longer Fisher Hill Wildlife Area loop from Bingen.
What kind of views can I expect on the mountain bike trails around Rowena?
The trails offer stunning panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge, basalt cliffs, and often look down upon Mayer State Park. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Hood. The landscape features grasslands, scrub oak forests, and unique geologic formations carved by Ice Age floods.
Are there any family-friendly mountain biking options in Rowena?
The mountain bike trails listed in this guide are primarily moderate to difficult, which may not be suitable for all families or beginners. The Rowena Crest area is more widely known for its scenic hiking and road cycling, which might offer more accessible options for families looking for outdoor activities, though not specifically technical mountain biking.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions along the mountain bike routes?
While riding, you might encounter several points of interest. These include the Memaloose Lookout, the scenic Rowena Crest, and the Tom McCall Preserve summit. The historic Twin Tunnels Segment is also nearby, though more commonly associated with road cycling.
What is the best time of year to go mountain biking in Rowena?
The Tom McCall Nature Preserve, accessible from Rowena Crest, bursts into bloom each spring with a myriad of wildflowers. This suggests spring and early summer could be particularly scenic times to visit, offering pleasant temperatures before the peak heat of summer. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Are dogs allowed on the mountain bike trails in Rowena?
While specific regulations for the mountain bike trails are not detailed, the Tom McCall Nature Preserve, a prominent natural area near Rowena Crest, has restrictions on dogs to protect its sensitive ecosystem. It's advisable to check specific trail regulations before bringing your dog, as rules can vary.
Where can I find parking for mountain biking in Rowena?
Parking is generally available at popular access points for trails and viewpoints in the Columbia River Gorge area, including near Rowena Crest. For specific routes like the Taylor Lake – Tooley Lake loop from Mosier, you would typically start from Mosier, where parking options exist. Always look for designated parking areas.
Are there any permits required for mountain biking in Rowena?
Generally, permits are not required for mountain biking on public trails in the Rowena area. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific local regulations or land manager requirements, especially if venturing into protected areas or private lands.
What is the longest mountain bike trail in this guide for Rowena?
The longest mountain bike trail featured in this guide is the Fisher Hill Wildlife Area loop from Bingen, which spans 51.1 miles (82.3 km) and is rated as difficult.
What is the shortest mountain bike trail in this guide for Rowena?
The shortest mountain bike trail featured in this guide is the Rowland Lake loop from Bingen, covering 8.6 miles (13.9 km) with a difficult rating.
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