The best traffic-free bike rides in Olmstead Place State Park

Our guide features 3 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in and around the Olmstead Place State Park area, catering to various skill levels. These routes offer a great way to explore the scenic Kittitas Valley.

Yes, there are two easy touring cycling routes. The Bike loop from Vista View is a gentle 9.9 km ride, and a section of the famous Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, spanning 24.4 km, is also rated as easy. These are excellent choices for a relaxed ride.

The Kittitas Valley, where Olmstead Place State Park is located, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions from spring through fall. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while fall showcases beautiful foliage. Summers are typically warm and sunny, ideal for longer rides, but remember to stay hydrated.

While Olmstead Place State Park itself is dog-friendly on trails and in picnic areas (on leash), specific rules may vary for the broader touring cycling routes in Kittitas County. Always check local regulations for each trail you plan to ride. Generally, dogs are welcome on many multi-use trails if kept on a leash.

Yes, our guide includes a circular route: the Bike loop from Vista View, which is an easy 9.9 km ride. For a longer, more challenging loop, consider the Teanaway River – South Cle Elum loop from Ellensburg.

The routes in this area offer diverse scenery. You can expect pastoral landscapes, agricultural lands, and views of the Cascade Mountains. Routes like the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail feature lake views and historic tunnels, while the Yakima Canyon Road (a popular nearby route) is known for dramatic basalt cliffs and the winding Yakima River.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Teanaway River – South Cle Elum loop from Ellensburg is rated as difficult. This extensive 85 km route offers a significant distance and elevation gain for a rewarding ride.

Access points and parking vary by route. For routes like the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, multiple trailheads with parking are available along its length. For specific komoot tours, detailed starting points and parking information are usually provided on the individual tour pages. Olmstead Place State Park itself has ample parking for visitors.

The komoot community highly rates the touring cycling experience in the Olmstead Place State Park area, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, no-traffic nature of the routes and the beautiful, varied landscapes of the Kittitas Valley.

While Olmstead Place State Park itself is a historical gem with its 1875 pioneer homestead, log cabin, and historic barns, the cycling routes in the wider Kittitas County also offer points of interest. The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail features historic tunnels, and the Yakima River Rail Tunnels – Thorp Mill Museum loop specifically highlights the Thorp Mill Museum and the scenic Yakima River Rail Tunnels.

Yes, the Coal Mines Trail, a 10.4-mile route in the wider Kittitas County, leads through wooded areas and past historical coal mining remains, offering a chance for wildlife viewing. The natural settings along Coleman Creek within Olmstead Place State Park also attract local wildlife and birds, though cycling is limited within the park itself.