The best traffic-free bike rides around Ellensburg

There are several dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Ellensburg, offering diverse experiences. Our guide features 4 routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

For breathtaking views, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail offers a mix of rolling farmlands, open scrubland, and forests. The section between Cle Elum and Ellensburg is particularly scenic, featuring two tunnels and views of the Yakima River. Another option is the Yakima River Rail Tunnels – Thorp Mill Museum loop, which provides picturesque river views.

Yes, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is generally flat and easy, making it suitable for families. It's a great way to enjoy the scenic views through forests and along the Yakima River without significant traffic concerns.

Many outdoor trails in the Ellensburg area are dog-friendly, provided your dog is on a leash. For specific routes, it's always best to check local regulations. Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, for example, offers wooded trails and is one of Ellensburg's off-leash dog parks, which can be a great spot for a post-ride stroll with your pet.

Ellensburg's geography offers a varied cycling experience. You'll find a blend of arid scrubland, river valleys, distant mountain views, and agricultural lands. Routes like the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail are generally flat, while others, such as the Teanaway River – South Cle Elum loop, include more significant elevation changes, offering a mix of challenges.

Yes, the Teanaway River – South Cle Elum loop from Ellensburg is a challenging loop route that allows you to start and end in the same location. Another option is the Yakima River Rail Tunnels – Thorp Mill Museum loop, which also offers a circular journey.

The best time for touring cycling in Ellensburg is typically spring through fall. Spring offers pleasant temperatures and wildflowers, while summer is warm and sunny. Fall brings cooler weather and beautiful foliage. Winter riding conditions can vary, with some trails potentially experiencing closures or snow, especially at higher elevations.

Yes, the Yakima River Rail Tunnels – Thorp Mill Museum loop passes by the historic Thorp Mill Museum. Additionally, Olmstead Place State Park, a short distance from some routes, features preserved 1870s buildings and offers a glimpse into pioneer history.

Many trailheads and state parks in the Ellensburg area offer designated parking. For example, access points to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail often have parking facilities. It's advisable to check specific trail access points for parking availability before your ride.

While some routes might pass through or near small towns, the more remote no-traffic sections may not have immediate access to cafes. However, Ellensburg's charming downtown, with its historic architecture, shops, and restaurants, provides plenty of options for refreshments before or after your ride.

Ellensburg is an excellent destination due to its diverse landscapes, numerous trails, and scenic natural features. The region offers a variety of cycling experiences, from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes through hills, with many sections specifically designed to minimize or eliminate vehicle traffic, providing a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience.