Wallowa County Bike Routes
Wallowa County Bike Routes
Wallowa County with its network of gravel, dirt, and paved roads, combined with a few trails, provides endless options for biking. Below are 32 of our favorite routes. We present them as a sampler for what is possible when exploring Wallowa County by bike.
The routes are arranged from the easiest to the very difficult based on distance, amount of climbing, steepness, and roughness of the riding surface. Some of the routes stick close to the towns and others branch out into some truly isolated country where you may not see anyone else during the ride. Summer starts late in the high country of Wallowa County so we’ve included some lower elevation routes to tempt you into an early start of the riding season.
The map below displays the various routes. Use the “+” and “-” buttons to scroll in and out. Click on a route and a window will open showing a detailed map of the route. A pull-down menu in the far upper right corner allows you to change the background map. The “Google Terrain” background map provides good detail and a three-dimensional rendering of the terrain.
Map of all routes:
The link is https://ridewithgps.com/collections/2341798?privacy_code=olNbd9gbWiSBuxjq2rf7D9sWsq95yLnB]
The table below summarizes information about the routes, including ratings based on difficulty, scenery, and isolation. The table also has a direct link to the map for each route.
Table of all routes:
The link is https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/196R6Op5_VHsIekEdsldn5kiTv3EUlBi6BFCYqpj70H0/edit?usp=sharing]
Few of the 32 routes can be followed simply by referring to road signs. You’ll need a GPS, bike computer, or smartphone app to know where to turn. Fortunately, the RidewithGPS map of each route includes a way to download the navigation track for loading into your GPS, bike computer, or smartphone app. You can easily navigate the route using the RidewithGPS app on a smartphone (https://ridewithgps.com/app).
These are the steps for downloading the navigation file to your GPS or bike computer:
From the window displaying the route, select “More” and then “Export as File”.
Select the format that matches your GPS or bike computer (“GPX Track” is a common one). Click select “Download File” and it will go to the “Download” directory in your computer.
These are the steps for using the RidewithGPS app to navigate the route:
From the window displaying the route, select “Send to Mobile App” and then click on the three dots button on the right (select “Send to Another Device”).
Select the device you use for navigation (ie, “Iphone”). Download the RidewithGPS app if you haven’t done so previously. Follow the screen instructions to display the route.
If you find any errors in these routes, please let us know and we’ll correct them.
Consider sending us some photos of you riding these routes so that we can include them on the WMBC website. Also, tell us what you thought about a route once finished (i.e., Excellent, Good, Fine, That Hurt). (wallowamountainsbicycleclub@gmail.com).
Ride all 32 routes in a year (that’s only 662 miles) and you’ll qualify for a WMBC king of the mountain award!
Happy trails and may each of your upcoming rides in Wallowa County be a satisfying adventure. As always, be safe and courteous while out on the trails and roads (https://www.wallowamountainsbicycleclub.com/wallowa-county-safe-riding).
Part of being courteous as a rider of public roads in Wallowa County is paying attention to those driving agricultural equipment on the road or moving livestock from one pasture to the next. Stop to let a wide tractor get by. Stop and talk to the person who is herding livestock down the road and ask what they want you to do next. Finally, resist the urge to ride two abreast when a car or other rig is approaching.
Below is a description of each of the 32 routes, along with a direct link to a RidewithGPS map for the route.
EASIEST
1. Ant Flat
15.4 miles long with 700 feet of climbing
Takes 1.5 to 2.0 hours
Paved and gravel roads
Best ridden on a gravel or mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Easiest
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45832344
The road to Ant Flat heads north from Enterprise and is paved up to the landfill at mile 3. The Ant Flat Landfill is perched on the north side of the Wallowa Valley and the views to the south towards the Eagle Cap Wilderness make it perhaps the most scenic landfill in the nation! The route winds through treeless green hills spotted with flowers in May. The hills have an amazing density of ground squirrels and hawks to chase after them.
The route continues north of the landfill on a gravel road for 4.7 miles where it intersects Highway 3. Circle back on the highway or backtrack the way you came for a more isolated experience (and to again watch the dozens of crows circling the landfill).
The landfill is open only Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm; at any other time you’ll probably have the road to yourself.
2. Lostine - Jim Town
10.8 miles long with 400 feet of climbing
Takes 1 to 1.5 hours
Paved and gravel roads
Best ridden on a gravel or mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Easiest
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45806794
This ride starts in Lostine and heads north through the lush valley where you don’t have to grunt up and down hills. Yes, it’s one of the few places in Wallowa County that is actually flat.
Whitetail deer munching on the green alfalfa fields will keep you company as you cruise by on smooth gravel and paved roads. The return leg of the route follows the Wallowa River. From mile 7.4 to 9.2 you’ll see railroad tracks to your right. Those tracks once delivered lumber from the sawmills in Joseph to points westward. They are no longer used for train traffic and so a biking path next to the tracks is in the works. The aim is to someday have a bike path spanning the 65 miles from Joseph to Elgin.
EASY
3. Alder Slope
16.8 miles long with 1800 feet of climbing
Takes 2.0 to 2.5 hours
Gravel and paved roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45811553
Alder Slope is a mosaic of fields and pastures in the hills southwest of Enterprise and has some of the best views of the adjacent Eagle Cap Wilderness. The Seven Devils Mountains on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon poke up far to the east.
Park at the Hurricane Creek Grange and pedal northwest on paved and smooth gravel roads up into the irrigated green hills. Along the way you’ll see remnants of old homesteads, as well as barns from that era still solid and still being used. The route is shaped as a lolly pop with the last four miles on the same roads as where you started. Those who still have energy upon returning to the grange might want to sprint up Hurricane Creek Road to the trailhead. It’s 3.8 miles of gravel and paved roads through one of the most scenic valleys in the Wallowa Mountains.
4. Charlolais
25.7 miles long with 2400 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 4 hours
Gravel and paved roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45843107
The Charolais Road skirts along the higher forested ridges north of Enterprise and offers glimpses of the rugged Joseph Creek canyons below. Flowers emerge by early June and the streamside areas flush out with willow and dogwood. Watch for the wild turkeys herding their young along the road.
The route starts out on rough pavement and then turns into gravel after 5.5 miles. This is also the high point, followed by a long sustained drop following Elk Creek to its confluence with Crow Creek. Since this is an out-and-back route you can decide at any time how much of it to bite off.
5. Lower Imnaha
10.0 miles long with 500 feet of climbing
Takes 2 to 2.5 hours
Trail
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45827898
Only one road in the Wallowa Valley goes directly to the bottom of Hells Canyon. And while it is a commitment to drive the distance, it is well worth it because it gets you to the trail leading to the confluence of the Imnaha River with the Snake River. The trail, a relic of the old mining days, follows the lowest five miles of the Imnaha River. It’s the place to go when you’re fed up with winter and need early season sunshine and warmth.
The trailhead is a pullout to the left just before the bridge spanning the Imnaha River (Cow Creek Bridge). The trail is mostly flat since it follows the Imnaha River but the surface is rough in spots and overhanging blackberry and poison ivy might keep you on alert. Volunteers usually cut back the encroaching brush in the spring. Once you reach the confluence of the two rivers, a trail follows the Snake River downstream for about a mile. This isn’t a route to hurry through; there is so much to explore.
7. Summit Divide
2.9 miles long with 200 feet of climbing
Takes 0.5 hours
Trail
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45442628
The Summit Divide trail is short but big on scenery. It meanders through meadows and patches of forest with views of the Wallowa Mountains to the west and the Seven Devils to the east. It can serve as a warm up to riding the adjacent Devils View trail and Wagon Road trail. Each year volunteers with the WMBC cut back the brush and remove logs that have fallen over the trail.
Start at the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark and follow this loop trail. It can be extended by following any number of the adjacent logging roads.
8. Devils View
2.0 miles long with 300 feet of climbing
Takes 0.5 hours
Trail
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45442670
The Devils View trail is another short loop that can be an add-on to riding adjacent trails. It offers prime views of the Seven Devils Mountains that are on the Idaho side of Hells Canyon. Each year volunteers with the WMBC cut back the brush and remove any fallen logs over the trail.
The start is west of the paved 39 Road near the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark. The trailhead also provides access to the Wagon Road trail and the West Wing trail (hiker only).
9. Upper Imnaha River
17.7 miles long with 900 feet of climbing
Takes 2.0 to 2.5 hours
Paved road
Best ridden on a road or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Easy
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45828158
The paved road following the Imnaha River upstream from the 39 Road is a gentle ride through old forests with an occasional glimpse of the high ridges bordering the canyon. The river is clear and fast and in summer you might see Chinook salmon spawning in the gravel beds. Park your bike at the end of the road and hike to Blue Hole to see some large salmon and bull trout.
Park at the Ollokot Campground just off of the 39 Road and head upriver. Any of the four campgrounds along the way are excellent if you are inclined to stay the night.
MODERATE
6. East Moraine
4.8 miles long with 700 feet of climbing
Takes 1 to 1.5 hours
Trail
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45826298
The East Moraine Community Forest is 4,000 acres of public land set above the east shore of Wallowa Lake on a glacial moraine that parallels the lake. It’s a distinctive ridge that’s mostly meadow on west facing slopes and pine forest on east facing slopes. From the ridge you’ll have killer views of the lake and of some of the highest peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness.
The community forest doesn’t yet have a formal trail system but a combination of logging roads, jeep tracks, and cattle paths makes for some fine mountain bike riding. The route described here is a loop that starts at the Turner Road parking area, climbs on cattle paths and logging roads to the top of the moraine, follows the moraine northward 1.5 miles on jeep tracks and trail, and then bails off to the east via cattle paths and logging roads. It might not be clear where you are on the last leg but all options lead downhill to the parking lot. There are plenty of other logging roads to explore while you’re out there.
Since this is a community forest, mountain bikers need to exercise some common courtesy. Stop for horseback riders. Horses in these parts may be unaccustomed to bikers so give them room and talk to the owners so the horses know that you aren’t a threat. Hikers have the right of way over mountain bikers. Cattle are grazed on the forest but aren’t a threat other than the piles of fresh stuff they leave in the path.
10. Wagon Road Trail
10.5 miles long with 1200 feet of climbing
Takes 2.0 to 2.5 hours
Trail and gravel road
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41474966
The Wagon Road trail is along a century-old roadbed that over time nature has reduced to trail. It is quite rideable with only a few chunky spots. A recent fire has opened up views to the south and to the west along part of the route. The trail crosses two streams that are avalanche chutes. After an avalanche the trail gets rearranged so crossing the streams can result in wet feet. Each year volunteers with the WMBC cut back the brush and remove any fallen logs over the trail.
The route can be ridden as an out-and-back; if you do, turn around at mile 3.7 where the switchbacks that drop down to Big Sheep Creek start. Or it can be ridden as a loop, in which case you would head down the switchbacks and follow bumpy gravel roads back to the start at Salt Creek Summit SnoPark.
11. Lower Minam River
16.3 miles long with 2300 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 3.5 hours
Gravel and chunky dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35723186
Just before Labor Day the flowers emerge on the bare ridgetops above the Minam River just upstream of the Highway 82 bridge. Take a spin up and down mostly on dirt roads through this property now owned by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and enjoy the sights and smells of spring in the Minam River canyon.
Start at the green gate near the top of the Minam Grade. Drop down to the Minam River on a tame gravel road, cross the bridge, and follow the river downstream through cottonwood trees on a crude dirt road for 1.5 miles. Next, climb steadily on a logging road along a small stream through dense forest and top out among ridgetop prairies and small groves of trees. Follow the GPS track carefully navigating through the network of logging roads. The 360 degree views and flowers are amazing. After a lot of gentle ups and downs, drop steeply down a bumpy road to the Minam River and follow it back to the bridge. The ride ends with a climb up to the green gate where you parked (not directly in front of the gate, please).
12. Whiskey Parsnip
20.2 miles long with 1400 feet of climbing
Takes 2 to 3 hours
Gravel and paved roads
Best ridden on a gravel or mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45831179
The lush valley floor east out of the town of Wallowa and the adjacent rolling hills are a wonderful place to take a spin on tame paved and gravel roads, especially in spring when higher terrain is still stuck in winter.
Starting at the Wallowa city park, head east on a paved road. Cross the Wallowa River and at mile 1.7 head into the hills on smooth gravel roads. Top out at mile 6.2 and then begin the gradual drop back to the Wallowa River. Wind through irrigated fields on gravel and paved roads until you arrive back in the town of Wallowa. Treat yourself to a soft-serve ice cream cone at Little Bear Drive-In.
13. Big Flat
14.9 miles long with 2100 feet of climbing
Takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46660052
The Big Flat route begins near the junction of Bear Creek and Little Bear Creek. It steadily follows LIttle Bear Creek on smooth gravel through dense forest for 4 miles. The route then climbs steeply on dirt road, reaching the main ridge at mile 6. It then traverses the ridgetop through forest to the lush meadows of Big Flat. The turnaround is at a pond just short of the Forest Service boundary but you could extend the trip by continuing north along the ridge. The land north of the pond is private but the landowner generously allows non-motorized access. The return leg of the trip is fast and furious the way you came. The flowers at Big Flat are abundant in late May and the views outstanding.
14. Prairie Creek
29.0 miles long with 1200 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 4 hours
Paved and gravel roads
Best ridden on a gravel or mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45811592
The Prairie Creek route winds through wide open country east of the town of Joseph among irrigated pastures and hay fields. The high peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness loom close to the southwest. The route alternates between pavement and smooth gravel roads. None have much traffic. A number of paved and gravel roads dissect this route and these would allow for a shorter loop.
15. Kuhn Ridge
18.1 miles long with 1600 feet of climbing
Takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a gravel or mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45831508
Take a step back in time with a ride through the forests of Kuhn Ridge. Along the way you’ll pass old homesteads long ago reclaimed by the trees. There is even an old schoolhouse to explore near the turnaround point. The terrain is gentle and the gravel roads are relatively smooth. You’ll probably not see anyone else unless it’s hunting season. Because it’s an out-and-back route you can make it any length you choose. There’s plenty of side roads to explore if you want to make it longer.
16. Starvation Ridge
14.5 miles long with 1200 feet of climbing
Takes 2.5 to 3 hours
Rough gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike with suspension
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41410706
Starvation Ridge is one of the more remarkable ridges of the Joseph Creek watershed. It’s narrow and slopes drop off steeply to each side. The ridgeline is mostly meadows with views of the Joseph Creek canyonlands to the north. Go in May and the meadows will be full of flowers.
The route starts off on a gravel road branching north off of the paved Charolais Road. The roads are rough and chunky rock. Don’t try this on a gravel bike.
17. Miller Ridge
19.8 miles long with 2400 feet of climbing
Takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike with suspension
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46628665
Miller Ridge parallels Starvation Ridge to the east and is longer than the Starvation Ridge route. It also has more climbing. The bumpy gravel and dirt roads wind through forest and ridgetop meadows with panoramas of the Joseph Creek canyons to each side. The spring wildflowers are some of the best of anywhere in Wallowa County. Go in May to hit the big bloom.
18. Buckhorn
20.4 miles long with 1800 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 4 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45825716
Riding the rim of Imnaha River canyon, detouring off to Buckhorn Lookout for a view, and heading down Cemetery Ridge a way for even greater views is one of the grandest biking experiences in Wallowa County. The route winds through old ponderosa pine trees, along bare flower-studded ridgetops, and through dark forest. And most of it is on smooth gravel roads.
Park near the Thomason Meadow Guard Station and ride up a gravel road to the rim of the Imnaha River Canyon. Head north along the rim for several miles with frequent views deep into the canyon. Make a short side trip to Buckhorn Lookout and take in the big picture. An optional two mile ride out Cemetery Ridge puts you on a point with views down to the Snake River. Circle back to the guard station on fast smooth gravel roads.
19. Redmont
18.4 miles long with 1500 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 3.5 hours
Trail, dirt roads, and gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37802155
The Redmont Trail is a combination of trail and dirt roads starting near the top of Fergi Ski Area that lead to the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark. The return leg is along the gravel Canal Road. The route contours on the east side of Wing Ridge and offers frequent views of the high alpine country. The route is mostly through forest.
The start of the trail is unmarked; park by the side of the road and head up the dirt road past Papoose Lake. You’ll need to follow the GPX track carefully since some of the road junctions are confusing. The dirt roads eventually lead to the start of the trail portion of the route. By early summer volunteers with the Wallowa Mountains Bicycle Club cut out any logs that have fallen over the trail. The return leg along the Canal Road has a smoother surface and fewer ups and downs. The Redmont Trail can also be done as a shuttle starting from the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark.
20. White Horse Ridge
16.2 miles long with 1400 feet of climbing
Takes 2 to 3 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45831639
The White Horse Ridge route starts from the Salt Creek Summit SnoPark. This gravel ride heads northeast along the ridge with grand views into the canyons of Big Sheep Creek. It’s a combination of forest and meadows; the wildflowers are out about June. It’s an out-and-back route so can be tailored into any distance you choose. The best views start at mile 3.8 and extend to mile 5.9.
21. Beeler Ridge
19.4 miles long with 1200 feet of climbing
Takes 3 to 3.5 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46661290
Beeler Ridge parallels the Imnaha River high above its steep canyon walls. The terrain is isolated and it’s rare to see anyone else except during hunting season. The landscape alternates between forest and meadows. The flowers are out by June. Park where the #3930 Road branches off from the Harl Butte Road and continues along the breaks of the Imnaha River canyon. The turnaround is at a spring.
22. Coverdale
16.3 miles long with 1800 feet of climbing
Takes 2.5 to 3 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45836030
The Coverdale ride is a loop along rolling terrain perched above the upper Imnaha River canyon. It’s higher elevation and shaded by forest so it is ideal for a ride on a hot day.
The loop starts at the Lick Creek Campground and heads southeast on gravel roads. The low point is at mile 7.2 and a truly ambitious rider could detour on a steep road down to the Imnaha River and then climb back up. The route loops around to the northwest and ends at the campground.
23. Hells Canyon Overlook
17.2 miles long with 1700 feet of climbing
Takes 2.5 to 3 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45827818
Many people have driven the paved road to the Hells Canyon Overlook and stared into the canyon far below. Far fewer have ventured north from there on the gravel road that follows the rim of the canyon. The road winds through ridgetop meadows and patches of timber with many views into the Snake River canyonlands.
Park at the Hells Canyon Overlook and head northeast on the #3965 Road. The best views start at mile 2.3. You’ll reach the McGraw Lookout at mile 6.7. It’s a good turnaround point for those looking for a less ambitious ride. For everyone else, the route continues another two miles to the north along the rim of Hells Canyon.
DIFFICULT
24. Wildcat
46.0 miles long with 3700 feet of climbing
Takes 6 to 7 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45844264
The Wildcat loop is difficult because of its length and amount of climbing. It’s a lower elevation ride that can be done early in the year while waiting for snow in the high country to melt out. It goes through forests and grasslands with occasional views into the Grande Ronde River canyon.
Start at the Poowatka Bridge southwest of Troy and head up the gravel road that follows Wildcat Creek. You’ll go past remnants of the old community of Maxell and then reach a high plateau with rolling hills. Head east on the Five Dollar Ridge Road. Upon reaching the Troy Road at mile 26.6, take it northward through rolling hills and at mile 39 begin the fast and sustained descent back to the Poowatka Bridge.
25. Crow Pine Zumwalt
42.2 miles long with 2700 feet of climbing
Takes 5 to 6 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45826106
The Crow Pine Zumwalt loop goes through the unique high elevation grasslands of the Zumwalt plateau, all on gravel or dirt roads. Along the way you’ll likely to hear meadowlarks and see a variety of raptors. The herds of elk are pretty remarkable too. Late spring is the time to see the flowers but beware of the Pine Tree Road (mile 12.9 to 22.5); it is just too muddy to ride when wet.
Park near the junction of Crow Creek Road and Zumwalt Road and head up the smooth gravel road that follows Crow Creek. Turn onto the dirt Pine Tree Road at mile 12.9 through some very isolated country and then intercept the Zumwalt Road at mile 22.5. Turn south and follow the gravel road south through property owned by the Nature Conservancy, home of some of the largest herds of elk in the Pacific Northwest. Views of the high peaks of the Eagle Cap Wilderness are outstanding as you make your way back to the start on gravel and then on paved roads.
26. Chesnimus
40.0 miles long with 3000 feet of climbing
Takes 6 to 7 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45828208
The Chesnimus loop is a grand tour of the rolling hills of the northern half of the Chesnimus Creek watershed. The landscape is a mosaic of meadows and ponderosa pine forests. The wildflowers come out by June. Most of the roads are smooth gravel.
Park near where Peavine Creek crosses under the #4625 Road and follow the creek up into the hills to Dougherty Creek Campground. From there, the route is roughly on the contour along the divide between the Chesnimus Creek watershed and the steep canyonlands to the north. At mile 23 the route starts a long descent following Devils Run Creek and then Chesnimus Creek back to the start. The trip could be made into a two-day ride by spending the night at the Vigne Campground (mile 35).
27. Cherry Creek
19.7 miles long with 4000 feet of climbing
Takes 5 to 6 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45828005
The Cherry Creek out-and-back is more difficult than its distance would suggest. The road has a rough surface down to the old Cherry Creek Ranch site at mile 8 and then becomes a sketchy jeep track out to the ridge at mile 9.9. The effort is worth it though. From the ridge you will look into Hells Canyon where the Salmon River and Snake River converge. Below you is the steepest and most convoluted terrain of anywhere in Hells Canyon. The route starts in the forest and the turnaround point is on a grassy ridge.
The biggest challenge of this ride is facing the long climb back to the start at Buckhorn Spring Campground. It’s 3,000 feet of steep climbing. Take it slow and enjoy the wildlife along the way. The route can be shortened by turning around at Cherry Creek Ranch (mile 8) but then you’d miss the views to the bottom of Hells Canyon.
28. Lord Flat
40.7 miles long with 3800 feet of climbing
Takes 6 to 7 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36377106
The Lord Flat route traverses along the broad high elevation ridge that separates the Imnaha River from the Snake River. It winds through patches of forest and extensive grasslands that have flowers by July. The road hugs the rim of Hells Canyon from mile 5.6 and 13.6 and offers some incredible views of the Snake River 5000 feet below.
The road becomes increasingly primitive as you travel northward and is just a quad track by the time you reach the turnaround point. There are springs along the way but it’s uncertain which ones are a reliable source of water in the summer. The route could be turned into a two-day trip by camping somewhere along the way.
29. Mt. Howard
8.5 miles long with 2500 feet of climbing
Takes 2 to 2.5 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45827921
Want to get to the top of Mt. Howard without paying $50 for a ride on the tram? If so, ride the access road to the top on the east side of the ridge and pocket the change. It will hurt though. The dirt road is steep and bumpy. The thin air at 8200 feet elevation will leave you breathing hard. But if you have the legs for it, the ride is well worth the effort.
The route starts at the McCully Creek trailhead, climbs through forests, and then transitions into alpine meadow at mile 3.4. The views at the top looking into the heart of the Eagle Cap Wilderness are painfully beautiful.
30. Harl Butte
31.9 miles long with 2100 feet of climbing
Takes 4 to 5 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37722827
It’s the combination of distance and climbing that tips this route to the difficult side of the scale. It’s mostly on smooth gravel roads except for the mile-long scramble on rough jeep track up to Harl Butte Lookout. The route is along a broad ridge through forest and grasslands, with the occasional view west to the Eagle Cap Wilderness and Seven Devils to the east.
31. Jaynes Ridge
30.7 miles long with 1900 feet of climbing
Takes 4 to 5 hours
Gravel roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike or gravel bike
Difficulty rating: Difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45827741
The Jaynes Ridge route is a gravel road ride along a northeast-trending ridge just west of the middle portion of the Imnaha River canyon. It starts off in rolling terrain and by mile 10.8 you are perched on the rim of the canyon looking down on the river. The road becomes increasingly primitive as you approach the turnaround point. The landscape is a combination of forest and grasslands. The flowers will be out by June.
Park at the junction of the #39 Road and the #3930 Road and head east on the #3930 Road.
VERY DIFFICULT
32. Cache Creek
38.5 miles long with 6600 feet of climbing
Takes 6 to 7 hours
Gravel and dirt roads
Best ridden on a mountain bike
Difficulty rating: Very difficult
Go here to view the route and download the GPX track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41453499
Not many would think of riding from the rim of Hells Canyon to the Snake River and then back again, especially on a dirt road that is minimally maintained. But for those with a sense of adventure, this route can’t be beat. It starts off tame enough; the gravel is smooth along the Cold Springs ridgetop. To the east are amazing views of the rugged canyons funneling down to the Snake River. The meadows sport lots of flowers in the spring.
At mile 4.3 the road becomes very bumpy and then at mile 6.2 drops steeply down to Cold Spring Creek. At mile 12.0 you’ll ride around a locked gate and climb two miles to a pass on a marginally maintained dirt road. From there the route follows Cache Creek all the way to the Snake River. It may turn out to be one of the best descents of your life; 5 miles of bliss with an elevation drop of 3200 feet. If you do this trip in May you’ll travel through a tunnel of sweet smelling mock orange blossoms for about a mile.
The route ends at the Cache Creek Cabin, which is where the jet boat operators check in before heading upstream. It’s a green oasis and a place to linger as you gather up the mental energy to get back up to the top. A smart rider would have brought their sleeping bag to spend the night on the lawn in front of the cabin before tackling the climb in the early morning. An even smarter rider would have arranged for a jet boat ride to avoid the climb altogether.