Bicycling in the Wallowa Lake Area
Cycle Oregon is the largest cycling group in the state and claims to be ‘The Best Ride in America.’ Their website states, “Somewhere in America there may be a more awe-inspiring ride than this climb to the Wallowa Valley. If so, we have not found it.” Despite their goal of always traveling to a different place, since discovering us in 1995 they have returned here four times and no doubt, will return again. UPDATE: They are returning again on Sept. 10th and 11th, 2018.
If you're looking for a area rich in visual rewards and challenge, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything more exceptional. While the area is somewhat undefined, riders can traverse previously traveled routes or just explore the countryside.
New! Joseph Oregon now has a bike lane along Hurricane Creek Road (Including Airport Ln), making the routes in the valley safer and more pleasurable. You can now take your skinny-tire road bike on a safer, scenic ride between Joseph and Enterprise!
Get the PDF Road Routes Map Here
Get the PDF Trail Routes Map Here
Biking Chief Joseph Country- A Trip Guide by Chris Santella
This area has something for every type of cyclist from casual to extreme. Mountain Bikers can find many miles of forest service trails and old dirt roads. Road bikers can plan trips into the diverse landscapes that comprise everything from desert grassland to sub-alpine forests. Families can take lazy day trips through lightly trafficked valley farmland. In every case you’ll be blown away by the scenery, old west flavor and friendliness of people you encounter long the way.
This is a vast county with thousands of miles of trails and roads to explore. Even if you lived here it's doubtful that you'd see it all. Because of the low population, finding a quiet road or trail to bike is easy. Remember to travel well prepared with maps and GPS as you might find yourself lost and truly alone in the backcountry.