~ Explore Pendleton On 2 Wheels ~
Below are some routes we have put together for you to enjoy!
The rolling wheat fields of Pendleton and the nearby Blue Mountains offer wonderful routes, uncrowded roads and beautiful scenery. Visit PendletonOnWheels.org for more information on weekly rides, special events, and cycling routes in and around Pendleton. Think there’s no good mountain biking in the wheat fields of Eastern Oregon? Think again! This area hosts the Echo Red to Red XC race every March, with more than 500 racers riding 25 miles of single-track meandering through farmland hills west of Pendleton. Mountain bikers will also enjoy the new Pendleton Adventure Trail Recreation Area (PATRA) near the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport. Eight trails cover 16 miles of track, from easy to very challenging.
Pendleton Adventure Trails Recreation Area
Umatilla – Union County Loop over the Blues!
135 Miles
This route starts traveling towards the Walla Walla Valley along the base of the Blue Mountains. At Weston head up and over Tollgate where the views are spectacular! Drop down into Elgin and travel along the Grande Rhonde River through Imbler heading into LaGrande. The loop takes you back over the Mountains and down Cabbage Hill where the view of Pendleton and the surrounding valley seem to go on forever.
Suggested stops….
Athena/Weston/Helix/Adams – some of these small historic downtowns are as small as two blocks but are famous for their hospitality. Amenities include parks and a few hidden gems for dining, ask the locals!
Tollgate Mountain – Scenic ride over the Mountain beside the lake and through the woods. Amenities include small store/restaurant. Great pullout for a view over the Blues.
Elgin – Home of the Elgin Stampede Rodeo in July this quaint town has lots of amenities that include; gas, shopping, restaurants.
Imbler – Don’t forget to stop at the Imbler Country Market for it’s “World Famous Pepperoni”
La Grande – Home of Eastern Oregon University this Tree City USA sits in a beautiful green valley. This is a “large city” by Eastern Oregon standards and has all the amenities.
Meacham – A former station on the Union Pacific Railroad near the summit of the Blue Mountains. Amenities small store/restaurant.
Hat Rock, Walla Walla & Wheatfield Loop
120 Miles
This route will take you from Pendleton to Hat Rock State Park, northeast along the Columbia River into the Walla Walla Valley famous for sweet onions and big red wines, some beautiful small towns and wheat country back into historic Pendleton.
Suggested Stops…
Hat Rock State Park – The park is a desert oasis surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and outcroppings of basalt. It lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater. Amenities include small store/restaurant, campground, picnic facilities, hiking and bicycle trails.
Walla Walla Valley – Milton-Freewater – Amenities include many restaurants, over 100 wineries including several in Milton-Freewater and one special one that is also a hard cider tasting room, and several historic sites.
Umapine/Athena/Weston/Helix/Adams – These small historic towns offer downtowns that are as small as two blocks but are famous for their hospitality. Amenities include parks and a few hidden gems for dining, ask the locals!
The Southern Blue Mountain Scenic Loop
140 Miles
Heading South from Pendleton you will go through the lumber mill city of Pilot Rock up over Battle Mountain and then drop down into a beautiful valley where the small town of Ukiah sits. Heading east from Ukiah you will go through some of the most beautiful sections of the Umatilla National Forest and hit I-84 just NW of LaGrande, OR as you head NW back towards Pendleton past the town of Meacham and down the infamous Cabbage Hill where the views seem to go on forever! On a really clear day you can see Mt. Hood.
Suggested Stops…
Battle Mountain State Park – Amenities include, picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, forest of ponderosa pine, larch, Douglas fir and spruce. It provides prime habitat for all kinds of wildlife. The name commemorates one of the last battles between native Americans and settlers in eastern Oregon. This confrontation took place near the park.
Ukiah – The small Eastern Oregon town of Ukiah is a great resource for hunters, birders, snowmobile enthusiasts and mushroom pickers. Amenities include an RV park, Motel, restaurant and store.
Hilgard Junction State Park – Amenities include, restrooms, overnight camping and picnic tables, amongst the cottonwood and ponderosa pine. The Grande Ronde River flows through the park, enticing anglers, rafters and swimmers. Beaver, mink, deer and a variety of birds inhabit the park area and can be viewed throughout the year.
Meacham – A former station on the Union Pacific Railroad near the summit of the Blue Mountains. Amenities small store/restaurant.
Emigrant Springs State Park – Offers visitors an opportunity to camp and explore a popular pioneer stop over along the Oregon Trail. The park is nestled in an old-growth forest. Amenities include, camping with full hookups, yurts, cabins, teepee’s, picnic facilities, restrooms, showers, horse trails and historic hiking trails.
