Two Wheelin’ Walla Walla
On a bike is a great way to experience the valley, as well as go the distance in the mountains. Walla Walla and surrounding towns are quite supportive of the sport of cycling, and lots of folks have really great ideas about how to expand and enhance road route opportunities.
There are also a decent number of trail options for mountain bikers. Unless you are a seasoned ultra-marathon runner, it can be challenging to reach certain coveted vistas, and a mountain bike is a great way to marry the thrill of the ride with the serenity of the place.
Check out our growing catalog of mountain bike and road & gravel cycling opportunities highlighting all the wonderful ways to experience the valley and mountains.
Mountain Biking in the Blue Mountains
With so many well-maintained roads leading into and around the mountains, there are a variety of ways via roads and trails to create a mountain biking adventure. This is definitely a sport for those who know the mountains; otherwise, stick to marked routes or out and backs.
Spend a few summers gaining confidence and endurance–the effort will pay off. Leave town on an early summer morning, climb into the foothills, ride a forest service road along the ridge, enjoy magnificent views, and then drop back down into the valley as the sun sets. If only it were that easy, but if it was it wouldn’t be mountain biking.
Gravel Routes Showcase the Foothills
Seemingly endless gravel roads web through the valley and into the Blue Mountains. While they serve as the lifeline to transporting massive amounts of any number of crops out of the field, the well-maintained gravel routes in the area are truly roads less traveled.
Gravel routes are also four-season fun, and in the winter a headlamp makes an evening ride possible. The routes featured on this site are curated by local experts who want to help you connect with the outdoors.
Cycling the Walla Walla Valley
Perhaps one of the more known outdoor recreation opportunities in the area, cycling is loved by locals and tourists alike. The roads surrounding town are easily accessible and endlessly amazing. The Ride with GPS routes are designed by local experts who have spent many years and pedaled countless miles exploring the valley.
They are bundled by area of town as well as points of interest. Each direction out of town has something special and unique to offer, so enjoy the ride!
Bike Shop
Bicycle Barn is located on the east end of town, at the corner of East Isaacs Avenue and White Street, and family owned since 1985. They offer a robust inventory of bikes, a full service maintenance & repair shop, group rides, friendly & knowledgeable staff, and so much more. Not to mention their neighbor, accessible from the shop, is Livit Coffee Co. Ponder your bike selection over avocado toast.
Events & Resources
The most notable bike race in the area is the Walla Walla Grit. Three routes that include paved and gravel roads range from 45-95 miles. This is an intense ride that shows off both the valley and Blue Mountains.
The Bicycle Barn folks are always incredibly helpful, motivating, and welcoming, so don’t hesitate to go in and ask all your questions or join a group ride.
On summer mornings, the downtown breakfast bars are often packed with riders in their gear, clattering around the table and enjoying some post-ride carbs. Don’t hesitate to show off your Lycra around town, embracing who you are!
Riding by Rules and Regulations
In 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) based in Boulder, Colorado developed six rules of the trail that encourage riders to ride on open trails, leave no trace, control your bike, yield to others, never scare animals, and plan ahead. Check out the full details at Rules of the Trail. As a fun fact, they are also the organization that started the yield triangle to help all users of trails standardize trail etiquette.
Regarding cycling, the State of Washington considers those on a bicycle a vulnerable user of a public way. Washington does not mandate helmets, but please wear a helmet.
The state does not define which lane riders use, but if slower than the flow of traffic, ride as far to the right as possible. Perhaps of most use is the vehicle detection error law that allows riders to proceed through a traffic signal if that signal fails to respond to the rider.
For more light reading, visit the Washington State Legislature website on the Revised Code of Washington, specifically Chapter 46.61.760. Impress all your cycling buddies with your newfound knowledge.
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