There's a trail and road for every biking level in Kittitas County, with
the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail being one of the longest, most scenic and
flattest. Several area roads are great to check out as well, with
minimal traffic to worry about.
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Ellensburg as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Ellensburg received a Silver Level award, joining only 73 others that have been so recognized across the country. The award recognizes Ellensburg's commitment to bicycling through bike promotion, education, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies.Read More!
Manastash Metric
Travel the scenic west side of the valley to Cle Elum and return along
the winding Yakima River, or turn off half-way for the alternate 50
kilometer ride. Visit their web site at: drier-ride.org.Click here to watch a video of this bike ride.
Trails
Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
Head east on Interstate 90 and take exit 101 (Thorp Highway), turn left.
The trailhead is just behind the Thorp Fruit Stand. There are other
trailheads as well, less than a mile from the Highway 10 and U.S.
Highway 97 intersection. With a minimal grade of no more than 2.2
percent, this wide and well-worn trail meanders through eclectic
scenery, from rivers to forest and desert land. Considered good for
novices or just the laid back ride. Also popular for hiking,
cross-country skiing, dog sledding and horseback riding.
Shoestring Lake
Take Umptanum Road south to Manastash Road. Head west until the road
ends and get on U.S. Forest Service Road 31, past Buck Meadows to the
trailhead at USFS Road 3100. Considered a beautiful and easy ride.
North Fork Taneum
Head east on Interstate 90 and take exit 101 (Thorp Highway), turn left.
The trailhead is just behind the Thorp Fruit Stand. There are other
trailheads as well, less than a mile from the Highway 10 and U.S.
Highway 97 intersection. With a minimal grade of no more than 2.2
percent, this wide and well-worn trail meanders through eclectic
scenery, from rivers to forest and desert land. Considered good for
novices or just the laid back ride. Also popular for hiking,
cross-country skiing, dog sledding and horseback riding.
Fishhook Trail
Take Interstate 90 to exit 93 to Taneum Road and go west to USFS Road
33. Go west on USFS Road 3300 to USFS Road 3322 and to the South Fork
Taneum Trail, No. 1367, which leads to Fishhook, No. 1378. Considered
for experts only and has been ranked as one of the best rides in the
U.S.
Roads
Highway 10
Head west on University Way from Ellensburg, turn right on Reecer Creek
Road, then an immediate left on Highway 10. There's no bike lane, so
watch for traffic, and the speed limit is 50 mph at its slowest area,
but motorists tend to travel faster. A great road for viewing the Yakima
River, with an easier ride near Ellensburg and growing more difficult
as you head west.
Highway 97
Follow the directions above for Highway 10. Turn right on to U.S.
Highway 97, the exit to Wenatchee. Also a highway without lanes, this
road has some higher speeds, but it's a great ride, with tons of
scenery.
Kittitas Highway
Go south on Main Street in downtown Ellensburg and turn left on Mountain
View Avenue. This road becomes Kittitas Highway. The road is long and
flat for an easy ride. But watch for fast-moving vehicles.
Reecer Creek Road
Head west on University Way and turn right on to Reecer Creek Road. This
road meanders through pasturelands, going north and then turning in to
Bender Road, which will bring you back into town.
The League of American Bicyclists has recognized Ellensburg as a Bicycle Friendly Community. Ellensburg received a Silver Level award, joining only 73 others that have been so recognized across the country. The award recognizes Ellensburg's commitment to bicycling through bike promotion, education, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. Read More!
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