The best traffic-free bike rides in Clark County

Clark County offers a selection of dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails. This guide features 4 routes, ranging from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

You'll find diverse terrain, from serene lakefronts and wetland paths to challenging forested areas with significant elevation changes. Many routes feature wooded trails, massive Douglas fir trees, and mossy forest bottoms, providing a tranquil environment. The region's topography includes river gorges, offering varied landscapes for cyclists.

Yes, for an easier, family-friendly option, consider the Juicy Fruit – Kitsune marker loop from Olympia Sports Park. It's an easy route with minimal elevation gain, suitable for a relaxed ride. The Heritage Trail at Lacamas Lake, though not in this guide, is also known for its wide, well-maintained crushed gravel path along the lakeside, perfect for wildlife viewing.

For a more challenging experience, the Bullhead City to Oatman via Silver Creek Road route is rated as difficult, offering a substantial distance and elevation gain. The region also features trails like the East Fork Lewis River – Moulton Falls and Bridge loop, known for its challenging gravel biking through wooded areas and past waterfalls.

Clark County's trails often pass through areas rich in natural beauty. You might encounter stunning views along the Columbia River, explore deep forests with Douglas fir trees, or ride past lakes and wetlands. Notable attractions include Moulton Falls Regional Park and Lucia Falls Regional Park, both known for their waterfalls. For more specific points of interest, explore highlights like Lake Mead Overlook or various gorges and lakes in the wider Clark County area.

Yes, several routes offer a loop format for convenient starting and ending points. For instance, the Bears Best Trailhead – Benchmark Trail loop from Summerlin South provides a moderate loop experience. The region also features trails like the East Fork Lewis River – Moulton Falls and Bridge loop, which is a challenging loop through wooded areas.

Clark County offers good biking conditions through much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, but shaded forest trails offer respite. Winter rides are possible, but be prepared for cooler, potentially wet conditions, especially in forested areas.

Absolutely. The diverse ecosystems of Clark County, including wetlands, forests, and riverfronts, are home to a variety of wildlife. Areas like Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge are known for abundant birdlife. Trails winding through wetlands, such as the Salmon Creek Greenway Trail, offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and spotting other local fauna.

The no-traffic gravel bike trails in Clark County vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes like the Juicy Fruit – Kitsune marker loop at around 13.5 km, up to longer, more demanding rides such as the Bullhead City to Oatman via Silver Creek Road, which spans over 46 km.

Many trailheads for popular routes, such as those in Moulton Falls Regional Park or Whipple Creek Park, offer designated parking areas. For specific routes, it's always best to check the individual tour details on komoot for precise starting points and parking information. Public transport options are generally limited for accessing more remote gravel trails, so driving to a trailhead is often the most practical approach.

Generally, no specific permits are required for gravel biking on the public trails mentioned in Clark County. However, it's always advisable to check local regulations for specific parks or state forests, such as Yacolt Burn State Forest, as rules can sometimes vary. For general information on leisure activities in the county, you can visit Clark County's official website.