Discover Walla Walla

I love riding my bicycle in the Walla Walla area this time of year. Well, I love it any time of year, but early to mid summer has its special treats.

The views of the Valley are spectacular. The wheatfields are turning from green to golden, offering splendid contrasts. Wind sometimes blows the crops, gracing the eyes with waves unique to our inland wonderland.

There are some great rides to catch these sights. If you go up Mill Creek Road to Scenic Loop Road (about 12 miles from town), and turn right towards the top, you can see Walla Walla, Milton-Freewater and the surroundings. Scenic Loop is a gravel road, so a cyclocross bike is the best option. Mountain bikes are good, too, though less efficient on the asphalt.

This time of year is nice before the farmers have harvested their crops and tilled the stubble under. The Valley can get hazy after the soil has been tilled, exposing the dry dirt to the wind.

The Mill Creek and Scenic Loop route is an out-and-back ride now, because one of the roads that completes the loop is closed for upgrades. So the best place to turn around is at the top, or wherever you choose for your last viewing spot.

If the weather is hot the day you ride, you can continue up Mill Creek Road past Scenic Loop for some relative cooler temperatures. The road is in the shade. If you're lucky, you might see some wildlife also searching for respite from the sun.

Another option is to ride up Mill Creek, past the community of Kooskooskie, Oregon, past the pavement end for another three miles or so. Go right to go up Tiger Canyon. If you go all the way to the top, you can reach about 5000 feet elevation and a commanding view. If the snow has melted, the descent down Government Mountain Road completes the loop. Otherwise, it's an out-and-back. The rocky roads on this ride will challenge even the best mountain bikers.

For those with an aversion to gravel roads, there are many options. Lower and Middle Waitsburg Roads to the north of Walla Walla offers three distance choices. Going west or south has a number of possibilities. Some go near wineries for added attractions.

At Allegro Cyclery, we can give you a great map (also available at the Chamber of Commerce and other locations), and make route suggestions. We're at 200 E. Main in downtown Walla Walla.