Why the Palouse Region is a Cyclist’s Paradise

Chiana McInelly

On the Palouse, cyclists have everything they need to enjoy time outdoors – trails that run throughout the region, a bit of a breeze, beautiful views, and peace and quiet. It might just be one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

“I would consider us an underdog as a cycling location,” says Sandra Townsend, former president of the Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association. “Honestly, there’s nothing that’s world class here, which is kind of the point. We don’t have big crowds at the trailheads, so you can always find parking. It never feels overrun.”

Mountain Magic

The primary mission of the association is to build and maintain trails at Moscow Mountain. As the highest point in the area, it’s visible from town, making it quite tempting for outdoor enthusiasts who see it from afar.

“Moscow Mountain is the main reason why I have lived here for nine years,” Townsend says. “It’s great for mountain biking and gravel riding.” Brad Capawana loves the many trails on Moscow Mountain, too, with Headwaters Trail being the best-known among bikers and hikers.

“It’s a challenging single track,” he says. “It’s really pretty. You ride through pine trees and past granite rock formations. I’ve seen moose and bears.”

And in the winter, there’s a groomed area for fat tire bikes.

Road & Rail

“The Palouse has a lot of biking on gravel roads,” says Capawana, a lifelong rider who began exploring the Palouse when he arrived in 1999 to practice podiatry. “There are some gentle climbs, lots of rolling hills and fields of wheat, canola and garbanzo beans.” 

Townsend agrees. “The gravel riding is beautiful. You can get a real feel for agriculture while discovering the pieces of history scattered throughout the region,” she says.

To the west, the Wawawai Grade, a road cycling route, drops from Pullman into the starkly beautiful Snake River Canyon.

“It’s a very steep climb,” Capawana says. “You can do it out and back, or you can do it as a loop.” Wawawai isn’t for the faint of heart, though.

“Be careful,” Townsend says. “There are limited shoulders, and big trucks use the grade.”

In addition to roads, the region has a rail-to-trail system, which allows people to ride without the worries of traffic. Part of the system is the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, which connects Pullman and Moscow.

“It’s a paved trail that’s pretty and well maintained,” Capawana says. “It’s a nice, safe ride.” Continuing east, Latah Trail is the next section of the rail-to-trail system, joining Moscow and Troy.

“I like to use the path when I want to just spin for an hour and see the rolling hills. This section isn’t as flat as the Chipman Trail, but the views are worth it,” Townsend says.

The Palouse has Something for Everyone

Another local favorite for area riders is a visit to Steptoe Butte State Park, north of Pullman.

“It’s a neat rise that comes out of the Palouse. You can bike to the top of it,” Capawana says.

The ride ends with sweeping views of the Palouse.

“It’s one of those places that’s on everyone’s ‘ride at least once’ list,” Townsend says.

And there are plenty of bikeways on the Palouse to put on that list.

“You can find a trail for all ages and abilities here,” Townsend says.

Another cool thing that people love about the Palouse region is you can bike here during most seasons.

“When it’s cool out but no snow, that’s my favorite time to go gravel biking,” Townsend says. “The road is hard but not dusty.”

And she says summer can’t be beat for extended trips.

“I explore public lands on my hardtail bike,” she says. “This area is a hidden gem for bikepacking (a combo of cycling and backpacking) and longer adventure mountain biking in the national forest.”

The Palouse region also has a few shops, like Rolling Hills Bikes in Moscow, where you can find everything you need for your next cycling adventure.