Places we love to ride, run, hike, and ski
- Early Season Mountain Biking at Horse ButteWith Central Oregon’s high elevation trails still under snow, Horse Butte has miles of trails for mountain bikers willing to brave a little weather to get back in the saddle. Located ...
- Ellen Lavoie OKTs the JWTEllen Lavoie has always been a “body in motion.” Growing up in rural New England she loved to play in the woods. She has also always been a free spirit ...
- Flirting with the Yangtze: VideoDuring March I spent about two weeks cycling in Yunnan Province, China. The first part of that adventure felt like we were flirting with the Yangtze. To capture the experience ...
- Freshly Paved Colman ParkI’m not going to claim that cycling fresh asphalt gives anywhere near the sensory pleasure of skiing fresh snow, but it is pleasurable nonetheless. Most of my rides finish with ...
- High Pass Challenge 2010: Cycling the Mt. St. Helens Blast ZoneThe Cascade Bicycle Club’s High Pass Challenge has been on my hit list for quite a while, and I was finally able to fit it in my calendar this year. ...
- Hiking Summerland & Panhandle GapWhether you like to move fast and light or slow and deliberate, notice what you sense as you move through wilderness ecological zones.
- Hwy 20 RoadkillAt the start of this year’s cycling season, I had a long hit list of objectives–a four-day tour in Oregon, Hurricane Ridge, the Mt. Baker Hwy, all of the climbs ...
- Larch Season Hike: Maple Pass LoopAmong the most popular fall hikes in the Cascades are those with abundant larch trees. The Maple Pass Loop near Rainy Pass on Highway 20 (aka “The North Cascades Highway”) ...
- Marblemount to Mazama with the RCCDuring the weekend of June 27-28 I joined the Redmond Cycling Club (RCC) for their annual Mazama Ride over Hwy 20.
- Meet the Bend Bella Cycling ClubCentral Oregon’s largest women’s cycling club emphasizes fun, skills, and confidence building — on the road and on mountain trails. When I lived in Vancouver, WA the local cycling club (Vancouver Bicycle Club) ...
- Mt. Baker Backcountry in GrayscaleTrip report about a commonly done ski tour around Table Mt in the Mt. Baker Backcountry.
- North Cascades Highway: Let’s Do it AgainWith the weather window closing, a small group of us snuck out on Friday to cycle the North Cascades Highway. The crew included High Performance Cycling teammates John Pottle and ...
- Oregon Cycling Project 2012Last year I reposted a ride report from cycling buddy Thomas Shafer about a self-guided 4-day tour he organized in Oregon’s Wallowa region. I was invited to join this year’s ...
- Oregon Destination: The Old McKenzie Pass HwyRead about cycling the Old McKenzie Pass Hwy, one of the best cycling objectives in the Pacific Northwest.
- Out and Back: Sequim to Hurricane RidgeAlthough I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest since 1994, I’d never been to Hurricane Ridge via any mode of transport let alone on a bike. It had been on my ...
- Owens Valley Climbing ProjectThe Owens Valley is a remarkable place in what feels like the middle of nowhere–east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and west of the White Mountains, about 200 miles south ...
- Paddling Sucia IslandSucia Island is a premier kayaking destination, and is also becoming a trail running destination. Read about paddling this gorgeous island.
- Politics on the TrailI hastily deleted several incriminating emails before my husband and I grabbed our trusty mountain bikes and headed for the trail. Skies were blue and temps unseasonably warm for November ...
- Poo Poo Point Power HikeAfter a record cold and snowy February, the sudden switch to summertime temperatures the past few days has been just the prescription to get over our collective cabin fever. Saturday afternoon ...
- Profile: Cyclos MontagnardsSeattle has a fantastic diversity of cycling clubs and teams that can satisfy the cycling ambitions of any rider. When I settled in Seattle in 2007, I was particularly intrigued ...
Resources
Washington
Visit Walla Walla
Beloved for the rural farm roads that meander through rolling wheat fields, Walla Walla is celebrated as Washington’s top road cycling destination. The nearby Blue Mountains offer experienced riders steep climbs and sharp turns to attack, while the flat lands and paved trails that run through Walla Walla’s historic neighborhoods and farmlands are perfect for when you just want to cruise. Start planning your route by downloading the Walla Walla Valley Cycling Map or City of Walla Walla Cycling Routes and Lanes. For more information you can also visit the Wheatland Wheelers Bicycle Club website. This local club provides riders with information and guidance on cycling in the Walla Walla Valley.
Wenatchee Outdoors
Learn about the wide spectrum of things to do in the Wenatchee area: Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Mountaineering, Rock climbing, Backpacking, Paddling, Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Trail running.
Oregon
Visit Bend
A warm, inviting mountain getaway with a cosmopolitan appeal is what you’ll find when you arrive in the friendly town of Bend, Oregon. Majestic, snow-capped peaks adorn the high-desert skyline, making for some of the best weather in Oregon — think sun-drenched days and cool nights — along with endless options for plenty of play time. Playing in the Cascades, hiking, mountain biking, or skiing at Mt. Bachelor are just a few of the outdoor adventures you can tackle in a weekend or a week.
Visit Central Oregon
Central Oregon is home to the cities of Bend, Redmond, Sisters, La Pine, Prineville, and Madras and the resort community of Sunriver. Start your vacation planning with a place to stay. In Central Oregon you will find some of the finest outdoor adventure with places for paddling, hiking, cycling, golfing and dining al fresco in the summer. In winter, areas of the High Desert turn into a snowy playground with skiing, snowboarding, sledding and ice skating. It doesn’t hurt that, whatever the season, we are home to some of the country’s top craft breweries, unique boutiques for tax-free shopping, and world-class restaurants to please every lifestyle and budget.