Best Mountain Biking in Washington

Trying to find the best mountain biking in Washington? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Washington, Whatcom County

01 :09 hrs
2.4 mi
76.157776 ft
Easy

Lovely coastal trail with many State Park access points. Activities here range from marine boat launches, sea kayak tours, trail running, hiking and backpacking.

2

Washington, Whatcom County

01 :11 hrs
2.7 mi
275.328 ft
Expert

Double black diamond drops. Slick dangerous roots and rocks. I crashed major. Hit two trees. skinned my shins and palms. This was way above my ability and insurance coverage. Loved it!

3

Washington, Klickitat County

01 :34 hrs
6.7 mi
466.70334 ft
Hard

The Syncline trail network covers some extremely beautiful terrain along and above the Coyote Wall in the Columbia River Gorge. The trails ascend and descend the open slopes and oak savanna mostly at a moderate grade, though some sections are steep. In the spring and early summer, the meadows are bursting with many different species of wildflowers typically found both in the desert and mountain environments. During this time, several creeks with waterfalls flow as well, though like the flowers they usually dry out by mid-summer. Descending via the Crybaby and Little Moab Trails is an exhilarating ride on top of the 500-foot basalt cliffs of Coyote Wall. Views of the gorge and Mt Hood are stunning. Beware of poison oak.

4

Washington, Skamania County

03 :28 hrs
15.4 mi
672.9377 ft
Hard

This adventure has a variety of interesting features such as the wide open McClellan Meadows, lava tube caves right off of the trail, and a waterfall near the end. The route itself follows excellent, smooth trails under dense forest with minimal underbrush. The trail reaches the lava caves at 8.5 miles. The caves have a much higher ceiling than most lava tubes - standing up is definitely not a problem. Bring a strong headlamp for optimal exploration. The trail continues a gradual descent, occasionally popping out into clear-cuts before paralleling Falls Creek past the waterfall. The last 2 miles are a little steeper than the rest as the trail descends over several switchbacks. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. Leave a car at the lower trailhead or be prepared to ride back to the upper one on a paved forest road.

5

Oregon, Washington County

01 :50 hrs
7.1 mi
149.67871 ft
Moderate

Beginning at Rogers Camp Trailhead, this route goes through forests and across trails, roads and streams. A highlight along the trail is University Falls, a 55 foot falls over a large and jagged basalt wall. The falls can be large in the winter and very low in the summer. The ride is mostly singletrack with some dirt road, but numerous uneven tread and roots can be challenging.

6

Washington, Chelan County

07 :16 hrs
28.9 mi
1516.8064 ft
Expert

This epic loop follows narrow single-track as well as dusty forest roads through the spectacular scenery of the Chelan Mountains. Be prepared for extremely long and grueling ascents and descents. The southern arm of the loop is single-track with a stiff climb/descent, while the northern third is on forest roads and is much gentler. The middle section is single-track and mostly above treeline with some steep alternating climbs and drops. There is little to no water available along the route save snowmelt early in the season.

7

Washington, Okanogan

05 :20 hrs
20.7 mi
1018.99854 ft
Expert

This technically challenging and physically demanding route contains the highest single-track in the state, over 8,000 feet. It is recommended to ride counter-clockwise so that the Angel's Staircase (a steep series of switchbacks south of the high point) is descended. The beginning and end of the route are in moderately open forest, but much of the high sections in the middle are well above treeline (don't forget the sunscreen.) Several lakes are also passed, including Cooney, Boiling, and Eagle, any of which make great destinations on their own. Views of the Sawtooth Ridge and Lake Chelan are outstanding. Go in autumn for the brilliant golden larch trees.

8

Washington, Chelan County

05 :11 hrs
11.4 mi
969.51917 ft
Hard

The Devils Gulch Trail is multi-use but is definitely one of the better mountain biking adventures in the Cascades. The trail is mainly non-technical but does ascend 4,000 feet from the trailhead. The trail goes through a mix of forest types and open areas and has good views of the canyon that it ascends. There are many mountain bike-friendly trails in the area, especially near the top of the trail, so there are a number of descent/ascent and loop options, but this trail is one of the nicest and most scenic for both ascent and descent. A NW Forest Pass is required for trailhead parking.

9

Washington, Pierce County

05 :23 hrs
21.4 mi
1017.21173 ft
Hard

The Sun Top Loop is a classic cross-country ride with big gains and drops and great Mt Rainier views. It is recommended to ride it counter-clockwise, up the forest roads and down the trails. On the summit of Sun Top is a great up-close view of Mt Rainier and a fire lookout cabin. The next section stays on the ridge top for more views before plunging down a steep trail. The last few miles are basically flat and go through the beautiful lowland forest of Skookum Flats. There is little water on the trail, especially on the ridge, so be sure to bring plenty extra. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

10

Washington, Lewis County

05 :45 hrs
23.1 mi
873.18945 ft
Extreme

This epic and challenging loop accesses the rugged terrain of the Sawtooth Ridge just southwest of Mt Rainier. While the first 13 miles are a steady climb on forest roads, the high traverse along the ridge and extremely steep switchbacks on the big descent make up for the earlier drudgery. Just before the start of the singletrack is a worthy side hike up to High Rock Lookout for unforgettable views of Mt Rainier. The narrow and at times overgrown trail contours high above Cora Lake and swings into several basins, passing the shores of Granite and Bertha May Lakes before the final uphill push to the shoulder of Osborne Mtn. Crossing to the south side of the ridge, you are rewarded with more views to the south from three clear cuts. The final 3.5 miles are one long series of tight switchbacks bringing you all the way to the campground where you parked. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead.

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