1.
Bike loop from Cheney
16.1km
00:55
60m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
The best cycling routes in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated June 5, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, you know how overwhelming the options can be. It's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it. That's why we've tapped into komoot's community, who have mapped, ridden, and reviewed these routes, to bring you a curated shortlist of the best. We're here to save you the guesswork and point you straight to the rides that deliver.
Touring cycling here means traversing a landscape unlike any other, sculpted by ancient Ice Age floods and volcanic activity. You'll roll through dramatic channeled scablands, past basalt formations, and alongside the Snake River, experiencing everything from paved sections to crushed rock trails. While some undeveloped parts can be challenging, the developed sections offer a fantastic ride. Just a heads-up: spring and fall are the best times to visit, as summer temperatures can soar above 100 degrees Fahrenheit with very little shade.
If you're looking for a gentle introduction to the area, we'd start with the Bike loop from Cheney, an easy 10.0 miles (16.1 km) route that’s perfect for a relaxed spin. For something a bit more varied, the Wrights Hill – Meadow Lake loop from Cheney offers a moderate 12.8 miles (20.6 km) with rolling landscapes and scenic lake views. With more than 40 touring cyclists having explored these trails on komoot, you can trust you're in good company.
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike loop from Cheney | 16.1 km | 60 m | Easy |
| Wrights Hill – Meadow Lake loop from Cheney | 20.6 km | 210 m | Moderate |
| Silver Lake – Historic Red Barn loop from Cheney | 39.3 km | 200 m | Moderate |
| Washington State Normal School – Historic F Street loop from Cheney | 17.4 km | 110 m | Easy |
| Sacagawea Heritage Trail – Columbia Park Lakeside View loop from Kennewick | 37.2 km | 70 m | Moderate |
2.
Wrights Hill – Meadow Lake loop from Cheney
20.6km
01:27
210m
210m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
3.
Silver Lake – Historic Red Barn loop from Cheney
39.3km
02:27
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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4.
Washington State Normal School – Historic F Street loop from Cheney
17.4km
01:03
110m
110m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
5.
Sacagawea Heritage Trail – Columbia Park Lakeside View loop from Kennewick
37.2km
02:10
70m
70m
The Sacagawea Heritage Trail – Columbia Park Lakeside View loop from Kennewick offers a delightful touring cycling experience, tracing the Columbia River with continuous, expansive views. You'll glide along a mostly flat, paved surface, passing through diverse landscapes from natural shoreline to open parkland, with highlights like the Columbia Park Lakeside View and the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. Keep an eye out for local bird species and salmon, especially around the Yakima River Delta, as you enjoy the easygoing atmosphere.
Planning your ride is straightforward, as the trail is well-equipped with amenities. You'll find convenient parking access at various points, including Columbia Park in Kennewick, and numerous parks along the route provide restrooms and picnic areas. The trail is accessible year-round, but spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for cycling. Remember that while mostly dedicated, some portions on the Pasco side might share space with vehicles, so always be aware of your surroundings.
This 23.1-mile (37.2 km) loop, with a minimal 216 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate primarily due to its length, taking about 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete. It's rich in history, named after Sacagawea of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, with interpretive "Pompy's Lessons" markers providing fascinating historical and natural facts along the way. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone seeking a relaxed, scenic ride through the Tri-Cities region.
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See every route on the map
Tips from the Community
Grintal
October 24, 2025, Columbia Plateau Trail - Minnie Creek
If you ride this before May be prepared for water over the trail in some sections. If you go in late fall you will run into MILLIONS of ladybugs. But there are always great views and a fairly easy ride.
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Lisa
June 19, 2025, Yakima Delta
From the multi-use trail, you can see the floodplain where the Yakima River flows into the Columbia River.
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mtm05005
July 10, 2024, Columbia Park Lakeside View
Columbia Park is a 400 acre park that sits on the bank of the Columbia River. There are great views of the wide river from most parts of the park. The park has trails, picnic areas, restrooms, a playground and parking.
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mtm05005
July 10, 2024, View of Yakima River and Yakima Delta
Good view of the Yakima River and Yakima Delta from the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river. The Yakima River is a tributary of the Columbia River. There is a wide variety of plant and animal life around the Yakima River and Delta, including salmon and many types of birds,
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Matthew
July 10, 2024, Columbia Point Marina Park
As you enjoy the Richland Riverfront Trail, you will come across the picturesque Columbia Point Marina. You may consider taking a moment to rest at one of the available benches or pausing your walk to appreciate the sunshine and admire the Columbia River at Columbia Point Marina Park.
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Matthew
July 10, 2024, Sacagawea Heritage Trail – Columbia Park Section
The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a 23-mile paved trail that passes through Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick. It follows the Columbia River, providing excellent views of the water. This particular stretch passes through Columbia Park, which features one of the trail's major trailheads.
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Alexandra P
February 3, 2024, Columbia Plateau State Park Trail
Explore the vast beauty of eastern Washington on the Columbia Plateau State Park Trail, a 130-mile-long corridor integrated into the Washington State Park system. This path follows the abandoned route of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway, offering a perfect blend of history and nature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
The Columbia Plateau Trail State Park offers diverse terrain. You'll encounter unique channeled scablands and ancient basalt formations, remnants of Ice Age floods. The landscape is primarily semi-arid shrub-steppe. Surfaces vary, with a 3.75-mile paved section from Fish Lake to Cheney, while other developed sections feature crushed rock. The undeveloped midsection has coarse, loose gravel.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
Yes, there are easy touring cycling options. For instance, the Bike loop from Cheney is an easy 10-mile route, and the Washington State Normal School – Historic F Street loop from Cheney is another easy option. The paved section of the trail from Fish Lake to Cheney is also ideal for a gentle ride.
What types of bikes are recommended for touring the Columbia Plateau Trail?
For the paved sections, any touring or road bike is suitable. For the crushed rock sections, a mountain bike or hybrid bike is recommended. If you plan to tackle the nearly 100-mile undeveloped midsection with its coarse, loose gravel, a fat bike would be most appropriate due to the challenging conditions.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling options in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
Absolutely. The 3.75-mile paved section of the trail, stretching from Fish Lake to Cheney, is particularly well-suited for family cycling. Additionally, easy routes like the Bike loop from Cheney offer a gentle introduction to the park's surroundings for all ages.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while cycling in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
Cyclists can witness dramatic channeled scablands, ancient flood-carved basalt formations, and the unique semi-arid shrub-steppe terrain. The trail also follows the Snake River for a significant section, offering impressive views, especially near the Ice Harbor Dam. You might also spot historic railroad trestles along the way.
Is there an opportunity for wildlife spotting along the touring cycling routes?
Yes, a significant portion of the trail (4.75 miles) passes directly through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. This refuge is home to over 200 bird species, including trumpeter swans, as well as larger animals like deer, elk, and moose.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
While the trail can be enjoyed in various seasons, extensive planning is crucial, especially during summer when temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall generally offer more moderate temperatures, making them more comfortable for longer rides. Limited shade is a factor to consider year-round.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
Yes, the park offers several circular routes. Examples include the moderate Wrights Hill – Meadow Lake loop from Cheney, which traverses rolling landscapes, and the Silver Lake – Historic Red Barn loop from Cheney, leading past historic landmarks.
What should I know about amenities and facilities along the Columbia Plateau Trail?
Public facilities are scarce along much of the trail, especially in the nearly 100-mile undeveloped midsection. Cyclists should plan for self-sufficiency, carrying sufficient water and supplies. Developed sections may have more limited amenities. Always check current conditions and plan accordingly.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
There are 5 touring cycling routes available in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park that are documented on komoot. These routes range in difficulty from easy to moderate, catering to different skill levels.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about touring cycling in Columbia Plateau Trail State Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the unique landscapes shaped by Ice Age floods, the historic rail-trail corridors, and the opportunities to experience Eastern Washington's distinct natural beauty.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling opportunities on the Columbia Plateau Trail?
As a 130-mile rail-trail, it offers significant potential for long-distance touring. However, extensive planning is crucial due to scarce public facilities, limited shade, and challenging conditions in the undeveloped sections. Cyclists attempting the full length should be well-prepared and self-sufficient.
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