1.
Bike loop from Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake
17.2km
01:05
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The best traffic-free bike rides in Washington County
By Fede from komoot
·
Updated May 27, 2026
If you've ever tried to plan touring cycling in Washington County, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many trails and roads, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. You want the real highlights, not just a list.
That's where we come in. Our komoot community of over 1,200 touring cyclists has ridden, reviewed, and mapped these routes, doing the legwork to bring you a curated shortlist of the ones that truly deliver. We've sifted through the data so you don't have to, promising to save you the guesswork and get you straight to the best rides.
Touring cycling in Washington County is a real treat, offering a diverse landscape that shifts from rolling hills and lush forests to picturesque farmlands and vineyards. You'll find everything from easy, car-free paths to more challenging routes with moderate elevation gains, often following old railway lines or winding alongside lakes with views of the coastal mountains. The region is particularly known for its well-maintained, car-free stretches, making for a peaceful ride.
If you only do one route, we'd start with the Bike loop from Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake. At 10.7 miles (17.2 km), it's a moderate, low-traffic pedal that offers stunning views of Henry Hagg Lake and the Oregon Coast Range. For a longer, truly car-free experience through dense forests, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning is a fantastic choice, covering 16.9 miles (27.2 km) of converted rail-trail. With an average rating of 4.6 stars from our community, you know you're in for a good ride. Get out there and explore!
If you only do 3 of these routes
Compare these routes at a glance
Trail | Distance | Elevation | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike loop from Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake | 17.2 km | 200 m | Moderate |
| Banks-Vernonia State Trail – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning | 27.2 km | 360 m | Moderate |
| L.L. Stub Stewart State Park – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park | 21.0 km | 350 m | Moderate |
| Hagg Lake Trail – Henry Hagg Lake loop from Forest Grove | 57.9 km | 570 m | Hard |
| Banks Vernonia State Trail – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Buxton | 37.3 km | 380 m | Moderate |
| Rock Creek Greenway Boardwalk – Bethany Lake loop from Noble Woods Park | 35.1 km | 260 m | Moderate |
| Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from North Plains | 56.3 km | 720 m | Hard |
| Bike loop from Banks | 12.6 km | 350 m | Moderate |
| Fernhill Wetlands – Fernhill Wetlands loop from Cornelius | 36.4 km | 150 m | Moderate |
| Fanno Creek Trail – Fanno Creek Park loop from Tigard | 15.4 km | 80 m | Easy |
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2.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning
27.2km
01:46
360m
360m
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning offers a delightful touring cycling adventure through Oregon's scenic countryside. You'll pedal along a smooth, paved path, winding through forested hills, open glades, and past babbling streams, with the impressive Buxton Trestle providing a memorable highlight. The route is generally easy to moderate, making it accessible for many, but includes a notable climb on the Horseshoe Trestle bypass that adds a bit of a challenge.
Starting your ride from the Manning trailhead is straightforward, as it provides convenient parking and restrooms. The trail is car-free and well-maintained, making it a safe and enjoyable option for families. While you can ride it year-round, visiting during the spring or fall offers the best weather and most vibrant natural colors. Consider an early start on weekends to avoid crowds.
This trail holds the distinction of being Oregon's first rails-to-trails park, repurposing an old timber railway corridor. It's rich in history, featuring several bridges and trestles, and even passes through L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, which offers additional amenities and trail connections. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and various bird species as you cycle through this diverse landscape.
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3.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
21.0km
01:30
350m
350m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.
Hagg Lake Trail – Henry Hagg Lake loop from Forest Grove
57.9km
03:40
570m
570m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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5.
Banks Vernonia State Trail – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Buxton
37.3km
02:19
380m
380m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
6.
Rock Creek Greenway Boardwalk – Bethany Lake loop from Noble Woods Park
35.1km
02:10
260m
260m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
7.
Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from North Plains
56.3km
03:46
720m
720m
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from North Plains offers a unique touring cycling experience, transforming an old timber railway into a scenic path. You'll pedal through a constantly changing landscape, from open agricultural fields to deep, shaded forests, crossing impressive structures like the Buxton Trestle. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and local wildlife as you navigate the gentle grades, punctuated by a few steeper climbs that add to the challenge.
Planning your visit to this popular route is straightforward, with parking at the North Plains trailhead. The trail is designed with cyclists in mind, featuring bike fix-it stations and restrooms in nearby towns like Banks and Vernonia. Its car-free environment makes it a safe and enjoyable option, and the ample tree cover provides a pleasant ride even on warm days.
This trail holds historical significance as Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, repurposing a corridor once vital for timber transport. The engineering marvels of its 13 bridges and two major trestles, like the Horseshoe Trestle, provide fantastic viewpoints and a glimpse into the past. For those looking to extend their adventure, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers convenient overnight camping right along the route.
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8.
Bike loop from Banks
12.6km
01:25
350m
350m
This moderate 7.8-mile (12.6 km) touring cycling loop from Banks offers a delightful journey through diverse Oregon landscapes. You'll pedal through lush woods, open fields, and past agricultural lands, with highlights including the impressive Buxton Trestle and the Horseshoe Trestle, which provide expansive views. The trail follows an abandoned railroad bed, ensuring a mostly gentle grade, though some sections may have rougher pavement and a steeper climb near the Tophill Trailhead.
Planning your visit is easy, with multiple trailheads offering parking and restrooms along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. The towns of Banks and Vernonia are well-equipped with cafes and bike repair stations for your convenience. While generally accessible, consider the best time of year for Banks bike loop to avoid less favorable weather conditions, ensuring a smoother ride.
This route holds historical significance as Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" project, repurposing an old timber railway line. It's a multi-use pathway, popular with hikers and equestrians too, and connects to L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, offering additional recreational opportunities. This makes it one of the best bike loops near Banks Oregon for those seeking both scenery and history.
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9.
Fernhill Wetlands – Fernhill Wetlands loop from Cornelius
36.4km
02:07
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
10.
Fanno Creek Trail – Fanno Creek Park loop from Tigard
15.4km
00:56
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
View route
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Tips from the Community
Carol
March 2, 2025, Gales Forest Grove
Great lunch special $10 for a barbecued cheeseburger with a great bun and a 16 oz beer or cider - Tuesday through Fridays until 2 PM.
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Lisa
January 4, 2025, Henry Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park)
Henry Hagg Lake is surrounded by 2,500-acre Scoggins Valley Park, which has more than 14 miles of multi-use trails. But you might enjoy riding the road that wraps around the lake, swooping in and out of the trees as you play peekaboo with views of the water.
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Lisa
January 4, 2025, C-Ramp Recreation Area (fishing pier)
This recreation area just off the road has restrooms, potable water, picnic facilities, and a bike repair hub that includes basic tools, a workstation and a charger for small electronics. There's also a fishing pier, and you may see people using the boat ramp to launch motorized watercraft.
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Lisa
January 4, 2025, Elks Recreation Area (beach access)
This little beach is a great spot to park your bike and enjoy a picnic. You'll find picnic tables, restrooms, loaner personal flotation devices, and a "bike hub" with basic tools and workstation for on-the-go maintenance needs.
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Jamie S.
September 3, 2024, Banks-Vernonia State Trail
The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon's first "rails-to-trails" park, repurposing a 21-mile abandoned railroad between Banks and Vernonia. The trail features an 8-foot wide paved path for hiking and biking, alongside a 4-foot gravel equestrian trail. It is at a generally gentle grade and passes through fields, forests, and farmlands with scenic mountain views, in Washington and Columbia counties. Key highlights include 13 bridges and the impressive Buxton Trestle, a 733-foot long, 80-foot high bridge, which is open to hikers and bikers.
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mtm05005
July 17, 2024, Banks-Vernonia State Trail
Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a 23-mile long multiuse trail that runs between the towns of Banks and Vernonia. The trail is popular with hikers and cyclists. This section of the trail meanders through beautiful dense wood and is perfect for a relaxed hike.
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David Howells
January 31, 2024, Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint
Enjoy a family gathering with great views and surroundings at the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Here you can enjoy the use of a picnic shelter, toilets and picnic benches. There is a water point available too. Dogs can romp freely in the off-leash pet area.
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Sue
January 31, 2024, Forest Trail in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
A short distance from Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a 1,654-acre park with incredible views and many opportunities to explore nearly 30 miles (48.28 km) of trails on the beautiful hillside. A day-use area with picnic tables, restrooms and drinking water is available here. You will find plenty of space to take a break and spend time in this gorgeous park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available in Washington County?
There are 44 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes in Washington County, offering a wide range of options for cyclists looking for peaceful rides away from vehicle traffic.
What is the general difficulty level of no-traffic touring cycling routes in Washington County?
The routes offer a good mix of challenges, with 16 easy, 16 moderate, and 12 difficult options. This variety ensures there's something suitable for every skill level, from casual riders to experienced touring cyclists.
What natural attractions can I explore along these no-traffic cycling routes?
Many routes pass by beautiful natural areas. You can cycle near the serene Tualatin Hills Nature Park, the expansive Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve, and the scenic Fernhill Wetlands. Additionally, the Henry Hagg Lake area offers stunning views and recreational opportunities.
Are there any unique landmarks or points of interest on the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, you can encounter interesting features like the historic Holcomb Creek Trestle. Many routes also incorporate sections of the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway, which is a landmark in itself for its car-free stretches and picturesque scenery.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Washington County?
The no-traffic routes in Washington County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 160 ratings. Cyclists frequently praise the peaceful, car-free environment, the diverse landscapes ranging from forests to farmlands, and the well-maintained trails like the Banks-Vernonia State Trail.
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes in Washington County?
Absolutely. The region is known for its accessible trails, many of which are built on abandoned railway beds, making them relatively flat and ideal for families. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail, with its 21-mile car-free stretch, is particularly popular for family outings, winding through forests and across streams.
Where can I find loop routes for no-traffic touring cycling in Washington County?
Several excellent loop routes are available. Consider the Bike loop from Scoggins Valley Park / Henry Hagg Lake for scenic views, or the Havens Reservoir – Fernhill Wetlands loop from Forest Grove for a ride through diverse natural habitats.
What is the best time of year for no-traffic touring cycling in Washington County?
Washington County, Oregon, offers excellent cycling opportunities throughout much of the year. Spring, summer, and early fall generally provide the most pleasant weather for exploring the farms, forests, and communities, with comfortable temperatures and vibrant scenery. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there any long-distance no-traffic touring cycling routes in Washington County?
Yes, the Havens Reservoir – Fernhill Wetlands loop from Forest Grove offers a substantial 45 km (28 miles) ride. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail also provides a significant car-free distance, perfect for longer touring experiences.
Are there options for moderate difficulty no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Yes, the majority of routes are classified as moderate, with 16 options available. Routes like the Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop from Manning and the L.L. Stub Stewart State Park – Banks-Vernonia State Trail loop provide engaging rides with manageable elevation changes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the no-traffic touring cycling routes in Washington County?
You can expect varied terrain, from paved rail-trails that are relatively flat to routes with rolling hills through agricultural lands and forests. The Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway, for instance, offers a mix of paved surfaces through diverse landscapes.
Is parking available near the no-traffic touring cycling routes?
Many popular trailheads and parks, such as Scoggins Valley Park (near Henry Hagg Lake) and access points for the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, offer designated parking areas for cyclists. It's always advisable to check specific route details for parking information before your trip.
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