Explore the best rated trails in Shaniko, OR, whether you're looking for an easy walking trail or a bike trail like the Riverfront Trail at The Dalles and Deschutes River Trail (Wasco) . With more than 2 trails covering 27 miles you're bound to find a perfect trail for you. Click on any trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Awesome, tall native grasses and flowers everywhere ever great landscaping along the industrial section and of course the mighty Columbia river and abundant wild life.
I started at the Marina going West. Nice and flat at start with nice views of Marina. The Park further East would probably been nice but limited on time. Trail heads through industrial area but still nice cows of the Columbia River. Last part of trail is all uphill and head wind picked up. No problem with e-bike! Total 6 miles from marina.
I did this ride on a Wed afternoon in June during the Covid lockdown. The Discovery Center was closed (free parking). There were some old homestead cabins on display that you can walk around on the center grounds. From the Discovery Center start riding on the trail and get a very fun downhill for several miles all the way to the Bargeway Pub which had just opened (June 3, 2020) to allow patio seating. This is a good stop to enjoy food or beverage. The trail continues on, but the view is more industrial, so you could just turn around and return to the Discovery Center Parking lot (free parking). It’s a bit challenging riding uphill on the way back and the headwinds are very strong in the afternoon making it even harder, but it is doable. If you want a longer ride, just continue on all the way to the marina and river front park. The full distance out and back is 12.8 miles and it took me 1:53 in riding time and I’m very slow riding uphill.
Rode this trail to the Dalles Marina, (approx 6miles) on a lovely sunny Friday during the covid scare. There was a few walkers and bikers but definitely not crowded. It was a nice leisurely ride.
We just mountain biked this trail (in May) and it was really beautiful! It was a pretty hot day, so we didn't go as far as we would have liked because our water supply was running low. It's really hard to stay cool out there because there's absolutely no shade, so be prepared! We also stayed on the path and still managed to run into TWO rattlesnakes! Bring plenty of water, a snake bite kit, and know your stuff! The view of the river is breathtaking, as well as the abandoned buildings and minty green sagebrush! We're gonna go back as soon as it cools down.
This trail is not paved, but most of what I traversed was compact ground. It follows the Deschutes river and has some wonderful views. I have only ridden up this trail 5 miles, but take trains up the opposite side almost daily.
My son Damon was visiting from Arlington, Washington and we were looking for fun things to do together for his short stay.
So never having biked together, decided to try the trail. The trail is so nice and of course the scenery is just awesome.
The Master Gardeners were having some sort of get together at the garden. It looked like they might be having a picnic. The mosaic wall at the garden is so pretty and the gate is very interesting.
There were geese swimming in the river, fishermen along the waters edge, and several more bikers and a few walkers, as well.
You can tell the trail gets allot of use. We are so happy that the trail is here for our enjoyment.
I know everyone who decides to try it, will be very surprised at how nice it is. And importantly, there is water and bathrooms in a couple of areas. It was a fun experience, Margie Powell.
Roxie and I did this ride on 9/30/14...beautiful day just windy as all heck as you will see in the video...otherwise a short fun trail!
http://youtu.be/t2V4YOrK6vw
June 16, 2012
I'm writing this review two years after the above date.
I took the trusty BikeE on the trip. It did ok but the mountain bike would have been a better choice as I destroyed my rear tire on the way back when I hit a big rock.
The Scenery was amazing. The typical desert rolling hills of eastern Oregon punctuated by the blue and green ribbon of the Deschutes River flowing through the canyon. I saw some deer and even bighorn sheep. There is no shade or water so plan accordingly. The trail is high above the valley floor. The surface is hard-packed crushed rock double track. Sometimes it was just easier riding in the center. Several rafters went by during my journey. There were several outhouses along the way and what looked like camping areas down below along the river.
The grade is slightly uphill from the start at the Columbia River where there is a great place to spend the night at the campgrounds. I van camped for only a pittance which included a great shower facility. The camp hosts were super nice and even gave me a bottle of water as I was hitting the trail.
I truly enjoyed the waterfront bike trail in the Dalles. Started at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and ended at The Dalles Dam. Followed with a trip up to Sorossis Park for rest. The best way to experience cities is on a bike; love the waterfront trails in Astoria, Hood River, Bend and Portland.
Warning, it can be hot. Ride early and take lots of water (3-4 liters per person). There is no shade and the afternoon sun creates a furnace in the canyon.
We (myself, wife, kids 15,13,11--all on front suspension hybrid bikes) rode 26 miles without any problems. The road surface is mostly packed small gravel with some washboard areas that can be avoided by riding toward the center of the road. We were told the road runs out around mile 17.
Great sights along the way include the rocky cliffs, boxcars, homestead, watertower, large birds and snakes. The river beckons but it generally too hard to get to. Beware of rattle snakes but enjoy!
7/28/11
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