10 Best Gravel Routes in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is gravel riding paradise. Endless forest service roads, minimal car traffic, dramatic mountain backdrops, and terrain that ranges from gently rolling farm roads to technical volcanic singletrack. Whether you’re based in Seattle, Portland, or just passing through, these ten gravel routes in the Pacific Northwest will keep your tires dirty for years.

What Makes PNW Gravel So Good

The Pacific Northwest gravel scene has exploded in the last five years, and for good reason. The combination of USFS roads, logging roads, and rural county gravel gives PNW riders access to terrain that would be impossible to recreate anywhere else in the country. The Cascades alone contain thousands of miles of rideable dirt roads, many of which see almost no traffic outside of hunting season. The downside: seasons are compressed. The best gravel window in the Cascades is July through October; higher elevation routes may be snowed in through late June.

1. The Tiger Mountain Loop — Issaquah, WA

One of the most accessible gravel rides in the Seattle area, the Tiger Mountain Loop combines USFS roads with sections of the Issaquah-Hobart Road for a 35–50 mile loop depending on your route variation. Elevation gain ranges from 3,000–5,000 feet. The forest roads are well-maintained and rideable year-round in dry conditions. This is a great first gravel ride for Seattle-area cyclists making the transition from road.

2. Blewett Pass — Chelan County, WA

Blewett Pass offers one of the most scenic gravel experiences in Washington — remote USFS roads through ponderosa pine forest with views of the Stuart Range and Enchantments. The main out-and-back from Peshastin runs 60–70 miles with 6,000+ feet of climbing. The dirt road quality is excellent, the grade is sustained rather than punishing, and the September light through the pines is genuinely stunning. Bring enough water — there’s no resupply once you’re on the forest road.

3. The Palouse Loop — Eastern Washington

The Palouse is rolling agricultural land in southeastern Washington — wheat fields, gravel county roads, and almost no cars. The typical Palouse gravel loop starts in Palouse or Colfax and runs 60–80 miles through the hills. The terrain is fast and rhythmic — nothing technical, but the cumulative climbing adds up and the views are unlike anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest. Best in late spring (June) when the wheat is green, or fall (October) after harvest.

4. Sawtooth Ridge Road — Wenatchee National Forest, WA

A local favorite among Wenatchee-area riders, the Sawtooth Ridge Road is a high-alpine USFS route with 360-degree views of the Cascades. The climb to the ridgeline takes 2–3 hours from the valley floor; the descent is long and fast on smooth dirt. Total distance out-and-back: 50–65 miles. Open late July through September in most years. This route is best done with a support vehicle or a partner who has a pump and spare tubes — the rock quality chews through tubes quickly.

5. The Gorge Gravel (Hood River to The Dalles) — Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge has incredible gravel potential, and the stretch from Hood River toward The Dalles on the Oregon side delivers one of the most visually dramatic rides anywhere in the PNW. Cherry orchards, vineyard roads, and USFS access give you 50–70 miles of mixed surface with the Columbia in the background. Wind is a factor — the Gorge is one of the windiest places in North America. Go east in the morning before the afternoon westerlies kick in.

6. Larch Mountain Loop — Portland, OR

Accessible from Portland by bike — start in Troutdale and climb the Historic Columbia River Highway before connecting to USFS roads — the Larch Mountain Loop is a 60-mile effort with 7,000 feet of climbing. The roads alternate between paved historic highway and dirt forest service routes. The summit has a short hike to a viewpoint with a clear view of five Cascade volcanoes. Best June through October.

7. Chinook Pass — Mount Rainier Area, WA

The roads around Chinook Pass and the southeast flank of Mount Rainier offer extraordinary scenery on every gravel ride. The combination of USFS 46 Road and surrounding logging roads gives access to 40–80 mile routes with views of Rainier on every ridge. The season is short — mid-July to late September — but the riding is world-class. A local favorite is the loop via the Bumping River road and back along the American River corridor.

8. Oakridge Mountain Loop — Willamette National Forest, OR

Oakridge has become one of Oregon’s premier mountain biking destinations, but the surrounding Willamette National Forest gravel is equally impressive. The Flat Creek Road and Row River Road systems give access to 50–100 mile routes through old-growth Douglas fir. The terrain is more consistently technical than most PNW gravel — expect loose rock sections and sustained climbing. Start in Oakridge, drive or ride up to Larison Creek, and go from there.

9. Methow Valley Roads — Twisp/Winthrop, WA

The Methow Valley in north-central Washington is consistently overlooked by cyclists who default to the Cascades closer to Seattle. That’s a mistake. The valley and surrounding USFS roads offer 100+ miles of rideable dirt in every direction. The terrain is drier and faster than the west-side Cascades, the roads are quiet, and the valley town of Winthrop has excellent food and beer. Base here for a weekend and explore. Best July through September.

10. Lost River Road — Mazama, WA

One of the most remote and rewarding gravel routes in Washington, the Lost River Road climbs deep into the Pasayten Wilderness near the Canadian border. The road is unpaved for its entire length and reaches elevations above 6,000 feet before the gates close the route to vehicles. Out-and-back from Mazama covers 50–70 miles with significant climbing. This is a ride that requires good weather forecasting, a satellite communicator, and a willingness to be well and truly out there. Worth every bit of preparation.

Find Your Next Gravel Race in the PNW

The PNW gravel race scene has grown significantly in recent years, with events like the Oregon Gravel Series, Cascade Gravel Grinder, and various local events scattered throughout the summer and fall. Ready to put your training to the test? See the full race calendar for events near you. For more gravel riding resources, start with our beginner guide.