View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park
View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park
4.9
(7129)
7,130
riders
View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park
05:07
70.9km
770m
Gravel riding
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Klickitat Wild and Scenic River
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.63 km
View of the Klickitat Valley
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
62.3 km
Dillacort Canyon Wildlife Area
Nature Reserve
69.4 km
Klickitat Park
Highlight • River
Tip by
70.9 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
39.8 km
25.2 km
5.25 km
709 m
Surfaces
40.4 km
25.3 km
5.03 km
274 m
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Elevation
Highest point (600 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
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Weather
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Friday 26 June
23°C
14°C
-- %
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're seeking a gravel biking route that truly earns its 'difficult' rating while delivering spectacular views, the View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park is definitely worth your time. This 44.1-mile (70.9 km) adventure packs in 2516 feet (767 metres) of climbing over an estimated 5 hours and 6 minutes, making it a serious undertaking for experienced riders seeking a diverse and rugged journey through the Columbia River Gorge region.
What to expect on View of the Klickitat Valley – Klickitat Park loop from Mayer State Park
Expect a journey through incredibly varied landscapes. You'll roll along sections of the historic Klickitat Trail, a rail-to-trail conversion, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's all smooth sailing. The terrain shifts from packed gravel to rough, chundery rock, including old railroad ballast that can feel like riding over 3-4 inch rocks. The remote Swale Canyon section is a highlight, with dramatic carved gorges and a sense of solitude, though it can feel like single-track with eroded sections. You'll be treated to broad vistas of the Columbia River Gorge, the Klickitat River Valley, and even potential views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood, all while navigating a demanding route that requires good to very good fitness and a willingness to tackle challenging surfaces.
Planning your visit
This loop is best enjoyed in spring when wildflowers saturate the hillsides, but be aware that the Swale Canyon section is often closed due to fire danger from late June to mid-October. Given the remote feel of some areas and limited cell phone coverage, carrying sufficient water, food, and repair supplies is crucial. Wider tires, ideally 40-47mm and tubeless, are highly recommended to handle the rough gravel and jagged shale rock garden sections, particularly between Lyle and Klickitat, and to prevent flats.
Trail details
- Distance: 44.1 miles (70.9 km)
- Elevation gain: 2516 feet (767 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 5 hours and 6 minutes
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