Popular bicycle routes

Rancho Loop: Begins in Enterprise and follows a 14-mile loop avoiding all major roads and highways. The route meanders thorough the agricultural lands southeast of Enterprise and affords open views of the Wallowa Mountains and an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife with herds of white-tailed deer and abundant bird species, including eagles and hawks.

Alder Slope Spur: Begins in downtown Enterprise and heads southwest climbing about 500 feet to the base of the Wallowa Mountains. The 8.5-mile return spur crosses pasture, and the turnaround area is where the forest begins. Once the road ascends far enough above the valley, there are excellent views of the Seven Devils Mountains.

Tenderfoot-Walking Loop: Begins and ends in Enterprise. This 6.5-mile loop is the most recommended route for beginners and families. The route begins on Fish Hatchery Road south of Enterprise to Mawhin Road, and then back to town on Green Valley Road and a small portion of Hurricane Creek Road, which has moderate automobile traffic and no road-shoulders.

Salt Creek Summit Climb: Up for a challenge? If so, then you may want to take the Salt Creek Summit Climb. Beginning in Joseph, the 37-mile return route ascends 2,000 feet into the Wallowa Mountains. Aside from physical fitness, mental alertness is a must on the narrow, winding Imnaha Highway because of moderate traffic and no road-shoulders or bike paths.

Mountain bike trails

Mountain bikers of all abilities will find many miles of trails in Wallowa County.

At Wallowa Lake, cyclists can take a tram ride to the top of Mount Howard and then ride down from the 8,150-foot peak, on easy routes ranging from 5 to 15 miles long. The tram operates 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., from late May through September. For information: info@wallowalaketramway.com, 541-432-5331.

Cyclists who like a little uphill pedaling mixed in with their mountain biking adventure will see spectacular views of the Wallowa and Seven Devil Mountain ranges in the Redmont and Wagon Road Trail network southeast of Joseph. The south end of the Redmont Trail Network can be accessed near the Ferguson Ridge Snow Park and the south end at Salt Creek Summit.

Cyclists may choose from several loops in the Redmont network ranging from 7 to more than 20 miles long. Most of the network is within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest through heavily forested mountainous terrain. Breaks in the trees along the trail reveal views of the Wallowa and Seven Devils mountain ranges.

Generally, beginner terrain lies in the flatter south section of the trail network, and intermediate and advanced trails are in the north section. Beginner level terrain can be found along the Canal Road (FS 3920), which runs through the entire trail network and allows cyclists of varying abilities to connect throughout the network of trails.

Wagon Road Trail (TR 1819) is a single track suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. The trail leads from Salt Creek Summit and runs 5 miles, descending to Big Sheep Creek.

Wagon Road Trail can also be ridden as part of a loop by taking the left fork just past the four-mile mark and then descending the steep switchbacks to Big Sheep Creek. To complete the approximate 10-mile loop, follow the gravel FS 100 road onto the paved Wallowa Mountain Road Scenic Byway and then back to the Salt Creek Summit. The loop is best taken from the counterclockwise direction.

Ferguson Ridge Snow Park is about 14 miles southeast of Joseph via the Imnaha Highway and Tucker Down Road. Salt Creek Summit is 19 miles southeast of Joseph on the Wallowa Mountain Road FS 39.

Mountain bikers should expect motorized vehicles, hikers and horseback riders along the mostly single-track trails and must yield to all other trail users.

Mountain and road maps

Mountain and road maps are available at the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center, City of Enterprise, City of Joseph and Joseph Hardware.

Maps are posted at information kiosks in the City of Joseph parking lot, at Salt Creek Summit and Ferguson Ridge.

Safety is a primary consideration and bicyclists are urged to exercise caution when touring the county roads and state highways.