windFarm loop
Brief
110-mile loop
Mix of pavement and gravel roads.
Country roads, alternating sections of nice pavement and gravel.
Lots of farm ground, sagebrush canyons, and a big view of the Columbia River from above Wallula Gap.
Nothing difficult.
The Whole Story
This tour has a nice mix of paved country roads and gravel roads that go through remote areas. There are nice hill climbs and interesting canyons.
While there is nothing difficult or particularly challenging, the gravel sections should be ridden with respect. There can be blind corners, and you never know what is coming at you. Keep Right.
Starting from Pioneer Park, drive through town to Hwy 12 and head east for just a few miles. Turn north on Sudbury Rd for some pleasant sweepers and nice pavement. The first gravel section is Theil Rd. Enjoy the views and follow the track to Woodward Canyon Road, Nelms Road, Sims Road, and over to the North Touchet Road.
Things get arid as the track follows Dodd Rd over the hill to Nine Mile Canyon.
Turn East on Hwy 12 for several miles to Wallula Junction. The route turns back to gravel as it goes up Hatch grade to one of the first wind farm sites in the valley. Stop at the top and take in the expansive views of the Columbia River. Walk up to the tower of a wind machine. While these seem massive, these are small machines compared to the new versions being installed elsewhere.
Head South to North Juniper Canyon Road. Follow this to the pavement and Vansycle Rd, eventually coming to the town of Helix. Resist the urge to take the pavement from Helix. Let the route take you on a nice set of gravel roads through beautiful farm ground and a surprise route down to Dry Creek.
Watch your speed through Milton-Freewater. The route goes past the Cemetery and takes the back way to Walla Walla.
I hope you enjoyed the tour.