As much as we don’t like the word “highway” to describe the road being ridden, this is a great road for riding. It has little traffic, big views, a European-style road climb, and a kick-in-the-butt descent.

After making the right-hand turn onto the highway at mile 30.7, in a short distance, look left for a handmade wooden sign to Outlook Falls. Go! This is worth the detour and a bit of exploring. But, be warned, the trails are steep, and bike shoes make the walk even more treacherous. (If you make it all the way down to the base of the falls, please send us your GPS track.)

After leaving Outlook Falls, there is a second pullout to the left marked “viewpoint”. This is also worth the excursion and will give you views of the protected Klickitat Canyon.

“I always tell people Klickitat Canyon is the most beautiful part of Washington that they’ve never been to”, said Ulrich (the Columbia Land Trust’s conservation lead for the East Cascades and Columbia Plateau). “It’s a region characterized by its rugged remoteness and its gorgeous galleries of basalt canyons.”

The canyon’s unique transitional landscape offers a vital wildlife migration corridor, connecting oak-pine woodlands and grasslands to subalpine forests and meadows. The area is a wildlife haven for black bears, black-tailed deer, elk, sandhill cranes, owls, hawks, and elusive golden eagles. [Columbia Land Trust]

At mile 33.3, make a cowboy exit from the highway onto the old railway grade road just to the right. This road was used to bring uncut logs to the Glenwood Valley timber mill, ahead in 4 miles. We liked the history and experience of riding this old road.

At the mill, go back onto the highway; the road leading straight is a dead end and no-go!

Note that this is the same mill you saw high above at the little red house at mile 23.5. We don’t exactly know the connection between the two, and if you happen to know, please send us a note.

From here on, the riding is all on the highway. Drop and cross the Klickitat river (need to cool off, go for a quick swim!) and then begin the moderate but sustained Stitson climb to the top of the Columbia Plateau. This climb feels almost European – twisty roads with guard rails, open views down into the valley, little traffic, etc.

From the summit, ride the flats of the plateau for 6 miles and then finish with an exhilarating twisty descent on a nearly one-lane road back down to the Klickitat River. It’s only an 800-foot drop, but it averages 6.5%.

For the last 3.5 miles, spin on the flats along the Klickitat River and reminisce about a great day!