Old West Scenic Bikeway

The Old West Scenic Bikeway offers a rich combination of ponderosa-pine forests, scenic rivers, abundant wildlife, fossil geology and sunny climate.

A vast majority of the route is in Grant County on minimally used roads. Ten additional rides branch off of the Old West that provide an additional 800 miles of “ultimate road ride” experience.

Examples of some of the must-see stops on this route include:

1. The Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site, which preserves the legacy of Chinese who lived here

2. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, one of the top three paleontology sites in the world

3. The salmon fish run on the North Fork of the John Day River

4. The wild horses on Murders Creek

5. The bald eagle trees outside Prairie City (up to 11 bald eagles have been viewed at one time)

6. The views of the Strawberry Mountain Wilderness from the covered wagon wayside (you’ll know it when you see it)

Much of the Old West Scenic Bikeway follows two branches of the John Day River. Support for cyclists on the bikeway is provided by 10 rustic communities, three state parks, five additional campgrounds and two bike hostels. The Grant County Chamber (541-575-0547) has a volunteer who will assist cyclists wanting to plan a day, weekend or longer vacation ride in Grant County.

Click on the route name to the left of the map to go to a separate page with a detailed route description, plus a downloadable map and cue sheet.