Itinerary: Discover the Best Mountain Biking in the Pacific Northwest

If you love mountain biking, then surely the Pacific Northwest is on your list of must-ride places. From winding trails through old-growth forests to rugged coastline routes, there’s truly something for every level and every type of rider. This itinerary focuses on some of the best mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest, though it’s certainly not exhaustive. Do you have a favorite destination? Post a message in the comments below!

1. Bend, Oregon

This itinerary begins south of Portland in Bend, Oregon, the mountain biking capital of the Beaver State. The dry conditions make for light dirt and dusty trails, most of which are accessible right from town. Hundreds of miles of singletrack, cross-country, and downhill trails await the lucky riders that get to test their mettle in Bend. Nearby Mount Bachelor also features a lift-served downhill mountain bike park in summer, truly rounding out the offerings.

Where to Stay in your ROAMERICA Campervan: The Deschutes National Forest offers plenty of dispersed camping options both near Bend and Mt. Bachelor. Get off the grid and enjoy the mountains!

2. Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

The second mountain biking destination takes you north all the way up the Pacific Coast to the Olympic Adventure Route of the Olympic Discovery Trail. The full Olympic Discovery Trail begins in Port Townsend and heads east along the stunning coastline, through Olympic National Park and finally arrives at the Pacific Ocean near the most northwestern point in the continental United States. The 26-mile Olympic Adventure route includes 21 miles of singletrack and four miles of logging roads through the forest. Expect spectacular views and hilly, forested terrain.

Where to Stay in your ROAMERICA Campervan: Olympic National Park is one of those bucket-list, unforgettable places that you’ll never want to leave. There are two campgrounds in the park that accept reservations, and all others are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Book your ROAMERICA campervan with a 1UP USA bike rack today

3. Skykomish, Washington

After some fresh ocean air, it’s time to head for the hills to the Stevens Pass Bike Park. This renowned ski resort turns into a mountain biking paradise in the summer months, complete with stunning views and lift-accessed freeride trails and flowing singletrack. You won’t be able to get enough of this incredible destination.

Where to Stay in your ROAMERICA Campervan: The Stevens Pass Resort offers overnight parking so that you can enjoy multiple days at the bike park. Or if you prefer to explore beyond the bike park, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has plenty of dispersed camping options.

4. Whistler, BC, Canada

There are so many mountain biking destinations in British Columbia that it’s hard to choose just one, but if it’s bucket list destinations you’re after, Whistler-Blackcomb must be at the top of the list. It’s probably best known for its downhill park, the lift-served downhill park that offers the most terrain of any mountain bike park in North America. The 70 trails and four mountain zones flank the area that serves as the ski resort in winter. There are trails designed for every level of rider, and all feature the stunning scenery that is characteristic of British Columbia. Expect to find trails that wind through old-growth forest, man-made bridges and jumps, and unforgettable views.

Where to Stay in your ROAMERICA Campervan: Camp along the Sea-to-Sky Highway for amazing mountain and ocean views and an unforgettable camping experience.

Take your time as you drive back south towards Portland to return your ROAMERICA campervan rental. Enjoy the drive along Sea-to-Sky Highway back to the border and stop at some of the other incredible Pacific Northwest destinations along the way.

Check out some other PNW adventures!