{"id":567,"date":"2015-05-05T02:15:59","date_gmt":"2015-05-05T09:15:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/?p=567"},"modified":"2015-04-30T18:28:35","modified_gmt":"2015-05-01T01:28:35","slug":"grande-tour-scenic-bikeway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/featured\/grande-tour-scenic-bikeway\/","title":{"rendered":"Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Catherine<\/a>

Catherine Creek State Park on the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway. Oregon State Parks Photo.<\/p><\/div>\n

The State of Oregon has developed another national first in the form of\u00a0series of scenic bikeways<\/a> (12 to date) that will entice you to get off the main highway and explore great vistas around the state. \u00a0One of the state bikeways is the Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway in the Grande Ronde Valley in the northeast part of the state.<\/p>\n

\"Grande<\/a><\/p>\n

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The valley 35 miles long (north to south) and 15 miles wide (east to west) and is bordered by the Blue Mountains (Elkhart Range) to the west and the Wallawa Mountains (Eagle Cap Range) to the east. \u00a0Much of the route is flat although there are some good climbs between the flat sections. \u00a0Elevations range from 2,685 feet to 4,157 feet.<\/p>\n

As shown in the above map (click the map for a larger version), \u00a0the route makes a figure eight for a total length of 134 miles. \u00a0For the most part it sticks to little used roads where traffic will not be an issue. \u00a0It does pass through a couple of cities, La Grande (population 14,000) and Baker City (population 10,000 ) and both have bike shops if you need that sort of help. \u00a0Other small communities offer authentic country food and some amenities.<\/p>\n

The more energetic can make the trip in a day, but there are several parks and communities along the way that offer various sorts of accommodations for those that want to explore. \u00a0One approach would be to spend the night in Union, make the north loop and stay in Union again. \u00a0Then bike to Baker City, spend the night there and return to Union to complete the trip. \u00a0Being a figure eight, \u00a0anyplace can be your starting and ending point.<\/p>\n

Whatever your interests, you’ll find something to compliment your bike ride along the way.<\/p>\n

More Information<\/h2>\n