Walla Walla Cycling & Mountain Biking

Beloved for the rural farm roads that meander through rolling wheat fields, Walla Walla is celebrated as one of Washington’s top road cycling destinations. Cycling in Walla Walla offers terrain for any skill level. The nearby Blue Mountains offer experienced riders steep climbs and sharp turns to attack. The flatlands and paved trails that run through Walla Walla’s historic neighborhoods and farmlands offer a leisurely cruise.

And every spring, cycling enthusiasts flock to Walla Walla for the Tour of Walla Walla. The race is organized each year by Allegro Cyclery owners Michael and Kathryn Austin. More recently, the Walla Walla Noon Rotary and Visit Walla Walla, along with an army of local volunteers, joined forces with the Austins to help enhance this exciting community-wide event, promote a healthy lifestyle, and welcome a range of visitors who will enjoy all Walla Walla has to offer.

The Tour of Walla Walla takes place over three days in the spring; for 2022, the race will be held June 3-5. The Tour of Walla Walla consists of four stages. There are two Road Races and a Time Trial, which take place north of Waitsburg. The Criterium takes place in downtown Walla Walla. Walla Walla destination lodging partners, local shops, wineries and breweries, bakeries and eateries all open their doors (and patios, weather-permitting) to the cyclists and cycling community who travel from all around the nation to participate and spectate.

Where to Stay

Walla Walla has a wealth of lodging options near downtown Walla Walla perfect for cyclists and race spectators alike. If you’re interested in staying in the heart of downtown Walla Walla, consider the FINCH Walla Walla. Their location is ideal for Tour of Walla Walla race-goers and cyclists, but it is the team of recreation-lovers, wine aficionados, and foodies eager to share their knowledge of the valley that really sets a stay at the FINCH apart. And if you came to make new friends, the oversized sitting areas, outdoor wood-burning fireplace, and open-air courtyard provide common areas to meet other cycling enthusiasts during your visit. After all, it’s often the friendships you leave with that truly make a getaway memorable.

The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center is a Walla Walla mainstay within walking distance of downtown. Fewer than five minutes of easy cycling will get you to the Courtyard by Marriott or budget-conscientious Quality Inn & Suites.

Pre-ride Fuel

Race day fuel is important, whether you’re competing for primes (pronounced preems) or watching from a welcoming patio on the route. So start your day with breakfast at Maple Counter Cafe on Alder Street. Third-generation restauranteurs Kory & Rachel Nagler treat customers like family. Inspired by his parents’ restaurant, The Oak Table Café in Sequim, WA, Kory’s commitment to quality and exceptional customer service is evident in everything from the seasonal specials to the smiles on the faces of the staff and the whimsical décor.

Locals tip: do not leave without having a pancake, because there’s something truly special about pancakes at Maple Counter Cafe. All of their batters come from a sourdough barrel; this old-fashioned process of nurturing yeast makes the Maple Counter Cafe pancakes light, fluffy, one might even say otherworldly. Any omelet or scramble on the menu comes with three of these works of art, so you don’t have to go strictly pancakes on your pre-race breakfast! Spectators, feel free to indulge in an Irish coffee, topped with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles for a touch of whimsy.

Watching the Tour of Walla Walla

Downtown Walla Walla has a host of fantastic outdoor patios from which to take in the Tour of Walla Walla Criterium. Grab a table in the Plaza on 1st for views of both the Main Street and Alder St. racers. This new installment of downtown outdoor seating is set up with tables with umbrellas as well as larger tents for coverage from the June sunshine, and is a great place to post up with a picnic. You can also get a delicious meal from Sweet Basil Pizzeria, Yamas Greek Eatery, or the Wiener & Bun hotdog window, all of which are located in the Plaza on 1st.

The Tour of Walla Walla Criterium Route

Of course, there’s the actual race for cyclists to enjoy. Historic downtown Walla Walla is the perfect “cityscape” for a road race, with a route that has cyclists starting and finishing at the beautiful Heritage Square Park, across Mill Creek, and past a host of local businesses. Many downtown merchants open their doors to offer race-day specials for shoppers and spectators and donate primes for race participants who don’t win the cash but still deserve to take a piece of Walla Walla home for their efforts.

The Tour of Walla Walla downtown route finish line: Public House 124

The Tour of Walla Walla Criterium route has cyclists crossing the finish line near a local favorite watering hole: Public House 124. Owners Jim Sanders, Matthew Price-Huntington, & their Crew, create some of the most captivating food and beverage in downtown Walla Walla. Public House 124 is the ultimate destination for a post-race celebratory experience.

Adventurous cyclists should order an “Audible 124.” This special menu offering allows the bartender on staff to literally call an audible and go off-menu to create a custom cocktail featuring the spirit of the spent cyclist’s choice.

Seasonal ingredients and local produce always play a starring role at Public House 124, from the beverages to their ever-changing chef-inspired menu. If you’re craving some post-race carbs, the truffle fries are a sure hit!

While the Tour of Walla Walla is one of many excellent excuses to visit Walla Walla in the early spring, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy our beautiful views and quiet country roads nearly year-round. Whether you’re a racer, an enthusiast looking to explore new roads, or you simply kick the white-walled tires of a beach cruiser on sunny days, Walla Walla’s roads (and accompanying small-town charm and hospitality) await.