Walla Walla and Baker City Deluxe Tour–September 25-October 7, 2016

We had it all in our thirteen day tour in Walla Walla, Dayton, and Baker City– beautiful and challenging rides in the farmlands, wheat fields, and small towns; great historic hotels for lodging; wonderful group meals; sightseeing; hiking; and the camaraderie of fellow cyclists. Throw in some great weather and one could not have asked for more.

For more photos go to link: https://goo.gl/photos/rYzkZHfnFmdSZRpk9

Following is a brief description of our rides and activities:

Day 1–Meet at the lovely Marcus Whitman Hotel (MWH) for an orientation and introductions. Walla Walla is a small college town with a revitalized downtown and multiple wine shops.

Day 2–A ride through the golden wheat fields to the small town of Waitsburg for lunch. Who can forget the climb up Middle Waitsburg hill on the return to Walla Walla? Group dinner at the elegant MWH.

Day 3–A short ride to the south of Walla Walla through Stateline (border of WA/OR) passing through neighborhoods and farmlands. Group lunch (wonderful soups) at the Whoop em up Cafe in Walla Walla.

Day 4–More great cycling and a longer ride to the town of Weston OR (population <1000) with a stop at Petit Noir chocolates in Milton Freewater and lunch in Weston.

Day 5–A ride to the Whitman Mission with an orientation film and excellent presentation from the NP Ranger. Group dinner at the Shiki Hibachi.

Day 6–Ride through wheat fields to Dayton, historic town with a majestic courthouse and beautiful old homes. We stayed at the Weinhard Hotel (1880’s) and ate dinnner at Patit Creek, a five star restaurant.

Day 7–Free day in Dayton. Options–bike rides, historic homes tour, museums, art walk, more great dining.

Day 8–Another beautiful ride in gorgeous weather back to Walla Walla. Some of us were becoming up close and personal with goatheads which resulted in several flats. Then a ride by car to the town of Baker City, OR where we stayed at the Geiser Grand, another historic hotel from the 1890’s.

Day 9–Hike in the Elkhorn Mountains (west of the city) along the granite spine of the ridge. Beautiful views in all directions. Then a tour of and group dinner at the Grand Geiser .

Day 10–Only one flat on this day (goathead) but gravel roads made this day’s ride in eastern Oregon’s sagebrush country memorable. We stopped at the the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center for a short talk and interesting film about the pioneers and their 2000 mile trek west. Back at the hotel we had a Mixology class where we all made (and drank) SideCars. 

Day 11–Group breakfast at the hotel. Then a variety of activities–walking tour of town, hiking and more sightseeing at the OR Trail Center, rest day for some, shopping for others.

Day 12–Final ride (flat!!) through the town of Haines and the farmlands and small towns west of Baker City which abut the Elkhorn mountains. Interesting contrast to the sagebrush ride east of the town two days previous. Final dinner at Barley Brown’s Brew Pub.

Day 13–Check out, final good byes, and head for home.

A big thank you to Robin and Dan for a well organized, busy and packed twelve days of cycling, eating, and sightseeing. A wonderful time was had by all.

Photos credit:  George Zorn      Written by Elaine Carpenter