Biking

Biking in Union County

Union County is a rider’s paradise with options for every level of adventure. Cruise the Grande Ronde Scenic Bikeway, a 134-mile loop through sweeping valleys and rugged landscapes, or take your ride off-road on the mountain biking trails at Mt. Emily. For family-friendly fun and skill-building, the pump track at Pioneer Park in La Grande is a local favorite. Whether you’re chasing miles, chasing thrills, or just chasing sunshine, Union County has the ride for you.

The Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway

Follow historic pioneer routes on a scenic figure-eight loop surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

The Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway is a 134-mile figure-eight route through Eastern Oregon, combining sweeping mountain views, open rangelands, and charming small towns. Following portions of the historic Oregon Trail, the ride takes cyclists past sagebrush plains, pine forests, clear streams, and farmland, with opportunities to spot elk, eagles, and pronghorn. Highlights include Union’s historic hotel, Catherine Creek State Park, Baker City’s vibrant downtown, and the artistic community of Joseph. Starting in La Grande, riders can enjoy a challenging full loop or divide the trip into leisurely segments, with plenty of services, dining, and lodging along the way.

Find more information at: TravelOregon.com

The Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway

Mt. Emily Recreational Area

Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA)

The Mt. Emily Recreation Area (MERA) sits in the Blue Mountains of Northeast Oregon, just off I-84 near La Grande in the heart of the Grande Ronde Valley. La Grande, the county seat of Union County, offers full services for visitors.

Created in 2008 through grants from the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department ATV Program and the Blue Mountain Habitat Restoration Program, MERA was designed to balance natural resource stewardship with outdoor recreation. Today, it serves as a hub for multi-use trails, education, and year-round recreation for both locals and visitors.

MERA is managed by the Union County Parks Department with guidance from the MERA Advisory Committee, alongside the support of community partners and dedicated volunteers. We invite you to explore, play, and discover all that MERA has to offer.

Find information at: meetmera.org

View brochure here.

La Grande Pump Track

The asphalt pump track, located next to the La Grande Skatepark in Pioneer Park, is now open and ready for riders of all ages and skill levels. Designed with smooth banked turns and rolling terrain, the track provides a safe and fun environment for a variety of recreational activities, including:

Cycling
Skateboarding
Rollerblading
Roller-skating
Scootering

Whether you’re looking to practice skills, get active, or enjoy some outdoor fun, the La Grande Pump Track is the perfect destination in Pioneer Park.

photo by:

@shire.built

Riding Clubs

Blue Mountain Single Tracks Trail Club

The Blue Mountain Singletrack Trails Club supports a thriving outdoor community in Northeastern Oregon by building and maintaining sustainable singletrack trails. The club serves as a strong voice for trails, public lands, and policies that welcome bicycles, while also advocating for mountain bike access and acceptance nationwide.

Their efforts include constructing and maintaining trails and bike facilities, teaching environmentally responsible trail building and etiquette, and inspiring more people to explore the outdoors by bike. They also equip cyclists with the knowledge and tools to strengthen mountain biking at the local level.

Local groups like the Blue Mountain Singletrack Trails Club are behind the trails, rides, festivals, and volunteer opportunities that make the region’s biking culture possible. Membership is vital to sustaining this work, amplifying the collective voice of mountain bikers, and keeping Northeastern Oregon a great place to live, ride, and explore.

Find more information at: bluemountainstc.org

Grande Ronde Gravity

Grande Ronde Gravity (GRG) is a community of local riders and trail builders working to expand opportunities for downhill mountain biking and BMX in Eastern Oregon. Committed to building sustainable, well-crafted trails and being responsible stewards of the land, GRG also focuses on creating a welcoming, supportive community around the sport.

At the heart of GRG’s mission is the belief in belonging. Mountain biking can be an exclusive sport with economic and social barriers, and GRG strives to break those down. Through grants and donations, the organization provides youth with access to quality, reliable mountain bikes at little to no cost. Similar programs for adults ensure riders are equipped with safe, terrain-appropriate bikes.

GRG fosters community through group rides, instructional sessions, races, and free shuttle days, giving both new and experienced riders opportunities to connect, learn, and grow their passion for mountain biking. By lowering barriers and cultivating camaraderie, Grande Ronde Gravity is helping more people experience the joy of riding local trails.