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Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon

Learn about Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon

If you’re looking for Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon, you’re in luck. Banks sits at the gateway to one of Oregon’s best rail-trails, plus forest singletrack and scenic road rides. This guide highlights the top routes, what to expect, and simple tips to make your ride easy and fun.

If you only ride one trail, make it the Banks–Vernonia State Trail: a smooth, car‑free path through forest with historic trestle bridges.

Quick Answer

Banks is a small town with big biking. Ride the paved, family‑friendly Banks–Vernonia State Trail (21 miles one way), the mountain bike trails at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, the Hagg Lake road loop, or nearby Tillamook State Forest singletrack. Expect easy parking, gentle grades on the rail‑trail, and busier weekends in summer.

What Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon Means

“Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon” covers three great styles of riding within 5–40 minutes of town:

• Paved rail‑trail (no cars)

  • Banks–Vernonia State Trail: 21 miles one way, paved and mostly flat. Trailheads at Banks, Manning, Buxton, Stub Stewart, and Vernonia. Highlights include the Buxton Trestle, shady forest, and frequent rest spots.
  • Best for: families, casual riders, e‑bikes (check posted rules), year‑round cruising.

• Mountain biking (singletrack)

  • L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (10–15 minutes north on OR‑47): a growing network of XC singletrack plus a small skills/freeride area. Trails range from green to black; surfaces can be slick in winter.
  • Tillamook State Forest (25–40 minutes west on OR‑6): classic Northwest trails like Gales Creek, Storey Burn, Wilson River, and Browns Camp. More technical; expect roots, rocks, and elevation.

• Scenic road riding

  • Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park): a rolling 10.3‑mile paved loop per lap around the lake, with short climbs and nice water views. Day‑use fee required.
  • Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway: a signed route tying together rural roads from Hillsboro to Banks and the Banks–Vernonia segment toward Vernonia. Make it as short or long as you like, up to about 50 miles with options.

Distances and bearings:

• Portland to Banks: ~26 miles, 35–45 minutes by car.
• Hillsboro to Banks: ~12 miles, 15–20 minutes.
• Forest Grove to Banks: ~9 miles, ~15 minutes.
• Banks to Stub Stewart: ~7–10 miles, ~10–15 minutes.
• Banks to Hagg Lake: ~17 miles, ~25–30 minutes.

What to Expect

• Surfaces

  • Banks–Vernonia: wide, paved, gentle grades (it’s a rail‑trail).
  • Stub Stewart MTB: forest singletrack; can be muddy in wet months.
  • Hagg Lake: paved road with a shoulder; rolling terrain.

• Crowds

  • Summer weekends are busiest on the rail‑trail and Hagg Lake. Early mornings or weekdays are quieter.

• Weather

  • Spring–Fall: prime riding. Summer afternoons can get warm; bring water.
  • Winter: expect rain, leaves, and slick spots; dirt trails may close or be muddy after storms.

• Wildlife and plants

  • Deer, birds, and occasional elk in forested areas. Watch for ticks and poison oak at lower elevations (especially near Hagg Lake).

• Cell service

  • Generally good in town; can be spotty in parts of Stub Stewart and Tillamook State Forest.

Best Trails Near Banks (Highlights)

• Banks–Vernonia State Trail

  • Start: Banks Trailhead (restrooms, parking).
  • Ride ideas: Banks to Buxton Trestle (9 miles round‑trip, easy), Banks to Stub Stewart Hilltop Day‑Use (approx. 14–16 miles round‑trip), or the full Banks–Vernonia one‑way (21 miles; shuttle or out‑and‑back).
  • Notes: Multiple trailheads; some within state parks may require a parking permit.

• L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (MTB)

  • For: Beginners to advanced riders.
  • Features: Signed MTB network, skills/freeride lines, forest scenery.
  • Tip: Trails dry out slower in winter; check conditions and ride dirt when it’s not saturated.

• Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park)

  • For: Fitness laps and scenery.
  • Route: 10.3‑mile loop per lap, rolling and fun.
  • Tip: Many ride clockwise for better sightlines and shoulder position. Day‑use fee required.

• Tillamook State Forest (Advanced MTB)

  • For: Technical singletrack and bigger climbs.
  • Popular zones: Gales Creek, Storey Burn, Wilson River, Browns Camp.
  • Tip: Rooty and slick when wet; pack tools, layers, and a map.

Tips for Visitors / Residents

• Parking

  • Banks–Vernonia: Banks Trailhead has a sizable lot and restrooms. Buxton, Manning, and Stub Stewart trailheads vary in size; some require an Oregon State Parks parking permit.
  • Hagg Lake: Pay the day‑use fee at the entrance.
  • Forest trailheads: Limited parking; arrive early on weekends.

• Gear

  • Bring water, snacks, a flat kit, and layers. Lights help on overcast days and in shaded forests.
  • Helmets recommended for all; required for kids under 16 in Oregon.

• E‑bikes

  • Class 1–2 e‑bikes are commonly allowed on the Banks–Vernonia Trail and many paved routes. Always check posted rules and mind speed limits and etiquette.

• Family‑friendly picks

  • Banks–Vernonia from Banks to Manning or Buxton is ideal. It’s flat, paved, and car‑free with plenty of places to stop.

• Food and services

  • Banks has coffee, convenience stores, and quick bites near the trailhead. More options in Forest Grove and Hillsboro. Vernonia has cafes near the far end of the trail.

• Transportation

  • Driving is simplest. There’s no direct light rail to Banks; regional transit options are limited on weekends.

Best Local Resources

• Oregon State Parks pages for:
  • Banks–Vernonia State Trail
  • L.L. Stub Stewart State Park
• Washington County Parks for Hagg Lake (Scoggins Valley Park) fees and hours.
• Oregon Scenic Bikeways for the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway map.
• Local ride maps on Ride with GPS or Trailforks (for MTB conditions).
• Washington County Visitors Association (Tualatin Valley) for seasonal updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bike Trails Near Banks Oregon

• How far is Banks from Portland?

  • About 26 miles west. Plan on 35–45 minutes by car in normal traffic.

• What time of year is best to ride?

  • April through October offers the best mix of dry pavement and open dirt. Winter is rideable on the rail‑trail, but expect rain and slippery leaves.

• Is the Banks–Vernonia Trail kid friendly?

  • Yes. It’s paved, mostly flat, and car‑free. Start at Banks, ride as far as the kids enjoy, then turn around.

• Is parking available?

  • Yes. Banks Trailhead has a large lot. Some other trailheads and parks require a day‑use parking permit or fee.

• Are e‑bikes allowed?

  • Typically Class 1–2 e‑bikes are allowed on the Banks–Vernonia Trail. Always check signs and current park rules.

• Are there restrooms and water?

  • Restrooms at Banks Trailhead and several other trailheads. Bring extra water, especially in summer.

Summary

Banks is a terrific hub for riding. The Banks–Vernonia State Trail delivers easy, scenic miles; Stub Stewart adds fun singletrack; Hagg Lake offers a rolling road loop; and the Tillamook State Forest brings technical MTB nearby. Plan your route, check parking and conditions, pack the basics, and enjoy the ride.