Washington · Mountain biking

Gunpowder Ridge

0.8 mi
round trip
422 ft
climb
Singletrack
surface
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct
best months

Gunpowder Ridge is a short, moderate mountain biking route in Hells Gate State Park in Washington, managed by State Park and Recreation. The ride is an out-and-back of about 1.7 miles, with a total elevation gain of 422 feet. The high point is 966 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.74 miles, with a 10% grade. The route starts near 962 feet and reaches 966 feet before turning back. The climb is short enough to fit into a longer day on the park's network of trails, and the trail is close to several other mountain biking routes. Dogs are allowed. For comfortable weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Lewiston, Idaho, show May highs around 72°F and September highs around 79°F, while July and August average about 90°F. Old Billy and Griffin's Cutoff both sit about 0.1 mile away, and Sundown Cutoff is about 0.2 mile off. The Hells Gate climbing area is about 0.9 mile away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct

    Best time to visit Gunpowder Ridge

    Best months: March–June and September–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 30°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 32°

      10 wet

    3. Mar

      55° / 36°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      62° / 41°

      11 wet

    5. May

      72° / 48°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      79° / 54°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      91° / 61°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      90° / 60°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 52°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      63° / 42°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 34°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      41° / 29°

      11 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Lewiston Nez Perce Co Ap, ID, 2.2 mi away at 1,436 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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