Stretching over 7.8 miles, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail offers a practical yet invigorating biking experience that connects the college towns of Pullman, Washington, and Moscow, Idaho. The trail’s hard-packed crushed gravel path flows gently alongside the gentle crests of the Palouse hills, pushing riders forward through stretches of forest and open farmland where the wind dares you to keep pace.

Starting in Pullman, the trail threads its way eastward, descending lightly as you pedal toward Moscow. This mostly flat route has an elevation gain of around 250 feet, keeping the ride accessible to casual cyclists while offering enough rhythm to satisfy those seeking momentum and movement. Watch for the occasional curve where towering cottonwoods lean over the path, their leaves whispering stories of seasons past.

The trail’s surface is smooth and wide, tailored for a steady ride yet demanding enough to require a bike with decent tires—slicks won’t cut it on the gravel. Hydration is key; water fountains appear sporadically, so carrying a full bottle at the start is wise.

Those venturing here find the trail’s life feels fiercely itself, with the Palouse’s rolling fields stretching in bold waves, inviting you to match their steady pulse. Early morning or late afternoon rides reveal shifting light and long shadows, the sun casting sharp angles on rusted farm buildings and silos standing like old guardians.

On the practical side, parking is available near the trailheads, with facilities in both Pullman and Moscow. Timing your ride to avoid summer midday heat or chilly winter winds will make a huge difference. The trail runs year-round, but spring showers and autumn leaves demand extra care on traction.

In sum, biking the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is both an accessible surface-level ride and an opportunity to meet a landscape that challenges with subtle gradients and taunts with brief glimpses of open sky. It’s an ideal introduction to the Palouse for any adventurer who balances curiosity with preparation.