Things To Do on an eBike in Whitman County, WA
Whitman County's best everyday eBike ride is the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, a seven-mile paved path between Pullman and Moscow that allows Class 1 eBikes only. Farther north, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail crosses the county near Rosalia and Tekoa for longer gravel days.
This guide covers only routes in Whitman County. The Spokane River Centennial Trail, Appleway Trail, Columbia Plateau Trail and Ferry County Rail Trail listed on older versions of this page are outside Whitman County, so they are not included here.
Where to ride in Whitman County
Pullman riders use the Bill Chipman Trail. Longer rail-trail miles sit on the Palouse to Cascades corridor through Rosalia and Tekoa.
Named eBike routes and access checks
1. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail
Route: Whitman County Parks & Recreation manages the seven-mile paved Bill Chipman Palouse Trail connecting Pullman, WA, and Moscow, ID, along Paradise Creek and the Pullman-Moscow Highway. The path uses original railroad bridges and crosses the creek multiple times.
Access: Open dawn to dusk year-round. Speed limit 15 mph. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Pets must be leashed. No camping. The county facility page lists the trail contact address on Bishop Boulevard in Pullman.
eBike access: Whitman County's posted rules allow Class 1 eBikes only. Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes are not permitted. No motor vehicles and no equestrian use.
2. Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (Rosalia to Tekoa)
Route: Washington State Parks manages the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail on the old Milwaukee Road. The Palouse to Cascades Trail Coalition lists about 20.2 miles from Rosalia to Tekoa through Palouse farmland, with a town detour in Tekoa. Malden, west of Rosalia, has a rebuilt trailhead after the 2020 Babb Fire.
Access: Check current detours before you go. The coalition notes the trail is effectively closed between Texas Lake Road (east of Revere) and Malden because of private property and construction, and it posts detours. A Discover Pass is required for State Parks trailheads that charge for parking.
eBike access: The State Parks e-bike information sheet allows Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist eBikes on long-distance rail-trails, including Palouse to Cascades. Class 2 is not on that list.
Washington eBike rules
- Under RCW 46.61.710, Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes may use shared-use paths unless a local jurisdiction or state agency restricts them.
- On the Bill Chipman Trail, Whitman County's stricter Class 1-only rule controls.
- On Palouse to Cascades, follow State Parks Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist rules.
Half-day and full-day eBike plans
Half day: Ride the Bill Chipman Trail from Pullman toward the Idaho line and back on pavement, up to about 14 miles round trip. Stay on a Class 1 eBike.
Full day: Drive to Rosalia or Tekoa with lights and wide tires, then ride a section of Palouse to Cascades gravel after checking current detours and fire-related closures.
What not to ride
A Class 2 or Class 3 eBike on the Bill Chipman Trail. Whitman County allows Class 1 only.
Closed Palouse to Cascades segments without following detours. Private-property and construction closures east of Revere toward Malden are posted by the trail coalition.
When to ride Whitman County
Bill Chipman is open dawn to dusk. Only sections are plowed in winter, and the county warns the trail may be hazardous then. Palouse to Cascades summer hours start at 6:30 a.m. and winter hours at 8 a.m., both to dusk.
eBike shops and service
Pullman has three directory listings: B & L Bicycles at 219 E Main St, 3Forks Bike Shop at 330 N Grand Ave Suite G, and Mikes bikes on NE Maple St. Call ahead to confirm eBike sales or service. This update did not confirm eBike rentals in Whitman County.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail?
Seven miles paved between Pullman, WA, and Moscow, ID.
Are eBikes allowed on the Bill Chipman Trail?
Class 1 eBikes only, with a 15 mph speed limit. Class 2 and Class 3 are not permitted.
Are eBikes allowed on Palouse to Cascades in Whitman County?
Washington State Parks allows Class 1 and Class 3 pedal-assist eBikes on this long-distance trail. Check detours near Malden before you go.
Where do Pullman riders start?
Use the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. Whitman County Parks lists the facility on Bishop Boulevard in Pullman.
Can I rent an eBike in Whitman County?
This update did not confirm an eBike rental shop in Whitman County. Call B & L Bicycles or 3Forks Bike Shop in Pullman to ask.
Do I need a Discover Pass for Palouse to Cascades?
Yes for State Parks trailheads that charge for parking. The Bill Chipman Trail is a county facility and does not use a Discover Pass.
All eBike shops in Whitman County
See the Whitman County eBike shops page for the full directory, and our Washington eBike laws guide for state rules.