Columbia Plateau State Park Trail - Martin Road Trailhead — Attraction in Cheney

Bikepackers/Bicyclists—From Spokane to here is very rideable. I switched to farm roads heading West because the large rocks took too much effort on a loaded bike on a hot day. Also, the one water fountain on this trail was not working. I stopped in Cheney at the grocery store for more water. Amber lake was worth it for a quick swim. Turnbull Wildlife Refuge was enchanting, so many birds, butterflies and wildflowers! You can tent camp at Downs Lake for $25, they have cold drinks and snacks for...

Bike-packing from Seattle to Spokane, we hoped to ride this trail between Sprague and Cheney. After two miles we got off this trail. There was a track where the gravel was not too loose or deep, but it was a very very bumpy ride. Much bumpier than the gravel section of the Palouse to Cascades trail between Easton and Ellensburg. Our bikes are hybrids with fairly wide tires. Yes, it’s doable, but with so many good roads and courteous drivers, we much preferred to ride those, even though that...

My wife and I did an out-and-back from Cheney to Amber Lake (approx 24 mi. Total) and only encountered one other trail user. The trail surface is a little rough in parts, you’ll want at least a 2” tire to ride comfortably over all the crushed gravel and larger rock sections.

That said, the views of the wildlife refuge are beautiful and Amber Lake was a nice place to relax and have a snack before returning to the...