Side trip to Moscow, ID (Part 2): Cycling from Moscow to Pullman, WA on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail and Pullman Loop Trails

Contiguous to the Paradise Path and Latah Trails we documented in Part 1 of this post lies the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail.  This rail-trail runs west from Moscow, Idaho, where we stayed, mostly downhill to Pullman, Washington, home of Washington State University.  Another 10' wide, paved, and well-maintained trail, it was a joy to ride.  Despite running close to the highway, we really didn't notice traffic noise, just the rustling of the wind in the field crops.  And once in the city of Pullman, the Chipman Trail connects to other trails that loop around town. 

Here is the entrance to the trail in Moscow, close to our hotel (La Quinta -- a great place to stay for those wanting to ride the area trails). 

At the trailhead, there's an informational sign providing a trail map and telling more about the trail's namesake, Bill Chipman.  I was saddened to read in the first link above that Mr. Chipman died in a tragic car accident, same as my father.  The area citizens gave the trail his name to honor his memory.

One of the interesting sites along the Chipman trail just outside of Pullman is the unique Jorstad's homestead.  I am sure they are used to having cyclists stop and take photos, just like we did.  You just have to see it for yourself.

Upon arriving in Pullman, we were delighted to see that we could continue riding various trails looping around the city.  College towns are generally among the most bike-friendly, and Pullman was no exception.  We especially enjoyed checking out the community garden at historic Koppel Farm.  

Just look at this cute hand-painted sign!

Some garden plots are a weedy mess this late in the summer, but others are still looking good!

I LOVE Sunflowers. The flower of August!

We stopped to read this plaque to learn more about the history of the Koppel Farm, which was built around 1900.

Here's how the homestead is preserved today.  Charming!

Pedaling onto the Downtown Riverwalk, we checked out the old historic "Pufferbelly" train depot.

I love how all the Pullman trail signs are decorated with different colorful images

Pufferbelly Depot

Then we continued riding through town on the Grand Avenue Greenway.

By the time we reached the end of The Grand Avenue Greenway, we were getting hungry, so turned back towards downtown and looked for a spot to get a bite to eat.  There is yet another continuation of the loop trail that we didn't take, Terre View, which connects to the Arbor Link trail and finally back to the Chipman trail.  (See a full Pullman loop trail map here.)

Barry crossing the river into downtown Pullman

Conveniently located right over the bridge, we found this great little taco place, Taco Del Mar.  This would certainly do, especially since there was an outside seating area where we could keep our bikes with us.

My Baja fish tacos were delicious!

And Barry had no problem scarfing down this huge chicken and bean burrito (along with some of my beans and rice!)

We had a perfect view of this fantastic mural on the side of a coffee shop across the way.  

Once we'd gorged ourselves on delicious Mex food, it was time to head back uphill towards Moscow, after a couple more shots of the Riverwalk area.

But that's not all the fun we had in Pullman!  We had dinner in a very interesting spot, but I'll save that for another post.