Suggestions for early-October bike tour?

[karatechop]

I'm looking for suggestions for a good spot to bike tour during the first two weeks of October.

I'll be in southeastern WA at the end of September, then have two weeks budgeted for a bike tour. We'll have car + bikes, so we do not need to start our tour from WA.

We originally planned to ride the western half of the Washington Parks loop, but that's before our tour got pushed back to October. Our main concern about WA Parks in October is the possibility of snow in mountain passes. My second concern is that it will be 35-40 degrees and rainy - not exactly my preferred riding conditions on a vacation! Are these concerns misguided?

We're looking for somewhere scenic with possibilities for a few good day hikes or paddles. We don't mind cooler weather (we're from Minnesota), but would prefer to avoid cold rain and snow. One idea we had is the Utah Cliffs route. Any other suggestions for tours in the Western US? Thanks!

[aggie]

If you want some off road the Utah Cliffs loop is a great ride.  If you want to do all road riding you can make a loop that encompasses Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks.  You may even be able to get in Canyonlands and Moab.  Other than a lot of chipseal the roads are pretty good.  I did a loop like this several years ago and it was awesome.

[jim623mo]

Friends in recreation planning tell me that the Katy Trail in Missouri is at its best in October.  http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

[paddleboy17]

Friends in recreation planning tell me that the Katy Trail in Missouri is at its best in October.  http://mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park

I rode the Katy some years back in late October.  As I recall the camping was soggy in spots, and trail side services closed October 31st.  It was a good ride, and my buddies and I had a good time.  I can post links to a CGOAB blog if you want to see pictures from my trip.  The Katy is ~225 miles long, so may be not long enough if want to devote 2 weeks to it.