Experience the best of the Gorge on two wheels
Driving through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area along I-84 or through Oregon forests surrounding Mt. Hood rightfully receives national attention for the experience delivered by viewing the awe-inspiring natural features. But biking is a perfect fit for those seeking to experience the natural beauty with the addition of an exhilarating aerobic experience. Fortunately, there are a seemingly endless number of trails for the cycling enthusiast, from paved paths along historic highways along the Columbia River Gorge to challenging mountain bike trails through the breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Northwest.
Road Biking
Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Those seeking to take in more of the Gorge than an automobile tour allows can bike the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Three separate segments along Highway 30 offer more than 12 paved miles without motorized vehicles. Bicyclists can tackle an extended trip by adding sections of Historic Columbia River Highway 30 from Troutdale to The Dalles to experience the entirety of the Gorge.
Wishing you could bike across the Gorge? That unique experience awaits on the eight-mile round trip Trail of the Gods ride between Cascade Locks in Oregon to Stevenson, Washington. The route is possible with the paved trail across the Bridge of the Gods spanning the Columbia River.
View the Gorge from the Washington side, with the bonus scenery of Mt. Adams with the Mt. Adam Country Bicycle Tour.
Twenty miles from Troutdale, the paved Cascading Rivers Scenic Byway runs 70 miles along the Breitenbush and Clackamas Rivers. Bicyclists can tackle the entire trip in one day or extend it to multiple days with the presence of many developed and undeveloped camping areas.
What could be better than biking all day, with a break for a wine tasting or picking the best produce at a fruit stand? The Hood River County Fruit Loop provides that opportunity nearly year-round. Bicyclists can tour more than 14,000 acres of fruit orchards along 35 miles of scenic country roads.
Mountain Biking
Cycling enthusiasts of all ages and abilities enjoy mountain biking at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale. Five miles of trails cross through the restored floodplain.
Just outside of Hood River is some of the best mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest at Post Canyon. Everyone from beginners seeking a gentle ride on calm, forested trails to the most experienced riders looking to perfect the perfect stunt along challenging terrain can find their “challenge” here.
When ski season closes, mountain bike season begins at the Timberline Bike Park. Ride the ski lifts up with your bike for an unforgettable thrill down the trails covering a wide variety of difficulties.
Mountain bikers are treated to direct views of Mt. Hood along the 24-mile Surveyor’s Ridge Trail. The intense beauty is matched by the extraordinary rises and falls along the many ridgelines.
The Oregon Timber Trail is 695 miles of mountain biking along Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. The 30-mile segment in the Gorge is a phenomenal singletrack trail offering the best combination of mountain biking and beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
Tours, Rentals and Events
Numerous vendors offer the Gorge bicycling experience for those without their own bikes or those who enjoy the local expert touch. From e-bikes to group tours, there’s something on two wheels for everyone to enjoy the Gorge!
E-Bike Tours & Rentals | Hood River | Columbia Gorge | Sol Rides | Oregon
Hood River Mountain Bike Adventures
Maps and Resources
Planning Tool – Columbia Gorge Car Free
Forest Service Mountain Biking
Travel Oregon - Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking - The Gorge is My Gym
