Before the Interstate Highway System carved its wide lanes across the country, the Historic Columbia River Highway in northern Oregon took travelers past some of the most breathtaking, serene, and magnificent sights the Columbia River Gorge had to offer. The Gorge, an 80-mile long, over 700-foot deep playground for windsurfers, white-water rafters, and hikers from all over the world, also happens to be one of the nation’s premier road biking destinations.
“The Gateway to the Columbia River Gorge” is Troutdale, Oregon, where you can stock up on food and supplies for the journey ahead. Climb eight gradual miles to see one of the most spectacular views in the world from Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Even though this view of Crown Point is the most photographed view of the Gorge, cameras simply don't do justice to this show-stopping panorama of the mighty Columbia, reaching towards infinity in both directions. As you pedal around Crown Point, admire the Vista House, a sandstone and marble memorial to Oregon pioneers built on a sheer 733-foot cliff. You can shop at the gift shop, get some snacks at the small espresso shop, and refresh yourself at the restrooms of this historic comfort station before riding further east down the Figure Eight Loops.
Flowers Below Multnomah Falls (OR) [3]
Because this highway was built to showcase the wonder of nature, you’ll pedal past refreshing waterfalls and misty glades full of trees and wildflowers every few miles. Stop to enjoy the cool serenity of Latourell Falls, Shepperd’s Dell, Bridal Veil Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Oneonta Gorge, and Horsetail Falls before joining the bustling Interstate. At the popular tourist site of Multnomah Falls between Wahkeena Falls and Oneonta Gorge, pick up information, a souvenir, or a bite to eat at the Multnomah Falls Lodge.
Because much of the highway was abandoned or is no longer passable, parts of it have been restored as bike and pedestrian paths only. At Warrendale, you’ll have to ride the shoulder of I-84 for a few miles before reaching the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail at Exit 40. Stay safely south of the Interstate and share the restored road with hikers, other bikers, and folks on scooters and in wheelchairs in order to avoid I-84's Toothrock Tunnel, which is dangerous for bikers because it has no shoulder. After approximately eight miles, you can pitch your tent at the bike-friendly Eagle Creek Recreation Area. The stairway near the recreation area even has a narrow groove specially designed for pushing your bike smoothly up or down the stairs. To spend the night indoors, ride five miles further down the road and pass under the Bridge of the Gods to the friendly community of Cascade Locks.
After resting in Cascade Locks, take Herman Creek Road less than 10 miles east to the Wyeth State Recreation Area. From there, you'll have to join the Interstate once more for approximately 10 miles to reach Hood River, the windsurfing capital of the world. Here you’ll find food, lodging, information, and places for bike repairs, as well as the eastern end of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway. Return to Troutdale on this 105-mile byway around the volcanic peak, or climb up the Hood River Loops to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead to continue east along the restored sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Ride the same route as the annual Mount Hood Cycling Classic in May, an epic cycling race for professionals and amateurs all over the country, along the next section of the restored byway through the Mosier Twin Tunnels. Stop at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint, the byway's eastern equivalent of Crown Point. Amid the striking difference in terrain and vegetation, let the wide expanse of the eastern Columbia boggle your mind before you coast down the Rowena Loops and continue on toward The Dalles.
The Dalles, a small city that is known as the historic end of the Oregon Trail, also happens to be the end of the 70-mile Historic Columbia River Highway. This could be the end of your own biking trail, or one more place to eat, rest, and repair your bike for the return journey down the other side of the Columbia River Gorge on Washington's Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway. However you choose to experience the Historic Columbia River Highway in Oregon, you'll find a new perspective on nature, history, and the sport of road biking.
