The best road cycling routes in Clatsop County

Bradley State Scenic Viewpoint, also known as Bradley State Wayside, is a beautiful and historic park on Nicolai Ridge in Oregon's Clatsop Crest. This park holds a special place in Oregon's history as it was one of the first parcels of land to be donated as a park to the Oregon Highway Commission way back in 1922. The park boasts a variety of amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, a monument, and breathtaking views of the Columbia River, Puget Island, and Wauna, Oregon. It's the perfect spot for a picnic or a chance to get some fantastic photos, especially on a sunny day.

The lower Columbia River separating the states of Washington and Oregon is crossed by the Wahkiakum County ferry, the last regularly scheduled ferry connecting the two states, offering an excellent opportunity to reach the islands and explore the various cycling routes. The ferry runs hourly from 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. every day of the year, and when traveling with a bike, you will be charged the standard walk-on passenger fare plus a stowage surcharge of $1-4, depending on your route.

Jewell Meadows is a 3,000-acre wildlife area in Fishhook, Beneke, and Humbug Creek valleys, home to various animals, including black-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and a wide range of bird species. It is best known for its herd of 200 Roosevelt elk, which can be seen here year-round, especially in winter. It is a great place to stop and take some unforgettable photos of these magnificent animals.

If you are a beer enthusiast, Pelican Brewing Company is a must-stop. There are 20 taps to choose from year-round, including small-batch brews, a seasonal menu, and growlers to go. The small brewery is easily visible, and if you're interested, the staff can give you a personal tour.

This road is a fantastic route through beautiful valleys and untouched and heavily forested areas, all part of the natural beauty that makes up the Pacific Northwest. Far less busy than the coastal route, you'll have a much more peaceful ride here, with several places along the way to stop and enjoy the scenery. However, due to the narrowness of the shoulder, when traveling through the winding stretches of road, you'll need to be aware when you encounter car traffic.

The Astoria Victory Memorial, also known as The Soldier's Monument or Doughboy Monument, is a landmark dedicated in 1926 to honor the brave Clatsop County WWI veterans. A magnificent ten-foot bronze statue stands at the top of the monument, a smaller replica of the one titled “Over the Top at Cantigny” created by John Paulding. It is a cherished part of American history and has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The Skipanon River, a tributary of the Columbia River, is a serene and picturesque waterway that flows through the charming town of Warrenton, with a nice trail following both sides of the river. It is home to a diverse array of waterfowl, including graceful herons, egrets, geese, and several species of ducks. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a red-tailed hawk perched high above the river or witness a group of majestic elk grazing on the levees during the quiet hours of dusk and dawn.

This local brewery is the perfect destination to unwind after a long ride. There is a fantastic patio complete with fire pits and games, creating the ideal atmosphere to relax and enjoy a pint of their delicious beer, a juicy burger, and some of the best onion rings you'll find on the Oregon coast. You can also watch the process of beer-making in action. If you're in the mood for a picnic, you can always take your favorite ale to go in a crowler or a growler!