The best cycling routes in Skamania County

If you're seeking a touring cycling adventure that combines stunning natural beauty with a challenging ride, the Historic Columbia River Highway and Memaloose Hills Loop delivers. This difficult 21.2-mile (34.1 km) route features 1957 feet (597 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 20 minutes. You'll traverse paved, car-free sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway, offering continuous views of the Columbia River Gorge, before transitioning to the rolling oak forests of the Memaloose Hills, where spring wildflowers create a spectacular display. Keep an eye out for the historic Twin Tunnels and expansive vistas from Memaloose Lookout.

For the best experience, consider riding in March or April to witness the Memaloose Hills in full bloom with yellow balsamroot, purple lupine, and red paintbrush. While the Historic Columbia River Highway sections are generally smooth, be prepared for potentially unpaved, steep, and slick terrain if you venture into the Memaloose Hills, which might require dismounting and pushing your bike. The route's overall difficulty means it's best suited for experienced touring cyclists looking for a substantial workout.

This loop offers a unique blend of history and natural wonder, following portions of the original Historic Columbia River Highway, an early 20th-century engineering marvel. You'll encounter restored bridges, tunnels, and masonry walls, providing a tangible connection to the past. The foresight of the highway's designers created gentle grades that make for a more manageable cycling experience, despite the significant elevation gain, and access to local amenities like wineries and breweries near Mosier adds to the appeal.

Embark on a delightful touring bicycle ride through the Hood River Valley, where you'll encounter picturesque views of rolling vineyards and patchwork-patterned orchards. This moderate 15.7-mile (25.3 km) loop, with 1324 feet (404 metres) of elevation gain, offers stunning vistas of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge, with Mt. Adams visible in the distance. Expect a journey through agricultural richness, making it one of the best touring cycling loops Oregon Columbia River Gorge has to offer.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with the route being particularly vibrant in summer and autumn when the orchards are in full swing. The terrain consists of mostly paved, level roads with some slight ascents, making it accessible for many cyclists. While a standard bicycle is fine, an e-bike can make the climbs even more effortless, allowing you to fully enjoy the scenery and stops like The Gorge White House. This route is beginner friendly, but a good level of fitness helps if you're not using an e-bike.

The Hood River area boasts a rich farming and orchardist history dating back to the 1850s, now complemented by a significant wine scene. The Gorge White House, a historic family farm, is a highlight, offering local cider and wine. This loop is part of the broader Fruit Loop, which includes numerous farms, U-pick markets, wineries, and breweries, providing ample opportunities to sample the region's renowned produce and beverages.

If you're looking for one of the best bike trails in the Columbia River Gorge, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail delivers a unique touring bicycle experience. This difficult route spans 23.6 miles (38.1 km) with a substantial 2526 feet (770 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes to complete. You'll ride through lush, waterfall-laced forests in the west, transitioning to semi-arid landscapes with basalt cliffs and ponderosa pines further east, all while enjoying constant Columbia River Gorge views.

Planning your ride requires some attention, as the trail consists of disconnected paved segments. This means you might share the road with cars on certain sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway. You'll find convenient access to state parks, trailheads with parking, restrooms, and water refill stations along the way, with towns like Mosier and Hood River offering additional amenities for cyclists.

This trail is a journey through history, repurposing portions of the first major paved highway in the Pacific Northwest. It's renowned for its car-free sections, historic stonework, bridges, and tunnels, including the famous Mosier Twin Tunnels and the recently opened Mitchell Point Tunnel. The route was originally designed to showcase the

Pedal through a slice of history on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, where the Columbia River Gorge unfolds with dramatic cliffs and lush forests. This easy touring cycling route offers a quick, scenic escape, taking you past stunning features like Starvation Creek State Park. You'll enjoy well-paved surfaces and panoramic views of the Columbia River, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking natural beauty and historical context.

This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) segment involves 474 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 27 minutes. While this section is straightforward, the broader Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is made up of several disconnected parts. Some segments may require navigating shared roads or encountering unpaved sections, so it's wise to plan your route carefully if you intend to link multiple sections.

The Historic Columbia River Highway is renowned as the first scenic highway in the United States, an engineering marvel nicknamed the "King of Roads." Cycling here offers a unique chance to experience this legacy firsthand, with car-free sections providing a serene journey through one of Oregon's most iconic landscapes. It's a fantastic option for a short, accessible ride with a rich historical backdrop.

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail offers a delightful touring cycling experience through the stunning Columbia River Gorge. You'll glide past panoramic vistas of the majestic Columbia River, with iconic cliffs rising around you. Keep an eye out for the impressive View of the Bridge of the Gods, a true highlight, and enjoy the blend of natural beauty and historical engineering along the route. This segment is a perfect easy ride for those seeking scenic beauty without a strenuous workout.

This 7.9-mile (12.7 km) route is rated easy, with a gentle 305 feet (93 metres) of elevation gain, and typically takes about 46 minutes to complete. It's an ideal choice for families or casual riders looking for a relaxed outing. While this section is car-free, be aware that the larger Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail system has segments where you might share the road with cars or encounter temporary closures for ongoing repairs. E-bikes are permitted, offering flexibility for longer explorations.

What makes this trail truly special is its connection to the nation's oldest scenic highway, completed in 1922. You'll encounter restored historic bridges, tunnels, and beautifully arched rock masonry walls, showcasing an engineering marvel of its time. The trail provides access to numerous waterfalls and historic sites, making it a journey through both natural splendor and significant history. It's a unique opportunity to cycle a piece of Oregon's heritage.

The Hood River Historic Highway and Post Canyon Loop offers a dynamic cycling experience, blending the historical charm of America's first scenic highway with the varied terrain near the renowned Post Canyon mountain biking area. You'll pedal through shaded fir forests, past drier ponderosa pines, and enjoy stunning vistas of the Columbia River, especially from the unique windows of the Mosier Twin Tunnels. This route provides a good workout with its 1165 feet (355 metres) of elevation gain, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking diverse scenery.

This moderate 13.3-mile (21.4 km) touring bicycle route typically takes about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete. Parking is readily available in Hood River, serving as a convenient starting point. While the Historic Highway sections are generally gentle, be prepared for more challenging climbs as the route approaches the Post Canyon area. Spring and early summer are excellent times to visit, offering pleasant weather and vibrant wildflowers along the way.

The Historic Columbia River Highway is an engineering marvel, designed with conservative grades to make it accessible, and its car-free sections provide a safe and immersive cycling environment. The route's proximity to the Post Canyon network, known as one of the Pacific Northwest's premier mountain biking destinations, adds an adventurous edge. This combination makes it one of the popular bike trails in Hood River, Oregon, offering both historical significance and natural beauty.

This touring cycling route offers a delightful journey through the Columbia River Gorge, primarily along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. You'll pedal past dramatic basalt cliffs, through sections of old-growth forest, and alongside several stunning waterfalls like Starvation Creek Falls and Lancaster Falls. The highlight for many is crossing the 500-foot Summit Creek Viaduct, which provides expansive views of the river and the Washington side of the Gorge, making for a truly immersive experience.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is well-suited for touring bikes with its mostly paved surfaces. You can start from either Viento State Park or Starvation Creek State Park, both offering convenient parking and restroom facilities. While the 12.4-mile (19.9 km) loop is rated moderate with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain, it's generally manageable in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with some gradual uphill sections balanced by flatter or downhill stretches. E-bikes are welcome here.

This route is a significant part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, renowned for its historical importance and design that maximizes views of the Gorge's natural beauty. It's an excellent option for those seeking a family-friendly bike trail or a beginner cycling route near Viento State Park and Starvation Creek, offering a rewarding experience without the intensity of mountain biking. The trail's focus on scenic overlooks and waterfalls makes it a standout among Columbia River Gorge touring cycling options.

This touring cycling loop offers a delightful journey through the Columbia River Gorge, showcasing its iconic basalt cliffs and lush old-growth forests. You'll pedal along mostly well-paved surfaces, enjoying constant views of the Columbia River and passing several beautiful waterfalls, including the unique Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. It's a moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) ride with a gentle 861 feet (263 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy road ride that takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Starting from Wyeth State Recreation Area, this route is easily accessible with good parking facilities. The trail is suitable for all touring bicycles, including e-bikes, and is generally best enjoyed during the warmer, drier seasons for optimal conditions and views. Always remember that this is a cycling route on paved trails; the actual Mount Defiance hiking trails are rugged and not bike-friendly.

This loop utilizes sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, America's first scenic highway, imbuing your ride with a sense of history. It effectively connects several state parks, allowing you to experience multiple points of interest and intimate views of the Gorge's dramatic landscapes. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a scenic, relatively flat ride rather than a strenuous climb.