The best road cycling routes in Siuslaw National Forest

The North Jetty to South Jetty loop offers a captivating road cycling experience, guiding you through a rich tapestry of Oregon's coastal beauty. You'll start near the dramatic North Jetty and Heceta Beach, feeling the ocean spray, before transitioning to the calmer wetlands around the South Jetty. The route also immerses you in the unique landscape of the Oregon Dunes, the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, providing ever-changing vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially seabirds.

This moderate 24.3-mile (39.1 km) road cycling route, with 661 feet (202 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes. Florence is a bike-friendly town, offering convenient parking, particularly near the South Jetty. While mostly paved, some segments can be steep and curvy, so be aware of the terrain and traffic. The best time to visit is generally from late spring through early fall, though the coast offers charm year-round.

Beyond the natural wonders, the loop features the iconic Art Deco Siuslaw River Bridge, providing unique perspectives of the river and Old Town Florence. This route also connects with sections of the Oregon Coast Trail and Scenic Bikeway, offering options for longer adventures. It's a fantastic way to experience the diverse natural features and bike-friendly atmosphere of the Florence area.

The Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway offers a taste of the Pacific coastline's raw beauty, even on this easy 18.1 miles (29.2 km) road cycling route. You'll pedal past dramatic ocean views and impressive basalt sea stacks, with the sound of waves as your constant companion. The route, which takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes to complete, provides 868 feet (265 metres) of elevation gain, making it a manageable yet rewarding experience. Keep an eye out for the iconic Alsea Bay Bridge as you cruise along, enjoying the diverse coastal scenery.

This segment of the Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway is generally accessible, but remember you'll be sharing Highway 101 with vehicle traffic. Parking is typically available at state recreation sites along the route, such as Beachside State Recreation Site or Seal Rock State Recreation Site. While the full bikeway can be quite challenging with significant elevation gains and narrow shoulders, this particular section is rated easy, making it suitable for a relaxed ride. Consider visiting during milder weather for the most comfortable experience.

The Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway is part of a much larger, officially designated scenic bikeway system that spans approximately 370 miles along the entire Oregon coastline. This route is acclaimed as one of the most spectacular stretches of road in the United States, offering countless scenic vistas and revealing hidden gems. It's a unique program that provides official state-designated bike routes with maps and signage, highlighting the state's commitment to cycling tourism and showcasing its natural beauty.

The Oregon Coast Scenic Bikeway offers a rugged and rewarding road cycling experience, covering 15.0 miles (24.1 km) with 1830 feet (558 metres) of elevation gain. You'll ride through diverse scenery, from vast ocean views and dramatic basalt sea stacks to glimpses of inland lakes like Sutton Lake. Expect a moderate challenge that takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes, with varied terrain that includes both gentle and steep climbs, making it ideal for cyclists who appreciate a good workout alongside stunning coastal vistas.

When planning your ride, be mindful that while much of the route utilizes low-traffic roads, you may share lanes with vehicles on narrower bridges where shoulder widths vary. Strong, shifting ocean winds can also be a factor, especially in exposed areas. For the most comfortable experience, consider cycling during the late spring to early fall months to avoid the wettest and windiest conditions.

This route is part of Oregon's officially designated scenic bikeways, celebrated for its "only-in-Oregon" scenery that uniquely blends coastal and inland experiences. It connects riders to significant natural landmarks and offers a memorable blend of challenging cycling and unparalleled beauty. The bikeway is a fantastic way to experience the wild character of the Oregon coast.

This challenging road cycling route, the Winema Beach Viewpoint – Devil's Lake loop, offers an immersive tour of the Oregon Coast's dramatic scenery. You'll experience rugged coastlines, pass through the ecologically rich Cascade Head Scenic Research Area, and enjoy continuous picturesque views of Devil's Lake, which is often sheltered from coastal winds. The route also takes you past Winema Beach, where you can catch views of the Pacific Ocean and Nestucca Bay, with the possibility of exploring shoreline caves at low tide.

Be ready for a significant undertaking; this difficult route covers 128.6 miles (206.9 km) with 7540 feet (2298 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 9 hours and 44 minutes. Some sections may be unpaved, so a robust road bike or gravel bike is advisable. Plan your visit during favorable weather to best enjoy the extensive mileage and varied terrain.

Beyond the physical challenge, this loop highlights the diverse landscapes of the Oregon Coast, including a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Cascade Head. The route offers a comprehensive experience for advanced road cyclists, combining strenuous climbs with the reward of expansive ocean vistas and the unique, sheltered environment around Devil's Lake, home to the D River, often called the "World's Shortest River."

This challenging road cycling route takes you along the stunning Oregon Coast, offering a continuous blend of natural wonders and ocean views. Starting from Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, you'll pass iconic sandstone cliffs and Haystack Rock before tackling significant elevation changes, including 12% grades near Cape Meares. The 61.2-mile (98.4 km) loop with 4519 feet (1377 metres) of elevation gain is a difficult ride, typically taking around 4 hours and 48 minutes, best suited for cyclists with very good fitness.

Plan your visit by parking at Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. While most of the route is well-paved, be prepared for some unpaved or more difficult sections, especially on steeper climbs. The Three Capes Scenic Drive, which forms part of this loop, has seen recent paving improvements, but an older, car-free option exists near Cape Meares. Checking seasonal conditions is always wise for coastal rides.

The route is a highlight of the Three Capes Scenic Drive, connecting three prominent headlands: Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda. You'll enjoy panoramic vistas of the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside, and Maxwell Point, with opportunities to spot whales and seabirds. The Pelican Brewing Company in Pacific City offers a perfect spot for a pre-ride fuel-up or post-ride relaxation right on the beach.