The best cycling routes around Damascus

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle adventure along the Barton County Park to Milo McIver State Park gravel loop. This route spans 26.9 miles (43.2 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 1173 feet (358 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 52 minutes to complete. You will cycle through the scenic Oregon landscape, following the Clackamas River and exploring Milo McIver State Park. Expect a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, winding past lush green forests, open meadows, and impressive Douglas Firs. Keep an eye out for eagles and osprey, especially as you pass Bonnie Lure State Park, adding to the natural charm of your ride.

You can begin your touring bicycle journey from either Barton Park or Milo McIver State Park, both offering convenient parking options. These parks also provide useful amenities such as camping facilities, hot showers, and toilets, making them ideal starting or resting points. Be prepared for varied terrain, as the route includes significant sections of asphalt, paved, and unpaved paths. Ensure your bicycle is suitable for gravel surfaces to comfortably navigate the entire loop.

This route highlights the natural beauty of the Clackamas River corridor, offering extensive access to the river itself. The varied terrain, from paved roads to challenging gravel segments, ensures a dynamic experience for cyclists with good fitness. You will encounter towering Douglas Firs and have opportunities for scenic views, particularly from the Milo McIver State Park Viewpoint. The presence of wildlife like eagles and osprey near Bonnie Lure State Park adds to the unique appeal of this Oregon cycling loop.

Embark on the Springwater and Gresham-Fairview Trail Loop for a moderate touring cycling adventure that spans 31.1 miles (50.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1008 feet (307 metres), typically completed in about 3 hours. This route offers a dynamic blend of urban pathways and serene natural areas, allowing you to cycle past wetlands and agricultural fields. You'll enjoy views of the Willamette River and cross Johnson Creek, with glimpses of Mt. Hood and Mt. St. Helens on clear days, culminating in the impressive bridge over Powell Boulevard.

When planning your ride, you'll find the trails are mostly paved and generally flat, making them accessible for many cyclists. While much of the journey is car-free, be mindful of several at-grade crossings with busy streets, especially on the Gresham-Fairview Trail; these intersections are often equipped with marked crosswalks and flashing yellow lights for your safety. Parking is conveniently available at various access points along the route, making it easy to start your touring bicycle experience.

This loop is notable for its successful integration of urban infrastructure with significant natural features, showcasing Portland's commitment to green spaces. It provides a unique opportunity to experience Johnson Creek, one of the city's last free-flowing urban streams, as you pedal through diverse environments. The combination of residential areas, agricultural landscapes, and river views makes this trail a distinctive regional highlight for touring cyclists.

The Cazadero Trail offers a delightful, easy touring cycling experience, winding through peaceful wooded areas and following Deep Creek in a forested ravine. This 6.6-mile (10.6 km) route features a gentle 256 feet (78 metres) of elevation gain, making it perfect for a relaxed 57-minute ride. You'll encounter lush woodlands, moss, ferns, and cedar trees, enjoying the natural features near Cazadero bike trails without strenuous effort.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is publicly accessible with no permits or fees. Parking is available at various access points, though you should be aware that the Cazadero Trail currently has disconnected segments, requiring you to use roads to connect them. Spring and fall are ideal for cycling, offering comfortable weather and vibrant scenery, with the tree cover providing good shade in warmer months.

This trail's heritage as a former electric interurban railroad corridor ensures its gentle, almost flat grade, making it highly accessible. It also serves as a key extension of the regional Springwater Corridor, with future plans to connect it further south towards Estacada and potentially even Mount Hood, expanding the network of Cazadero Trail points of interest for cyclists.