The best road cycling routes around Rowena
5.0
(2)
207
riders
6
rides
Road cycling around Rowena offers routes through the dramatic Columbia River Gorge, characterized by the winding Historic Columbia River Highway and its iconic Rowena Loops. The terrain includes varied elevations, from river-level paths to climbs offering panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding hills. This region provides a unique blend of geological features and natural landscapes for road cyclists.
Best road cycling routes around Rowena
- The most popular road cycling route is Old Highway 8 Loop, a 51.5 miles (82.9 km) trail that takes 3 hours 3 minutes to complete. This moderate route follows historic roadways with views of the surrounding landscape.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Memaloose Lookout – Twin Tunnels Trail loop from Chenowith, a difficult 46.9 miles (75.4 km) path. This route features significant elevation gain and passes through the scenic Twin Tunnels.
- Local road cyclists also love the Klickitat Park loop from Lyle, a 31.5 miles (50.7 km) trail leading through the Klickitat River area, often completed in about 2 hours 39 minutes.
- Road cycling around Rowena is defined by the Columbia River Gorge, historic highways, and varied hills. The network offers options for different ability levels.
- The routes in Rowena are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars from 1 review. More than 140 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Rowena's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
82.9km
03:04
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
74
riders
73.2km
03:59
1,140m
1,140m
The Memaloose Lookout – Twin Tunnels Trail loop from Chenowith offers a truly immersive road cycling experience through the Columbia River Gorge. You'll pedal past dramatic basalt cliffs and through diverse forests, with the highlight being the historic Mosier Twin Tunnels, where carved windows provide unique framed views of the river. The route then climbs towards Memaloose Lookout, rewarding your effort with expansive vistas of the Memaloose Hills and the surrounding landscape, particularly stunning during the spring wildflower bloom.
This is a challenging ride, covering 45.5 miles (73.2 km) with a significant 3730 feet (1137 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 59 minutes. You'll need very good fitness for this difficult loop. While specific parking at Chenowith Road isn't detailed, you can access the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which forms part of this route, from nearby towns like Mosier or Hood River. Plan to carry plenty of water, especially on warmer days.
What makes this cycling route truly special is its blend of natural beauty and historic significance. It traces a section of America's first scenic highway, the Historic Columbia River Highway, with the Twin Tunnels being a restored marvel of early 20th-century engineering. The car-free sections of the trail offer a serene and safe environment, allowing you to fully appreciate the continuous panoramic views of the Gorge without traffic concerns.
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9
riders
51.2km
02:44
920m
920m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
10
riders
21.0km
01:06
110m
110m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
120km
05:50
1,530m
1,530m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Tips from the Community
Klickitat Park is a picturesque and tranquil spot nestled right along the river. It is an ideal spot for a picnic along the water or a place to cool off on a hot day. There is plenty of parking and a vault toilet; however, you'll need to bring your own drinking water.
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About 50 feet off the highway, the pavement takes riders to an overlook of the Memaloose Hills, called the Memaloose Lookout. Memaloose Overlook has a viewpoint of Memaloose Island and is a great photo opportunity, especially on a clear day.
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Mosier is named after Jonah H. Mosier, who settled the area around 1821. Today, it is best known for apple, cherry, and prune production, and the town is only about 400 acres in size.
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Look northward toward the Colombia River Gorge to see a separate lake called Tooley Lake sandwiched between the highway and the Colombia River. Tule Lake is fed by the Lost River, and at an elevation of 4,035 feet, this lake is popular for fishing.
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Walk or bike through tunnels built for the original Columbia River Highway. These unique tunnels have windows and are a car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This area is great for bikers and walkers alike.
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The Rowena Crest is an impressive viewpoint for cyclists and drivers and has a trailhead. On the Historic Columbia River Highway, you can look down on Mayer State Park and the Columbia River Gorge. Riders will see the iconic Rowena Loops they just came up with and can be impressed on their efforts climbing the horseshoe curves that wind up and down. On a clear day, look south to see Mt. Hood.
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The Last of its kind! This section of the Columbia Historic Highway Trail is non-motorized and perfect for family trips. The view is breathtaking. However, also very hilly. Perfectly asphalted!
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It's a lovely stretch of road, with beautiful rock formations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Rowena?
There are 5 road cycling routes around Rowena listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences through the Columbia River Gorge. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy to difficult.
What are the general difficulty levels of road cycling routes in Rowena?
The road cycling routes around Rowena offer a range of difficulty levels. You'll find 1 easy route, 1 moderate route, and 3 difficult routes, ensuring options for various fitness levels and preferences.
What kind of elevation gain can I expect on Rowena's road cycling routes?
Elevation gain varies significantly across routes. For example, the Old Highway 8 Loop has an elevation gain of about 710 meters, while the more challenging Memaloose Lookout – Twin Tunnels Trail loop from Chenowith features over 1,160 meters of climbing.
What are some notable landmarks or scenic viewpoints along the road cycling routes?
Road cycling routes in Rowena offer access to several iconic landmarks and viewpoints. You can experience the famous Rowena Crest with its panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and the iconic Rowena Loops. Other points of interest include Memaloose Lookout and the scenic Twin Tunnels Segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Are there any family-friendly road cycling options in the Rowena area?
Yes, there are options suitable for families. The Taylor Lake loop from The Dalles is an easy route, covering about 20.6 kilometers with minimal elevation gain, making it a good choice for a more relaxed family ride.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Rowena?
The spring, particularly late May and early June, is an excellent time to visit for road cycling, as the Tom McCall Preserve on the Rowena Plateau is renowned for its spectacular displays of wildflowers. However, the region offers beautiful scenery throughout the warmer months.
Is parking available for cyclists at Rowena Crest or near the routes?
Yes, parking is available at Rowena Crest, which serves as a popular starting point for many cyclists and hikers. Mayer State Park, located nearby, also offers amenities and parking.
Are dogs allowed on the road cycling routes or in nearby natural areas?
While specific road cycling routes may not have restrictions, it's important to note that dogs are generally not allowed in sensitive natural areas like the Tom McCall Preserve to protect its delicate ecosystem. Always check local regulations for specific trails or parks.
Are there any circular road cycling routes in Rowena?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. The Old Highway 8 Loop and the Klickitat Park loop from Lyle are examples of circular routes that allow you to start and finish in the same location.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Rowena?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the dramatic Columbia River Gorge scenery, the historic roadways like the Rowena Loops, and the varied terrain that offers both challenging climbs and scenic river-level paths.
Are there any accommodations or places to eat near the road cycling routes?
While Rowena itself is small, nearby towns such as Hood River, Mosier (Mosier, Oregon), and The Dalles offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and accommodation options suitable for cyclists. These towns are conveniently located along or near the Columbia River Gorge.
What should I be aware of regarding wildlife or natural hazards while cycling?
When cycling in the Rowena area, especially near natural preserves, be aware of potential hazards such as poison oak and rattlesnakes. It's always advisable to stay on marked paths and be vigilant of your surroundings.
Most popular attractions around Rowena
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