The best traffic-free bike rides around The Dalles

There are 6 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes around The Dalles featured in this guide. These routes offer a range of difficulties, from easy to difficult, ensuring options for various skill levels.

The Dalles region offers a diverse cycling landscape. You'll find routes through rolling hills, river valleys, and open terrain, often passing picturesque cherry orchards and vast flat grasslands. Many routes feature significant elevation changes, providing a good challenge, while others offer more gentle, family-friendly rides along the Columbia River.

Yes, for an easier, family-friendly ride, consider the Taylor Lake loop from The Dalles. This route is rated as easy and covers approximately 20 km with minimal elevation gain. The fully paved Riverfront Trail also offers a scenic 8 to 10-mile journey along the Columbia River, ideal for a relaxed ride.

Many routes offer stunning views. For example, the Tooley Lake viewpoint – Rowena Crest loop from The Dalles will take you past the iconic Rowena Crest, known for its panoramic vistas. You can also enjoy views of the Columbia River and the Dalles Bridge on routes like the The Dalles Bridge View loop from The Dalles Dam, which passes The Dalles Bridge View. The region also offers breathtaking views of volcanic peaks like Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

The Dalles is an excellent destination for outdoor activities for much of the year, boasting approximately 300 days of sunshine annually. Its location in the rain shadow of Mount Hood means it has a drier climate compared to western Oregon. Spring and fall generally offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, though summer is also popular, especially for early morning or late afternoon rides.

Absolutely. For advanced cyclists seeking a challenge, the The Dalles Bridge View loop from The Dalles is rated as difficult, covering over 63 km with more than 1000 meters of elevation gain. This route provides a significant workout with rewarding views.

Yes, all the no traffic road cycling routes featured in this guide are designed as loops, starting and ending in or near The Dalles. This makes planning your ride convenient, as you'll return to your starting point. Examples include the Taylor Lake loop from The Dalles and the Tooley Lake viewpoint – Rowena Crest loop from The Dalles.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and volcanic peaks, and the variety of routes that cater to different fitness levels. The sunny climate and the transition from high desert to lush forests are also frequently highlighted.

The Dalles is rich in history. While cycling, you'll be in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, an area significant to the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The Riverfront Trail, for instance, passes by historical sites. For a deeper dive into the region's past, the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum is an excellent resource, though not directly on a cycling route.

The region is known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. The Tom McCall Preserve, accessible near some routes, is a habitat for turkey vultures and bald eagles. You might also spot various bird species and other wildlife, especially in the more secluded sections of the routes. The dramatic transition from high desert to lush forests within the Gorge itself is a unique natural feature to observe.

While specific public transport details for each route's starting point are not provided, The Dalles itself has limited local public transportation. Most cyclists typically drive to the starting points or begin their rides directly from accommodations within The Dalles. It's advisable to check local transit options if you plan to rely on public transport.

Beyond the specific komoot routes, the region is celebrated for roads like Dalles Mountain Road, Skyline Road, Old Moody Road, and the Maryhill Loops Road, which are highlighted for their scenic beauty and excellent riding conditions. Parts of the Historic Columbia River Highway, including the Rowena Loops, also offer fantastic cycling experiences with minimal traffic.