On Day 1 we will assemble in Troutdale – a western suburb of Portland, to check in and get set up on our bikes. A small loop in the area will give us a chance to work out the kinks in our equipment and clothing and get prepared for the next morning. We will dine as a group, and the guides will give their orientation information. Day 2 will start our real cycling as we leave the suburbs to work our way through the gorge. The historic highway climbs over Crown Rock for our first sweeping views of the Columbia River and the gorge through which it runs. From this high point it is an easier ride as we continue to work our way up river to Cascade Locks and our home on the river. Our treat tonight will be a dinner cruise on the river.
Early this morning on Day 3, we van up to The Dalles to the beautiful section of riding that includes the Twin Tunnels that are cut through spectacular geologic formations, telling the story of the gorge’s creation. This ride will bring us into one of America’s Best Towns, according to Outside Magazine: Hood River. Our boutique hotel, home for 2 nights, is overlooking the river where wind surfers are frequently skimming the surface.
We ride the famed Fruit Loop on Day 4 – a loop route on quiet country roads, that travels towards the flanks of Mt. Hood past vineyards and fruit orchards. The beauty of this route is the plethora of possible stops at fruit stands, country stores and wineries along the way. Take the whole day to enjoy this scenic ride and the local offerings.
On Day 5 we catch a van ride to Viento State Park where we will enjoy some newly completed sections of the historic highway. The new trail offers amazing views of the Gorge and travels around Shellrock Mountain on the 500’ Summit Creek Viaduct — a bridge over land. We pass four waterfalls: Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Lancaster Falls. After this last section of the historic highway, we will van shuttle down to the Salem area for our final night at the grand Salem Hotel in the heart of the capital city.
Straight from our hotel we can catch the Willamette Scenic Bikeway on Day 6, for a worry free ride through the Willamette Valley, past fields of hops and vineyards. We come to the scenic bikeway’s terminus at Champoeg State Park and will celebrate our Northwest Passage adventure with lunch at a local winery. A van transfer into Portland and the Portland International Airport will conclude the tour.
