Summer in the Pacific Northwest is a season made for outdoor adventure. With jaw-dropping mountain views, verdant forests and trails, and unbelievable scenery around nearly every corner, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an outdoor destination more beautiful and full of adventure than the Columbia River Gorge. Join us for a fantastic biking adventure this summer on trails like the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail.
Summer biking on trails like the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is nothing short of exceptional, but that is just the start of great biking adventures throughout the Gorge. Whether you’re a fan of winding road routes and scenic routes with panoramic views of the river or thrilling mountain bike trails with everything from gentle slopes to challenging technical descents, this region has something for everyone.
Though you can enjoy biking in the Columbia River Gorge year-round, the best time for outdoor pursuits like these is summer through fall. The days are longer, and the weather is most conducive to cycling, with warmer temperatures and minimal rainfall. With long, warm days stretching out before you, you’ll quickly realize just how much of a playground the Columbia River Gorge is for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.
After a day on the trails, you’ll need a place to relax your tired muscles and clean up from the day. There’s no better lodging in the area than our Columbia River Gorge cabins in Washington, just across the Bridge of the Gods in the charming town of Carson. Here, you’ll be minutes away from some of the best hiking in the area in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and not too far away from the buzzing town of Hood River, the famed waterfall corridor, and many of the top things to do in the Gorge. Immerse yourself in natural wonders this summer, and book your stay at our top-rated cabins in the Gorge today!
Bike The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Biking on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Pacific Northwest’s stunning landscapes. This trail, a repurposed segment of the old highway that once connected Portland to The Dalles, offers bikers a new and beautiful way to explore stretches of the Columbia River Gorge. Not only that, but the trail gives cyclists an excellent opportunity to break free of the busy car traffic that frequents this part of the state—especially in the summer and fall!
Though the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail has over twelve miles of trail, it is divided into three disconnected segments. Along each, you’ll find a route punctuated with breathtaking viewpoints, plunging waterfalls, and lush greenery. Whether meandering along gentle curves or tackling the occasional incline, riders are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Gorge’s iconic cliffs and the Mighty Columbia River.
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is a well-maintained, paved path. You’ll find more information about each of the three segments of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail below.
Bonneville Segment: John B. Yeon to Cascade Locks
This western section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail starts near the trailhead to Elowah Falls and travels east toward the Bridge of the Gods and Cascade Locks. As you bike along this trail segment, you’ll encounter several waterfalls, including one of our favorites, Wahclelle Falls.
You’ll also pass the Eagle Creek Day Use Area, which was heavily damaged by wildfires several years ago, but it is still more than worth exploring if you have the time. When you’re done, we recommend grabbing lunch and a beer at Thunder Island Brewing.
Mitchell Point Segment: Wyeth to Viento
The middle portion of the trail connects the Wyeth Trailhead to Viento State Park. This 6-mile stretch offers fantastic views of the Gorge and travels around Shellrock Mountain on the 500′ Summit Creek Viaduct. You’ll also pass by several waterfalls on this stretch of the trail, including Starvation Creek Falls, Cabin Creek Falls, Hole-in-the-Wall Falls, and Lancaster Falls.
Twin Tunnels Segment: Hood River to Mosier
The final section of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail might just be one of our favorites. This 4.5-mile trail segment connects Hood River and Mosier and features a ride through the Mosier Twin Tunnels. It also features several scenic viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River, with the final bit of trail winding through semi-arid terrain toward the top.
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is more than just a bike ride; it’s an opportunity to connect with the history and natural grandeur of the Pacific Northwest – and it’s just one of many such rides in the magnificent Columbia River Gorge!
More Columbia River Gorge Biking
As we’ve already said, the Columbia River Gorge is a haven for cyclists, and its appeal extends far beyond the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. You can head out on just about any rural road and enjoy a great ride through breathtaking scenery, but if you’d rather stick to trails and forgo potentially busy roads, there are a few other trails to consider. There are also miles of exceptional mountain biking trails in the area if you’re in the mood for a more adrenaline-packed adventure!
- If you want another flat and scenic ride through the Columbia River Gorge, head to the Klickitat Trail. This multi-use rails-to-trails conversion extends for 31 miles along an old railroad corridor. It offers plenty of scenic views, including river canyons, rolling hills, and a mix of forested and open landscapes.
- Like the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Larch Mountain Road is one of the most popular rides in the Gorge.
- For something easy, try the EasyCLIMB Trail, a 2-mile loop at the Port of Cascade Locks. It’s ideal for beginners and still offers plenty of scenic river views to enjoy.
- For experienced mountain biking enthusiasts, the Syncline Trail System on the Washington side of the Gorge presents a challenging and exhilarating experience. It caters to various skill levels with trails ranging from technical singletracks to smoother rides.
Of course, the Gorge has countless road and mountain biking trails—you’ll find a few more suggestions here. When the day is over and your legs can’t carry you any further down the trails, head back to our well-appointed cabins in the Columbia River Gorge for a relaxed evening. Our property is stunning, featuring an array of outdoor seating areas, including firepits and gorgeous grounds and gardens to enjoy. Take a soak in our generous tubs, soothing your tired muscles with our custom Dead Sea Bath Salts. There’s truly no finer place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of the Gorge. Book one of our cabins in Washington today!
