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Over the course of the past decade, Portland, Oregon has become America's bike mecca. This paradise for bicyclists is the closest the U.S. may ever come to European pedal utopias like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. While the national spotlight may be firmly honed in on the City of Roses, the rest of Oregon offers plenty of options for riders in search of a greater challenge than a quick bop between the city's Alberta Arts District and the nearest Stumptown Coffeehouse.
As summer descends and the Beaver State casts aside the perpetual cloud bank that hangs over it like a duvet most of the year, velocipede aficionados start looking towards the coast and points east of the Cascade Mountains. The most hardened among them have already signed up for this year's annual Cycle Oregon, which will lead 2,200 riders on a 400+ mile journey through forests, mountains and all the way to the southern coastal city of Bandon. It should come as no surprise that this year's jaunt, set to take place in early September, has been sold out for weeks.
Cycle Oregon
But don't let that discourage you. Nearly every corner of Oregon offers routes perfect for a weekend trek. Below, you'll find a rundown on a few of the many out there, in addition to points of interest along the way.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Much of this goes without saying. The routes included here are relatively "slow and steady" and a far cry from the weekend "Century Rides" favored by many bicyclists. Regardless, you'll want to train prior to tackling any two-day trek and will need to make sure you're in proper shape. You'll also require a road bike for pavement or a mountain bike for trails, properly tuned up and adjusted for your height. In addition, you should also do a trial run with all the gear and essentials you'll need beforehand to make sure your pack is properly loaded and won't cause you any unnecessary headaches down the line.
BANKS TO VERNONIA STATE TRAIL
ROUND TRIP: 42 miles.
This 21-mile route (one way) is the first "rails to trails" state park in Oregon. The trail, which runs from the small town of Banks to Vernonia, was once a railroad bed. Abandoned in the mid-1970s, the state began converting it into a path for outdoor enthusiasts in the '90s. Popular among bicyclists and hikers alike, the trail offers picturesque landscapes and passes across thirteen bridges. Views are spectacular atop Buxton and Horseshoe, the route's two 700-foot long, 80-foot high railroad trestles. Keep an eye out for plenty of flora and fauna along the way, including wildflowers, elk and the occasional chipmunk.
WHERE TO DINE: The menu at Vernonia's Blue House Cafe is comprised of Mediterranean dishes made from local and organic ingredients. There's also an extensive list of coffees and teas. If your lungs are feeling a little too pampered after sucking down all the area's fresh air, the Blue House also offers hookahs and an array of flavored tobacco.
WHERE TO SPEND THE NIGHT: The four-room Coastal Mountain Sport Haus in Vernonia caters to bicyclists. Owners Glen and Sandy Crinklaw opened the small lodge after an inspiring bike trip through Italy. Each room includes rustic homages to the region, such as furniture made out of reclaimed walnut timber and elk antler hooks perfect for bicycle helmets.
Coastal Mountain Sports Haus
PRINEVILLE TO BEND, WEST LOOP
ROUND TRIP: 75 miles.
This route's elevation gain (1,375') isn't suitable for novices. The scenery makes up for a few steep ascents, though. A one-way trek takes around three hours, leaving plenty of time for a side trip over to the Powell Butte Nature Park, which encompasses an extinct volcano, and/or the extensive dining and shopping options in Bend. There's also gorgeous views of Mt Hood along the way.
WHERE TO DINE: If you're feeling up to it, Bend's "Ale Trail" will lead you on a tour of the city's seven microbreweries and brewpubs.
For something more low-key, give the 900 Wall Restaurant a go. A great spot for people watching, its menu changes seasonally and focuses on seafood and other entrees from the Pacific Northwest.
WHERE TO STAY: The Red Lion Inn. In addition to offering guests a bike washing facility, this hotel in the heart of Bend is located a mere few blocks from Pioneer Park, which overlooks the Deschutes River.
THE OREGON COAST BIKE ROUTE
ROUND TRIP: Varies.
The route encompasses over 370 miles, so you'd need to be The Flash to conquer the entire thing in a weekend. Most riders set aside 6-8 days to experience the Oregon coast, but a good portion of the northern section can be covered in a few days. We suggest a ride from Manzanita to Astoria, a 79-mile round-trip that takes most riders around four hours to complete (one way). However, this segment includes spectacular views of the coastline. You'll probably want to stop at various points along the way to take in views of iconic landmarks like Haystack Rock and Neahkahnie Mountain. Fair warning: the initial ascent from Manzanita up Neahkahnie isn't for the faint-hearted. In addition, Astoria has transformed in recent years from a hard-luck fishing enclave to a beloved vacation hotspot with plenty of cafes, coffee bars and shops.
WHERE TO DINE: Astoria's Bridgewater Bistro. Along with fresh seafood entrees and vegetarian options, this popular, modernist restaurant offers diners exceptional views of the city's piers and the Columbia River.
WHERE TO STAY: The Cannery Pier Hotel. This former fish cannery has been converted into a luxurious lodging facility complete with an authentic Finnish sauna. Each room has a private balcony that overlooks the Columbia, in addition to a fireplace and hardwood floors.