Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley Tour

September 2024

Description
Itinerary
Phone Reservations

Your extended week of cycling begins at our meet-up hotel near the Portland International Airport. Over the first few days, we'll take in the stunning waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge including the 620-foot Multnomah Falls, the stunning scenery and overlooks along the gorge, and the wind-blown towns along the gorge. After a shuttle to the Willamette Valley you will cycle down and around the valley past farms, small towns, the state capital and the plethora of wineries that dot the region where you will sample some of the world's finest wines. Nestled between the Oregon Coastal Range and the Cascade Range, this 120-mile long valley is home to the Oregon Pinot Noirs.

During our adventure you will visit the towns of Portland, Cascade Locks, Hood River, Mosier, Salem, Albany, Independence, McMinnville, Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Vernonia.

Your adventure will highlight spectacular waterfalls, some exhilarating climbs and descents, the fertile wine country of the famous Willamette Valley, and explore the quaint towns of the region.

What to Expect:

This is a fully supported tour with indoor hotel accommodations, meals in local establishments, on-route SAG, and luggage transportation. The weather will be warm and the scenery spectacular. We will traverse smooth pavement, bike paths and low traffic paved roads. Daily mileages range from 45-60 miles. Bike rentals are available. Temperatures will range from the low 50s at night to the mid to upper 70s during the day. Rain is possible, but not likely; always be prepared.

Highlights:
- Cycle the Columbia River Gorge along bike trails, the Old Columbia River Highway, and lower traffic roads.
- Visit spectacular water falls including Multnomah Falls.
- View from afar the snow-capped volcanoes of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood
- Travel along two of several scenic bikeways in Oregon; Willamette and Tualatin Valley
- Visit historic towns and Oregon's very fertile agricultural lands; see the state capital.
- Spend a few days cycling around the vineyards of the Willamette Valley
- Sample a few of the many Pinot Noirs that are produced in the Willamette Valley.
What’s Included:
- Welcome reception and orientation
- 8 nights in hotels
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 8 dinners from fine-dining to home-cooked
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Full van and baggage support
- Transportation to/from Portland International (hotel shuttle)
- 2 BIKEternity trip leaders
- Daily route directions and maps, including GPX files for your GPS or phone app
Not Included
- Insurance of any kind
- Optional guide gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Items of a personal nature
- Bike Rentals
Airport Information

Start/End: Portland International Airport (PDX) Portland, Oregon
Day 1: Arrival/Orientation in Portland, OR

Arrive on your own into Portland, Oregon by 2PM at our host hotel for the start of your adventure. We meet near the hotel for a bike fitting and orientation in the late afternoon, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. Dinner included.

Day 2: Portland to Cascade Locks

Miles: 46 miles · Elevation: +1,983’ / -1,862'
Terrain: Paved road & trail.

We depart our hotel for Crown Point, the beginning of the "Waterfall Corridor" that features eight waterfalls along the historic highway, including Multnomah Falls. This rocky promontory perched 693 feet above the Columbia River is Crown Point State Scenic Corridor, and the building is Vista House. This viewpoint along Highway 30 was the site of the 1916 dedication of the Columbia River Highway, the innovative European-style road that traced a winding path through the perilous Columbia River Gorge, linking Portland and The Dalles. Vista House opened in 1918 as a lamorous rest stop and observatory for those traveling the new highway. This “comfort station” was a rest stop like no other, featuring marble floors, stained glass windows — and, of course, a stunning view. In the words of The Oregonian, it was “the finishing achievement for the greatest highway in America.” All meals included.

Day 3: Cascade Locks to The Dalles

Miles: 47 miles · Elevation: +2,909’ / -2,806'
Terrain: Paved road & trail
Van transfer: 45 minutes
Our route today will provide thrilling scenery and spectacular geologic formations including four waterfalls: Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Lancaster falls. The Twin Tunnels portion of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is car-free where once motorists on old US Highway 30 drove the curves and navigated the tunnels.

We'll end our day of riding in The Dalles where we shuttle back to our hotel for a nice evening. All meals included.

Day 4: Champoeg to Independence

Miles: 46 miles · Elevation: +783’ / -752’
Van transfer: 90 minutes
Terrain: Paved road.

After an early breakfast, we end the Columbia River Gorge portion of our tour and transfer to the Willamette Valley for the remainder of our time together. The valley is renown for its production of Pinor Noir wines. Today we will ride along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway as we make our way south along the Willamette River along rural roads. We will pass through the capital of Oregon, Salem and will visit a local winery. All meals included.

Day 5: Independence Wine Country Loop

Miles: 57 miles · Elevation: +1,568’ / -1,568’
Terrain: Paved road

No need to pack-up today as we will be staying in Independence a second night after completing a wine country loop ride. Our route will take us through the city of Albany and north to the Ankeny winery and a wine tasting near the end of our ride. All meals included.

Day 6: Independence to McMinnville

Miles: 46 miles · Elevation: +1,757’ / -1,777’
Terrain: Paved road

After breakfast and packing up, we will head north along the Willamette River, making our way to our next 2-night stay in McMincville, with a downtown area that containes restored, turn-of-the-century restaurants, wine tasting rooms, and art gallaries. The terrain is comprised of lush farmland with views of the the Oregon Coastal Range and the Cascade Range. The ride will continue to delight. The Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum is along our route as well for those interested. All meals included.

Day 7: McMinnville Wine Country Loop

Miles: 47 miles · Elevation: +1,814’ / -1,814’
Terrain: Paved road

After a hearty breakfast, we head out on another wine-country loop ride. Our ride today will be on the western foothills along the valley. More climbing today that other days in the valley, but we will be rewarded with a local tasting or two as we complete our last day in the wine-country of the Willamette Valley. All meals included.

Day 8: Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway

Miles: 51 miles · Elevation: +1,647’ / -1,191’
Terrain: Paved road and bike trail

Van transfer: 45 minutes and 75 minutes

On our last riding day together, we will take a short van transfer to the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway for a ride through friendly downtowns, fertile farmlands, and lush natural areas as we explore the northern sections of the Willamette Valley. We will finish the day on the Banks-Vernonia State Trail that includes 13 bridges and the 733-fott long Buxton Trestle bridge. After loading up the bikes, we transfer back to our starting hotel. We bid farewell to each other at the end of our celebration meal together as tomorrow is on your own. All meals included.

Easy transfers to the airport the next day are provided by the hotel.
Call 860-428-9301 to reserve this trip over the phone

Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 3 PM Mountain Standard Time