Oregon, Washington, USA

Columbia Gorge Bike Tour

DURATION

6 Days

PRICE

$3,392

LEVEL

All Levels

DAILY DISTANCE

25-40 Miles

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Cycling (bikes included), River Rafting, Museum admission, Hiking

INCLUDED MEALS

All breakfasts. One lunch and one dinner on your own.

Discover and explore what we ultimately strive for in a cycling vacation–which is to simply “Pedal Happy”.

The New York Times hails the Columbia Gorge as being “like Europe, only better.” It’s the perfect place for a bicycle tour. Hailed as one of Oregon’s Seven Wonders, the region’s fleece-capped mountain peaks, primeval forests, abundant wildflowers, and waterfall-streaked highlands whisper of the Swiss Alps. Bike, hike, whitewater raft and explore the Gorge’s soaring volcanoes, waving wheat country, bountiful orchards, and the mighty Columbia River. Ride from Mt. Hood to Hood River to Multnomah Falls – all the while following portions of Lewis and Clark’s epic journey.

For a great video overview of this tour, click here.

This tour is operated under special use permit/s with the Mt Hood National Forest and the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Bicycle Adventures is an equal opportunity provider.

Day 01

Ride along the Wild and Scenic Sandy River. Play on the flanks of Mt. Hood around Timberline.

Meals

– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Timberline Lodge

Distance

28 miles

Elevation

+2,780 ft / -1,889 ft

Meet in Portland in the morning. A brief shuttle to Troutdale will have you on your bike in no-time! Begin riding along the Wild and Scenic Sandy River. Admire some of oldest forests near Portland as you pedal through Oxbow Regional Park. In the afternoon, we shuttle up to Timberline Lodge on the flanks of Mt. Hood where you’ll spend your first night. Gung-ho cyclists up for a challenge can ride a traffic-free, paved ski trail (~2000ft climb in 7 miles) to the lodge instead. Either way, at 6,000 feet, Timberline features sweeping views in all directions, well-appointed rooms, an historic lodge and museum, trails to explore before dinner, and world-class dining!

Day 02

From towering conifer forests to waving wheat fields - ride the Oregon Trail route east to the Columbia. Explore Hood River.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Hood River Inn

Distance

38 miles (or more)

Elevation

+586 ft / -4,459 ft (or more)

Head down the wooded slopes of Mt. Hood National Forest and into the wide open, rolling wheat country of central Oregon today. Follow the old Oregon Trail beside winding streams through remote canyons to a park beside the Columbia River at The Dalles. After lunch, head to Hood River to explore this fascinating town – the windsurfing capital of the United States and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Outside magazine named it “One of America’s Best Towns.”  Explore its shops and art galleries, an upscale wine bar and Full Sail Brewery, a micro-brew pub with deck seating overlooking the Columbia River. Spend the next two nights at the Hood River Inn, with its unique shoreline location and private beach.

Day 03

Raft the White Salmon River in the morning. Pedal the "Fruit Loop" or relax in Hood River in the afternoon.

Meals

– Breakfast

Lodging

Hood River Inn

Distance

23 miles

Elevation

+1,769 ft / -1,768 ft

In the morning, take a whitewater rafting trip (fee included, equipment provided, no experience necessary) down the nearby White Salmon River. The White Salmon is glacier-fed by snow-clad Mt. Adams, so the river has a fairly continuous flow rate and the water is clear and cold. The river cuts through a narrow rocky gorge with 100-foot cliffs, emptying out into forested meadows. Learn about local dam removal efforts to save native salmon runs as you paddle. This afternoon, you can choose to spend more time enjoying the town of Hood River, or you can ride the “Fruit Loop” through the orchards and vineyards above town while enjoying views of Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood. Lunch and dinner are on your own today. Spend another night at the Hood River Inn.

Day 04

Ride the paved and "gorgeous" (yup-pun intended) Mark Hatfield Trail. Visit the Gorge Discovery Center museum before heading to Skamania.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Skamania Lodge

Distance

21 miles

Elevation

+1,644 ft / -1,523 ft

Bicycle the Mark Hatfield Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. It’s an old scenic byway high on the cliffs overlooking the Columbia River east of town. This section of the road was abandoned for decades after completion of the freeway beside the river. Recently, it was reopened as a paved multi-use path. Bicycling magazine featured the trail as one of the great places to ride in the United States. You’ll see the Columbia River below and marvel at the intricate stonework in the road’s Depression-era guardrail. Enjoy lunch at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, located where early explorers and settlers faced a tough decision: continue west by rafting down the Columbia River on a series of dangerous rapids, or struggle through roadless evergreen forests over the Cascade Mountains south of Mt. Hood. Following lunch, spend some time exploring the museum (admission included) and attending the Raptor Program to learn about local birds of prey. Shuttle to  Skamania Lodge on the Washington side of the river, a luxurious destination resort with memorable dining, a spa, a zipline and an adjacent 18-hole golf course.

Day 05

Waterfalls and an honest-to-goodness Bridge of the Gods!

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch
– Dinner

Lodging

Skamania Lodge

Distance

34 miles

Elevation

+2,470 ft / -2,466 ft

Head back over the Columbia River into Oregon this morning on the Bridge of the Gods. Native legends – now corroborated by modern geological research – tell of a massive landslide that once spanned the mighty river here, providing them an easy place to cross. The modern Bridge of the Gods is a spiderweb of steel which provides crossing for car traffic as well as Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers. Once on the Oregon side, take a relaxing pedal past tumbling waterfalls on sections of paved multi-use path as well the Gorge Scenic Highway. Have lunch on the river as well as a chance to swap “tales of the trail” with thru-hikers at Thunder Island Brewing. Since we are staying at the Skamania Lodge for another night, should you prefer a day off the bike, you can also hang out at the resort to enjoy the spa, zipline or golf course instead.

Day 06

An historic highway, a waterfall alley and Multnomah Falls.

Meals

– Breakfast
– Lunch

Distance

26 miles

Elevation

+2,076 ft / -1,459 ft

Take another ride along “Waterfall Alley” – as this section of the Gorge is locally known. Heading downriver on the historic highway today toward the outskirts of Portland, we visit renowned Multnomah Falls. At a dizzying 620 feet, it’s the tallest and most famous waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. Pass by more amazing falls on your way to Vista House – a spectacular viewpoint from which you can look back over almost your entire journey this week. Return to Portland after lunch.

*Bicycle Adventures operates under special use permits while on Federal Lands managed by the National Forest Service (USDA), National Parks and Bureau of Land Management. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

Dates
Guaranteed
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Price
Availability
Dates
Single Supplement
Price
$916
This is not required. It is an optional fee to allow a solo traveler to guarantee a private room for the duration of the tour.
Dates
May 12, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Open
Dates
June 9, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Open
Dates
June 23, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Limited, call to book
Dates
June 30, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Open
Dates
July 7, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Private Departure
Dates
July 21, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Open
Dates
September 8, 2024
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Price
$3,392
Availability
Open
Dates
September 15, 2024
Guaranteed
This means that the tour will definitely depart as scheduled and not be canceled.
Price
$3,392
Availability
Private Departure

Have you been to Portlandia?

Our sister company, Cycle Portland, offers guided small-group bike tours exploring the vibrant city, bountiful breweries, or culinary wonders. The tours are a great way to explore the City of Roses before your bike tour begins, or after you’re out of the saddle.

Discover Portland by bike!