Road Cycling

Two of our popular paved cycling opportunities, the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) State Trail and Larch Mountain Road are open. Our interagency Ready, Set, Gorge map is a useful way to plan your trip along the HCRH -- we recommend you compare orange (no car) and purple (share the road with car) sections of the highway shown on the map so you know what to expect.

Coming Soon! A new segment will open on August 3, connecting Wyeth to Starvation Creek. Some obstacles may still be encountered on that section after August 3, as final construction touches are completed. Soon, the "final five" mile segment from Viento State Park to Hood River will be the only section between Portland and The Dalles where cyclists will have to use the shoulder of the interstate.

Remember these bike safety tips:

Always wear a helmet.
Ride the same direction as traffic.
Signal when making turns.
Ride single file.
Obey traffic signals.

For additional road and mountain bicycling suggestions in the Gorge, please visit gorgeismygym.com and mbtproject.com

Road Cycling Areas

Historic Columbia River Highway
Constructed between 1913 and 1922, the original Columbia River Highway was designed to bring travelers to the most breathtaking sights and scenes in the Gorge. From the amazing loops at Rowena plateau to Multnomah Falls, its iconic and innovative design included rock walls, bridges earned it the nicknames "King of Roads" and "A Poem in Stone." It was a new type of motorway bringing automobile adventurers to the Gorge's "beauty spots", and many consider it to be America's first scenic highway.

Structures such as Vista House and Forest Service recreation sites Multnomah Falls and Eagle Creek were developed in conjunction with the highway to connect motorists to the Gorge's natural wonders. Parts of the original roadway were replaced by Interstate 84 in the 1960s, so in 1986 the National Scenic Area designation began a process to reconnect this inspiring pathway.

Thanks to interagency collaboration, the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) State Trail winds through state, federal, and other lands. Travelers can discover waterfalls, vistas, and beautiful bridges as they explore the length of the Gorge, enjoying scenic rest stops along the way. Today, visitors can explore segments of the historic route by driving, biking, or heading out on foot.
HCRH (US 30) - Hood River
HCRH (US 30) - Mosier to The Dalles
HCRH (US 30) - Waterfall Corridor
HCRH State Trail - Cascade Locks to John Yeon
HCRH State Trail - Twin Tunnels Segment
HCRH State Trail - Wyeth to Viento
Larch Mountain
(Currently closed for the winter) Larch Mountain Picnic area is a wonderful day trip destination and a gateway to several long hikes via Larch Mountain Trail #441. From Larch Mountain Trailhead, hike downhill all the way to Multnomah Falls or hook up with other trails (Multnomah Creek Way or Oneonta Trail # 424) to make a loop.

Sherrard Point Trail #443 (0.2 miles) provides picnickers with a chance to get epic views on a clear day. Sherrard Point is not ADA accessible, but the picnic grounds (about 10 tables) and restrooms are accessible. No drinking water available.

Note: Larch Mountain Road is maintained by Multnomah County and is closed annually at milepost 10 from late November through late May or early June. Use caution when driving as the road is narrow in places with limited visibility and is very popular with road cyclists.
River Front Trail (#4406)

Road Cycling

Road Cycling Areas

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities