OVERVIEW

The Northern Oregon tour is a counterclockwise loop starting and ending in Troutdale Oregon. The route travels south to Springfield on little travelled rural roads then works its way south, east, and eventually north over scenic byways to The Dalles, returning west to Troutdale via the incredible Columbia Gorge. This 542 mile, 8 day tour has wonderful scenery around almost every bend, a plentiful payback for the long miles and sometimes difficult terrain.

Download the route map (PDF).

WHAT TO EXPECT

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

This tour is rated Advanced. This eight day tour has a 77-mile daily average, with one 100 mile day. 31,000’ total elevation gain with 2 passes and multiple shorter but steep climbs with some grades in excess of 10 percent. Route includes occasional stretches with no shoulder or significant traffic.

WEATHER

September sees some of the Willamette valley and northeastern Oregon’s best weather. Despite the likelihood of warm, dry weather, you should also be prepared for both rain and cold temperatures as this tour goes through stretches at high elevation and over two mountain passes.

MEALS

This tour will provide both snacks and lunch on riding days. Breakfast and dinner are your responsibility, however our accommodations provide breakfast four of the eight mornings.

LODGING

Quality of lodging varies from basic to luxurious. We found all venues acceptable.

ITINERARY

Friday, September 17

We meet the first night in Troutdale and get to know each other over dinner and a brief meeting.

Saturday, September 18 (Day 1) - 75 miles, approximately 5.000’

This is a day for the climbers! Today, as we head southwest, it is all about avoiding highways on rural country roads, climbing up hill and down dale with beautiful territorial views from the ridges. We end the day in Silverton, at a resort in the beautiful Oregon Gardens.

Sunday, September 19 (Day 2) - 100 miles approximately 5,000’

We continue south through Silver Falls State Park and into the Willamette valley. We get our first, but not last, chance to see the covered bridges for which this area is famous. Our route dodges most of the populated areas on little pastoral byways. We end our day in Springfield.

Monday, September 20 (Day 3) - 88 miles, approximately 3,500’

The Willamette River is our companion for most of the day. We begin by heading southeast through Lane county with opportunities to see several more covered bridges. After reaching the village of Westfir, we head northeast, following the Willamette uphill along the Aufderheide Forest Drive – cycling paradise. After the summit at 3748’, we descend into the McKenzie basin to our overnight in Rainbow.

Tuesday, September 21 (Day 4) - 46 miles, approximately 5,000’

The day begins following SR 126 east climbing very gradually to the junction of SR 242 where the work begins – a steady 11 mile climb gaining 3100’. Despite the work, the day is enjoyable due to the sensational scenery, in and out of forest, meadows and vast mountain vistas. The highlight of the climb comes at the summit in a vast, stark, moonscape of black lava. After your descent, the day ends in the charming town of Sisters.

Wednesday, September 22 - Rest day.

Thursday, September 23 (Day 5) - 74 miles, approximately 3,500’

Today is a cycling tour sampler pack – a transitional stage from the mountains to the high desert, rolling grasslands and high mesas, gorges and mountain vistas, moving east or north most of the day. Our day ends with two climbs and a screaming descent before we turn towards our night’s lodging at a resort in the middle of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. A free shuttle can take you down to the pool, water slides, or hot springs.

Friday, September 24 (Day 6) 83 miles, approximately 4,500’

Today is all about climbing. There are two serious climbs today but even more great downhills to pay back the hard work. Along the way, you are treated to frequent sights of Mt. Hood on the horizon. The day ends with grand views of the Columbia as we finish in The Dalles.

Saturday, September 25 (Day 7) - 76 miles, approximately 4,000’

The grand finale! Our day follows the Historic Columbia River Highway through the Columbia River Gorge, past stellar river views, stone walls, and mile after mile of waterfalls, much of it on trails and sections of road closed to traffic. So much to see before we finally end the day back where we started one week earlier – Troutdale.