Oregon's Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
Oregon's Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
2025: Jun-Sep
Waterfalls & Wine Country in the Pacific Northwest
The geologic drama that created Oregon's Columbia River Gorge is still at play. You'll feel it as you bike down Waterfall Alley. Witness it as you cycle through the bountiful Willamette Valley, a mosaic of farms and vineyards where the volcanic rich soil grows some of the world's finest Pinot Noir grapes. And taste it in Portland's thriving farm-to-fork food scene and Hood River's microbreweries. Go ahead—sip, savor and cycle the best of the Pacific Northwest!
Highlights
- Explore the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, a nature-lover's paradise and crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest
- Cycle across the Bridge of the Gods along the Historic Columbia River Highway, a National Historic Landmark and a Bicycling magazine "must ride"
- Admire towering Mount Adams and Mount Hood as you bike past wild and scenic Oregon landscapes
- Bike through the fertile Hood River Valley, stopping to savor fruits and vegetables picked at the peak of freshness
Start/End Portland
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Set off on two wheels to discover the lush Hood River Valley, one of the most prolific fruit-growing regions in the world • Ride along the Fruit Loop, a scenic cycling route dotted with orchards, wineries and farm stands • Enjoy lunch at a family-owned winery • Retreat to our historic hotel in downtown Hood River, where strong winds and waves launch thrill-seeking kiteboarders and windsurfers into the air.
Night 1
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this cozy Scandanavian-chic boutique hotel offers ready access to the charms of Hood River and its magnificent natural surroundings.
Days 2-3
Start today's ride cycling eastward toward The Dalles, where the landscape transitions from temperate rain forest to dry grasslands • Don't miss the views as you ride through the famous windowed Twin Tunnels leading to the town of Mosier • If you're up for it, cruise downhill on the exhilarating Rowena Loops • Bike along the Historic Columbia River Highway, a marvel of engineering and masterpiece of landscape design once called King of the Roads • Make your way on two wheels down Waterfall Alley to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the region • Take a moment to soak in the view of 620-foot Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state • Learn about the Native American legend that named the iconic Bridge of the Gods • Stop for lunch at a local brewery in Cascade Locks, one of the oldest towns on the Columbia River • Treat yourself to some pampering at our distinctive Pacific Northwest hotel, Skamania Lodge.
Nights 2-3
A magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres offering spectacular views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Bike into the heart of the Willamette Valley, a wine-growing mecca often compared to France’s Burgundy region • Swirl and sip some of world’s finest Pinot Noir • Set out on routes lined with hazelnut trees, passing a historic chapel and the region's oldest winery • Learn about the volcanic heritage of this area, which contributes to its unique and complex soils • Explore the quaint town of McMinnville • Stay at a chic eco-friendly hotel in the historic downtown.
Nights 4-5
A luxury boutique hotel in historic downtown McMinnville, reflective of the creative and independent spirit that defines Oregon Wine Country.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Oregon's Columbia River Gorge and Willamette Valley are popular with cyclists and drivers alike. While Backroads strives to find routes that are quiet and off the beaten track, some routes on this trip follow more heavily trafficked roads for a small portion of the ride. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid the busier roads.
On this trip we stay one night at the Hood River Hotel. While you may find this historical hotel to be more casual than typical Backroads accommodations, this unique property was selected for its location in the heart of Hood River's thriving downtown.
Hotels
Adventure-Ready Hotels
Ideally located with ready access to trip activities, our Casual hotels are also known for their character and charm.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Casual Hotel
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this cozy Scandanavian-chic boutique hotel offers ready access to the charms of Hood River and its magnificent natural surroundings.
Nights 2-3
Casual Hotel
A magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres offering spectacular views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
*Premiere Hotel
A luxury boutique hotel in historic downtown McMinnville, reflective of the creative and independent spirit that defines Oregon Wine Country.
Gallery
Bikes
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
Included in your trip price
- Ideal for avid cyclists
- Redesigned for 2024
- Next gen titanium frame with carbon wheels
- Responsive, efficient and comfortable
- Drop handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Included in your trip price
- One of the lightest e-bikes available
- Provides plenty of power and more than enough battery
- Lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting
- Upright handlebars only
- Limited availability on Unplugged Bike Tours; learn more
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
- $400 rental fee
- Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed Cro-Moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train
- Custom upgraded wheelset
- Best for riders with some tandem experience.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Please Select a Group Size
Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.