Mt. Defiance Trailhead

Pedal through a slice of history on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, where the Columbia River Gorge unfolds with dramatic cliffs and lush forests. This easy touring cycling route offers a quick, scenic escape, taking you past stunning features like Starvation Creek State Park. You'll enjoy well-paved surfaces and panoramic views of the Columbia River, making it a rewarding ride for those seeking natural beauty and historical context.

This 3.8-mile (6.1 km) segment involves 474 feet (145 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 27 minutes. While this section is straightforward, the broader Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is made up of several disconnected parts. Some segments may require navigating shared roads or encountering unpaved sections, so it's wise to plan your route carefully if you intend to link multiple sections.

The Historic Columbia River Highway is renowned as the first scenic highway in the United States, an engineering marvel nicknamed the "King of Roads." Cycling here offers a unique chance to experience this legacy firsthand, with car-free sections providing a serene journey through one of Oregon's most iconic landscapes. It's a fantastic option for a short, accessible ride with a rich historical backdrop.

This touring cycling route offers a delightful journey through the Columbia River Gorge, primarily along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. You'll pedal past dramatic basalt cliffs, through sections of old-growth forest, and alongside several stunning waterfalls like Starvation Creek Falls and Lancaster Falls. The highlight for many is crossing the 500-foot Summit Creek Viaduct, which provides expansive views of the river and the Washington side of the Gorge, making for a truly immersive experience.

Planning your ride is straightforward, as the route is well-suited for touring bikes with its mostly paved surfaces. You can start from either Viento State Park or Starvation Creek State Park, both offering convenient parking and restroom facilities. While the 12.4-mile (19.9 km) loop is rated moderate with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain, it's generally manageable in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, with some gradual uphill sections balanced by flatter or downhill stretches. E-bikes are welcome here.

This route is a significant part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, renowned for its historical importance and design that maximizes views of the Gorge's natural beauty. It's an excellent option for those seeking a family-friendly bike trail or a beginner cycling route near Viento State Park and Starvation Creek, offering a rewarding experience without the intensity of mountain biking. The trail's focus on scenic overlooks and waterfalls makes it a standout among Columbia River Gorge touring cycling options.

This touring cycling loop offers a delightful journey through the Columbia River Gorge, showcasing its iconic basalt cliffs and lush old-growth forests. You'll pedal along mostly well-paved surfaces, enjoying constant views of the Columbia River and passing several beautiful waterfalls, including the unique Hole-in-the-Wall Falls. It's a moderate 11.5-mile (18.5 km) ride with a gentle 861 feet (263 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy road ride that takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Starting from Wyeth State Recreation Area, this route is easily accessible with good parking facilities. The trail is suitable for all touring bicycles, including e-bikes, and is generally best enjoyed during the warmer, drier seasons for optimal conditions and views. Always remember that this is a cycling route on paved trails; the actual Mount Defiance hiking trails are rugged and not bike-friendly.

This loop utilizes sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, America's first scenic highway, imbuing your ride with a sense of history. It effectively connects several state parks, allowing you to experience multiple points of interest and intimate views of the Gorge's dramatic landscapes. It's a fantastic option for those seeking a scenic, relatively flat ride rather than a strenuous climb.