Row River Trail

This difficult 66.8-mile road cycling loop via Fox Hollow Road offers varied terrain and 3072 feet of elevation gain near Eugene.

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway near Cottage Grove, Oregon, offers a delightful and largely traffic-free road cycling experience, perfect for a relaxed day out. You'll pedal along the smoothly paved Row River Trail, an old railroad bed, winding through lush forests, open farm country, and past the tranquil waters of Dorena Lake. The route's true charm lies in its namesake historic covered bridges, such as the Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, which punctuate the scenic journey.

This easy 22.7-mile (36.5 km) route, with a gentle 710 feet (216 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hour and 29 minutes to complete. It's accessible year-round and starts conveniently in Cottage Grove's historic downtown, where you'll find places to grab a coffee or a bite. While mostly flat, there's an optional short, steep hill on Garoutte Road for those wanting a bit more challenge, but you can easily bypass it by sticking to the main trail.

Beyond the beautiful bridges, the bikeway is notable for its flexibility, allowing riders to customize their experience from a family-friendly out-and-back to a full loop. Keep an eye out for the orange train trestle featured in the movie "Stand By Me" along the way. This trail is a fantastic option if you're looking for a scenic, low-stress ride with plenty of historical character.