With spring arriving in Mt. Hood Territory, bike enthusiasts are ready to take to our many trails. The best part is you don't have to go far to find great rides, as many of the cities and communities in Mt. Hood Territory have awesome cycling options.
The Trolley Trail Loop is the newest addition to Mt. Hood Territory and incorporates three multimodal paths totaling 19.5 miles round-trip. The ride follows a historic path once used by the streetcar rail line that ran from Oregon City to Portland back in 1893. Riders can enjoy passing through picturesque parks perfect for a picnic pit-stop with the family. The route is very relaxing and relatively flat with bike lanes present 84% of the time. A bike repair station was recently added in Oak Grove, giving riders a chance to repair and re-air their rides.
For a ride filled with variety, check out the Canby Ferry Loop. It's a 25-mile trip that includes both urban and countryside scenery, 1,700 feet of elevation, rolling farmland and a cruise on the historic Canby Ferry - one of only three ferries still operating in Oregon.
The Tri-Park Trip is a 16 mile, easy and scenic ride that takes you through three different area parks, as the name suggests. Starting north of Lake Oswego at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, the course winds its way through the city before coming to George Rogers Park, home of the historic iron smelter and then takes you along Old River Road with stunning views of the Willamette River before ending at Mary S Young Park. There you'll find even more beautiful, forested trails.
For a challenging ride once the winter snow melts, take to the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway. Running from the town of Estacada all the way to Detroit, the 71-mile path follows the Clackamas and Breitenbush rivers. Ride next to roaring rapids and tranquil lakes with Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson overlooking parts of the trail. Before you go - make sure your bike is in tip top shape at the Estacada Station Cycling Plaza's bike repair area and fill up your reusable water bottle so you are all set! Bonus: take a quick ride through downtown Estacada to witness the picture worthy murals.
There are still many more cycling opportunities throughout Mt. Hood Territory. Check out the biking page for some additional ideas. Add in a great hotel or vacation rental to make it the perfect bike-based vacation.
