Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley

Meet in Portland. Shuttle (about 1.5 hours) to begin cycling in Oregon’s Coast Range. Pedal inland valleys along the Nehalem River and a short section of Highway 101 up to the famous Neahkahnie Viewpoint before descending to the tiny, artsy town of Manzanita. Try and spot a snowy plover in Nehalem Bay State Park. Finish at Rockaway Beach – a sleepy coastal hideaway. Take a moment to stroll the open beach and contemplate the rocky sea stacks from your hotel, or check out the town’s Old Growth Nature Preserve, which showcases a 900-year-old western red cedar! Stay tonight at Rockaway Beach Resort. 

44 miles · +2,108 ft / -2,280 ft (or less) 

Shuttle (or pedal) to the hallmark of Pacific Northwest dairy producers, Tillamook Creamery, for a self-guided tour of its state-of-the-art facility. Pedal side roads through the region’s dairies before tackling the challenging Three Capes Scenic Byway. Pedal past Bayocean Peninsula’s “lost city” and over Cape Meares to its eponymous lighthouse. Sample locally harvested and infused salts at the Jacobson Salt Co. before lunch at Cape Lookout State Park. After one final climb through dense forest on quiet roads ride through the sand dunes of Sand Lake Recreation Area. Spend two nights at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda in Pacific City. Eat dinner tonight at Pelican Brewery, right on the beach with an epic sunset view.  

42.7 miles · +3,280 ft / -3,232 ft (or less)

After breakfast, join us for a rewarding hike. Bring your binoculars! The trail along Cape Lookout’s towering cliffs is the best place in Oregon to spot gray whales without a boat. Back in town, there are great lunch and dinner options to check out on your own. Besides strolling the beach: you can ask your guide to book a whale-watching tour for you (not included); learn the fascinating story of Pacific City’s famous Dory Fleet, regard the lengthy list of famous shipwrecks which have occurred along this stretch of coast (and be thankful you are standing on dry land!); sample flights of beer at Pelican Brewery; walk up the nearby sand dunes at Cape Kiwanda; or cycle on your own (GPS device and route provided).

Hike: 4.7 miles · +772 ft / -778 ft. Some exposed sections near the end of the hike.

Today we will begin our day in Beaver, a short shuttle from the hotel. Pedal on quiet, forested Nestucca River Road over the crest of Oregon’s Coast Range and down into the Willamette Valley. Catch a few glimpses of local fisherman, likely chasing the region’s plentiful salmon or steelhead. After cresting over the range, we coast into an outstanding winery for a tasting (included) while we soak-in delicious views of the valley below. End your ride here, or pedal the remaining 15 miles into McMinnville, complete with a charming historic downtown district. Stay at Douglas on Third, a wonderfully restored boutique hotel in a historic building near the heart of town.

39.1 miles · +3,476 ft / -2,910 ft (or less, or more!) 

Continue cycling east across the Willamette Valley toward the Cascade Mountain foothills. Pay homage to the power of nature (and the scientists who tracked down its story) in the form of a 90-ton boulder that “sailed” here in an iceberg from more than 500 miles away. Cross the mighty Willamette River – just like the settling pioneers did! – on the historic Wheatland cable ferry. Established in 1844, it is considered the oldest continuously operated ferry in Oregon. Enjoy lunch at the Willamette Mission State Park on the river. Spend tonight in Silverton at the Silverton Inn and Suites (or the Oregon Garden Resort).

51.7 miles · +1,682 ft / -1,597 ft (or less)

Shuttle to Silver Falls State Park after breakfast. Referred to by many as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls boasts the second highest concentration of waterfalls in Oregon (the Columbia Gorge is #1). Immerse yourself in old-growth rainforest ecology on a lovely hike (about 2 miles or so) to several waterfalls in this veritable wonderland before we saddle up for one last afternoon of riding. Descend from the cascade foothills via one of Oregon’s famous covered bridges and conclude your tour with a celebratory toast at the Mt. Angel Benedictine Brewery! The drive back to Portland takes about one hour from here.

26.3 miles · +1,438 ft / -2,598 ft