Oregon's Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
Oregon's Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley Bike Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Casual & Premiere Hotels
2025: Jul-Sep2026: Jun-Sep
Waterfalls & Wine Country in the Pacific Northwest
This place deserves a standing ovation. The scenic drama unfolds with Pacific Northwest flair, then intermission brings farm-fresh cuisine, distinctive wines and microbrews. Grab a bicycle seat—show’s about to start.
Highlights
- Spin along the Historic Columbia River Highway through the picturesque Mosier Twin Tunnels, catching glimpses of the Gorge below
- Explore captivating Waterfall Alley by bike and on foot—it’s the largest concentration of waterfalls in the world!
- Stay in charming McMinnville at the sophisticated Atticus Hotel, whose winning balance of elegance and comfort is a luxurious treat
- Embark on a route crossing the Historic Columbia River Highway’s Bridge of the Gods, a National Historic Landmark and a Bicycling magazine "must ride"
- Stop to savor fruits and vegetables picked at the peak of freshness during a ride through the fertile Hood River Valley
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 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 charming 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. Though this historical hotel is more casual than typical Backroads accommodations, it 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 hotel offers ready access to the charms of Hood River and its magnificent natural surroundings.
Nights 2-3
Casual Hotel
A charming 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.
Review Snapshot
by PowerReviews
Reviewed by 6 customers
Outstanding trip! The scenery and cycling exceeded my expec
From the welcome to farewell we had fun, we're encouraged to make it our trip and to come together as a group. When things come up (as they do), the leaders figured it out and made it all work.
Absolutely incredible trip!
This was my first Back Roads trip and it was fantastic. The scenery was beautiful, the hotels were lovely, the food was delicious and most important of all, our trip leaders Morgan, Reuben and Tony were awesome. They worked so hard and made the whole experience extra special for all of us. It just would not have been the same without them. Their endless energy, enthusiasm and patience was impressive. Thank you so much for a wonderful time.
Trip of a lifetime!
This was my first organized cycling tour. Everything from our amazing trip leaders, John, Nate and Reuben, to the wonderful food, accommodations, and scenery, far exceeded my expectations. Most definitely worth every penny. Thank you Backroads!
Wonderful trip to the Pacific Northwest!
We loved the private trip we did with our friends ! The scenery in Oregon and Washington was beautiful! The best trip leaders ever !
What a great Trip!
This was a first time Backroad trip experience for me and it far exceeded my expectations! What a treat having everything arranged throughout the trip for us. Our leaders John and Trisha were amazing! They always went above and beyond to ensure we were having the best experience possible!
Fantastic trip to such a beautifully diverse region
We had amazing guides taking care of us all along the way on such a wonderful journey !!!
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.
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