Oregon's Columbia River Gorge Easygoing Multi-Adventure Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey among Willamette Valley Vineyards & Pacific Northwest Waterfalls
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-2
Casual & Premiere Hotels
From: $3,949 - $4,099 pp dbl occ
($900 - $1,150 for sgl occ)
A river runs through it. But you'll take your time exploring Oregon’s spectacular Columbia River Gorge. On this easygoing adventure, there's no need to whiz down Waterfall Alley on your e-bike. And if you stay a little too long contemplating a cascade along the Trail of Ten Falls, we don't mind. This place is meant to be savored. While e-biking through the fertile Willamette Valley. During an unhurried kayak ride along the Wind River. Lingering over fresh farm-to-table cuisine and a cold pint in Hood River with your fellow travelers. Welcome to the Gorge. No running, please.
Oregon
Start/End Portland
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Highlights
Refreshingly Active Adventures
E-bike through Oregon’s scenic wilderness on routes with dazzling views of Mount Adams and Mount Hood. Walk to thundering waterfalls and amid rolling vineyards. Grab a paddle and kayak Wind River’s calm waters.
Immersive Travel
It’s a farm-stand paradise here in the Oregon’s “fruit basket.” Meet local harvesters and celebrated winemakers. Explore McMinnville’s artisan galleries and iconic main street, and let Hood River be your new favorite vacation spot.
Unique Hotels & Delectable Dining
Boutique inns in spectacular settings are the perfect way to end a day spent in Oregon’s truly great outdoors. Farm-to-table reigns supreme in this slice of the Pacific Northwest – these dinners are something truly special.
Itinerary
6 Days Casual & Premiere Hotels*
Travel by bike through the lush Hood River Valley, Oregon’s fruit basket and the nation’s largest exporter of pears | The Fruit Loop, a fun cycling route dotted with orchards, wineries and farm stands, offers a one-of-a-kind, farm-to-mouth experience | The fertile soil and dramatic microclimates of the Columbia Gorge AVA create the perfect terroir for growing many classic grape varietals | Kick back and relax at our historic hotel in the heart of town | Find out what makes the windsurfing capital of the world more than just a pretty town with a sporty personality | Explore the area’s burgeoning cider scene and enjoy a bright crisp glass after a day in the saddle.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this cozy Scandanavian-chic boutique hotel offers ready access to the charms of Hood River and its magnificent natural surroundings. (pool)
Start your ride near Cascade Locks, a town set on a section of the Columbia River that Lewis and Clark described as the “great rapids of the Cascades” | Discover America’s original scenic byway and a National Historic Landmark from the seat of your bike | Pedal down Waterfall Alley to experience some of the most spectacular scenery in the region | The view of 620-foot Multnomah Falls, the second highest in the country, takes your breath away | Hike to picturesque Latourell Falls | Kayak the Wind River as it joins the Columbia | Bask in distinctive Pacific Northwest vibes at our welcoming lodge.
A magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres offering spectacular views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains. (pool, spa)
Hike behind waterfalls and through a temperate rain forest on the iconic Trail of Ten Falls | Marvel at the bounty produced in the Willamette Valley as you bike past vegetable fields, fruit and nut orchards, wineries and farms | Check out the legs on some of world’s finest Pinot Noir while you give yours a rest | Behold the amazing hazelnut on a route lined with the hardy trees that sprouted a flourishing industry over 100 years ago | Meander through downtown McMinnville, home to one of America’s favorite main streets | Retreat amid the comfortable sophistication of our luxurious hotel in the heart of town.
A luxury boutique hotel in historic downtown McMinnville, reflective of the creative and independent spirit that defines Oregon Wine Country.
Dates & Prices
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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From our Guests
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Activity Level: 1-2
Our Dolce Tempo activities allow you to leisurely explore local hidden gems and to get away from the crowds, experiencing the essence of your location on your own terms and at your own pace. Easier than our other trips, but still wonderfully active, itinerary options typically include 2-4 hours of walking, e-biking or other excursions per day. On e-bike routes, our custom electric-assist bikes allow you to pedal effortlessly. Your trip is fully supported with dedicated Trip Leaders, vans, meticulously selected routes and downloadable GPS files available for use on your own device.
Route notes
Our e-bike routes follow a combination of bike paths, bike lanes and lightly trafficked highways with a small shoulder at times. The walking terrain on this trip features moderately rolling hills and routes vary from alpine forested paths to loose rocky trails.
Daily Activity Options
What's Included
Available Bike Options
On this Dolce Tempo trip, most travelers choose to ride one of our custom titanium e-bikes. If you prefer to enjoy the daily rides without electric assistance, you can select another bike. See all options below. (click the arrow to see all available options)
Included in your trip price
Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+
Included in your trip price
A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.
Included in your trip price
This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork.
Also Included
- All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Straight talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Traffic
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.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. 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.
