Mt. Hood Village to Hood River |
A scenic climb from Mt. Hood Village with a long descent into Hood River
Lolo Pass is one of the more common road rides in the area. The road is paved all the way to the top, with the exception of a few small patches of gravel. This ride is rated as difficult due to the long sustained climb up Lolo Pass, beginning at Hwy. 26 as a gradual climb for six miles, and then pitches up to a steeper grade for another eight miles to the summit. Don’t forget to pick your head up and look around on the way up!
Once reaching the summit, take the second right onto FS Road 18. Be sure not to take the first right onto FS Road 1828 at the top, otherwise you will reroute onto the Lolo Pass Loop instead of going onto Hood River.
After turning onto FS Road 18, you will be overwhelmed with the scenic beauty on the way to Hood River, as there are several stunning and up close viewing options of Mt. Hood.
You will experience paved roads with the exception of a six mile stretch of unmaintained road on FS Road 18. This section in very rough and can be navigated by an “experienced” road rider; however it is more suited for a mountain bike, or gravel grinder bike at this time.
If you have the legs, take the Vista Ridge option for more scenic views before heading into Hood River.
You will eventually get past the unmaintained section of FS Road 18, and once again be on a paved road all the way to Hood River. The first town you encounter will be the town of Dee, where you will experience the sight and smells of apple and pear orchards, and nearby Punchbowl Falls, while on your way to the city of Hood River and the scenic Columbia River.
Once you have reached your destination of Hood River, your choice is to return using the same route (out & back), or circumnavigate Mt. Hood returning on Hwy. 35 to Hwy. 26 back to the Villages of Mt. Hood. This route is obviously along the Hwy.; however the shoulders are very wide and more than adequate for bicycles.
Please note that due to elevation, this route is not accessible during the winter months as the road is not maintained by the U.S. Forest Service through the winter. In early spring keep an eye out for downed branches that have been blown down by strong winter winds.