Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway

Detroit, OR, US

Route Overview

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

The Best of Oregon Riding

71 mi.
3,300 ft.

Oregon's Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway passes through western Cascades forests along the Breitenbush and Clackamas Rivers between Detroit and Estacada. The links to the left provide detailed cues to ride the route starting in Detroit. See "Trip Planning Resources" in the Route Details below for cues to ride the route starting in Estacada.

Route Details

Oregon Scenic Bikeways

Oregon Scenic Bikeways are a superb collection of cycling routes that inspire people to experience Oregon's natural beauty and cultural heritage by bicycle, and that offer economic and social benefits to the state's communities and residents. The program is administered by Cycle Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Trip Planning Resources

Downloadable map and cue sheet for the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway.

GPS files and route profile for cyclists starting the route in Detroit and riding north to Estacada.

GPS files and route profile for cyclists starting the route in Estacada and riding south to Detroit.

Visit RideOregonRide for videos and photos, guide and shuttle companies, cycling events, attractions, lodging, Bike Friendly business locations, and more.

Information about road conditions from Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck. The U.S. Forest Service offices in Detroit and Estacada also offer campsite information and road condition reports.

Route Description

The Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway follows the winding Breitenbush and Clackamas Rivers in a 70-mile route between Detroit and Estacada. All along this route, water and rock interact to create a place of dramatic beauty and inspiration. Cyclists may experience glimpses of elk or a fluttering grouse or rest along the route to a symphony of forest songbirds.

The bikeway parallels the Brietenbush and Clackamas Rivers along rocky riffles, quiet pools and reservoirs. Experienced riders who seek a challenge will be most attracted to this 72-mile route of forested splendor that starts with a 17-mile, 1,985-foot climb out of Detroit cresting at an elevation of 3,583 feet. The remainder of the route is a long 3,125 foot descent ending with a cruise past historic Faraday Dam into Estacada.The Estacada Station Cycling Plaza offers a number of amenities at the end of the route.

A shorter, family-friendly ride starting just south of Estacada to Faraday Dam and back is available.

There are multiple developed and undeveloped locations to camp along the route including Forest Service the following US Forest Service campgrounds:

Important Reminders

Scenic Bikeway routes often include roads with car and truck traffic. Although the Bikeways are routed on low-traffic and low-speed roads whenever possible, most are designated for cyclists who are comfortable riding in some amount of traffic.

Motorized vehicle traffic volume is low to moderate in late spring and fall, but higher on weekends and holidays during summer months. Most of the route through the national forest is narrow, steep and winding with limited to no shoulder. Watch out for truck traffic, fallen rocks or trees, and possible damaged road surface conditions and slippery surfaces during wet or icy weather.

Road 46 is not maintained for travel during the winter.

Other routes by Oregon Scenic Bikeways