Tasting the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail

Hood River, OR, US

Route Overview

Bikabout

Wander by Bike! Inspiring two wheeled tourism in North America's best biking cities

21 mi.
1,869 ft.

Quote us because we think the car-free section of the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail between Hood River and Mosier is the "best under 10 mile bike ride" in America. And we mean it because this ride rolls out everything you could ever want in an biking experience: car-free, history, scenic vistas, water views, ice cream, craft beer, wine, cider, wildflowers, a swimming hole and pretty good food.

Route Details

Completed in 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway was America's first scenic highway, conceived and designed by visionary Sam Hill as a leisurely drive for Model T owners. The original design included a route along waterfall alley and scenic overlooks, requiring precarious engineering to build a road along cliff faces and through the sides of mountains. When Interstate 84 was constructed, it enveloped and destroyed some segments of the highway, but with the help of the awesome organization, "Friends of", the highway will be continuous again as a bikeway, set to be complete 100 years later in 2022!

The section of the highway between Hood River and Mosier is a car-free state trail, making it a first class biking experience. You'll take a step back in time when automobiles were a luxurious leisure activity and scenic views enjoyed from slow speeds were revered.

Once in Mosier, there is some of the best wine, cider and beer tasting opportunities that Oregon has to offer. Add to all of this the wildflowers and swimming holes accessible from short walks off the highway, and you're in for a hell of a day trip.

Route

All of Bikabout's routes are curated to be tasty, full of stellar views and appeal to people who like riding a bike on calm bikeways, away from cars.

Physical Ability

Because the highway was designed during an era of Model Ts when grades were more conservative, there are no steep hills. A bike with an easy climbing gear will be sufficient if you take your time going up the hill. Remember, it's not a race! However, we highly recommend for experience sake that you try an electric bike. It will take the edge off the long uphills, and deposit you sweat-free at all the tasting destinations. DISCLAIMER-if you don't want to bike up a very long uphill back from Mosier, don't go past the overlook after the tunnels.

Tastings

These vineyards, cidery and restaurants are all fantastic, but some of the hours are funky so make sure you look them up before biking there.

Highlights

The Highway is packed with history, scenery, engineering magic and the option to stretch your legs.

need a bike?

  • Oregon Ebikes, Hood River - enjoy a sweat free, longer ride with an electric bike, aka the "smile machine". Hourly, daily and overnight rentals available. Bikes include front rack to carry belongings, lights, lock and helmet. Urban Arrow, an electric cargo bike, available for families.
  • Route 30 Classics & Roadside Refreshments, Mosier - electric bike rentals

What to bring?

  • Camera
  • Money for tastings
  • Water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Bike basket, pannier or backpack for a picnic lunch or to carry wine, beer or cider purchases

Other routes by Bikabout