Columbia County Challenge

Route Details

Ready for a true challenge? Welcome to the Columbia County Challenge.

When heading out of Vernonia, you will be riding along @slice[Highway 47](d,3827.54,15774.93) for approximately 4 miles. Please use extreme caution as there is not a wide shoulder and larger trucks frequent the Highway.

Around mile 15 you will enter @poi[[Camp Wilkerson](https://www.co.columbia.or.us/departments/forests-parks-and-recreation-main/parks-a-locations/camp-wilkerson)](9669302), which at 280 acres is Columbia County's largest park. Camp Wilkerson has miles of trails and several campsites available. As well as a horse camp, 25 three-sided camp shelters, 11 tent sites, 2 dry RV sites, 3 rustic two-room cabins and a rustic day lodge.

You will continue North for about 12 miles near the small town of Rainer and the Lewis & Clark Bridge. Then you will descend down to the Columbia River. Take a brief detour into the small town of @photo[St. Helens](5869312) to grab a beer at @photo[@poi[Running Dogs Brewery](9669307)](5869305) or a drink with a view at @photo[@poi[Roof](9669306)](5869301).

Continuing South, you will meet up with the Crown-Zellerbach Trail. The Crown-Zellerbach Trail follows an abandoned logging road and railway line near the small City of Scappoose. This trail takes you from the Multnomah Channel to the Coast Range through lush forests. You will ride from paved asphalt to grass and dirt, gravel roads, and short muddy singletrack. For the last 20 miles follow the @photo[Crown-Zellerbach Trail](4731510), while you make the climb back to Vernonia.

After successfully completing the challenge, Vernonia has the re-fuel you need. Check out these local restaurants:

* @poi[@photo[Blue House Cafe](4781012)](9669310)
* @poi[Mariolino's](9669296)
* @poi[La Cabana Restaurant](9669295)
* @poi[The Black Iron Grill](9669308)
* @poi[All In Pub and Eatery](9669311)

If you are looking for lodging near Vernonia to make this a multi-day ride, check out these lovely options:

* @poi[Ride Inn](9669304)
* @poi[Rock Creek Bed & Breakfast](9669305)
* @poi[Carpenters Guest House](9669303)
* @poi[Coastal Mountain Sport Haus](9669299)

If you are looking to continue your ride, hop on over to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail to ride 21 miles to the City of Banks for a longer adventure.

# More resources

@point[[Barlow Bikes](http://barlowbikes.com/)](d,95565.05), located in St. Helens, provides everything you need from equipment to rentals in order to hit the road or trails around Columbia County.

# Important Reminders

**Attention: Please be aware of the possibility of encountering horses on your ride. Ride slowly especially around blind corners and always give these equestrian users right of way.**

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Columbia County Challenge

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