McMinnville - Erratic Rock Ride |
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Epic Rides in an Epic Valley
A unique visitor to McMinnville Wine Country, the “Erratic Rock” is a 90-ton rock deposited during an Ice Age flood on the top of a hill – from which you can enjoy amazing valley views.
This 18 mile out-and-back easy/moderate ride will also take you to historic McCabe Chapel and past Yamhill Valley Vineyards, the oldest winery in the region.
History, natural beauty, wineries, quiet farmland … the McMinnville-Erratic Rock Ride has it all, and without much elevation gain along the way.
Heading southwest out of downtown McMinnville, the ride begins passing through the farmland for which the Willamette Valley is so well-known; fields of corn, hay, and other crops flank the roads through this quiet stretch.
Highlights on the way to Erratic Rock include Farmer John's Produce & Nursery – which grows and sells berries, produce, and cut flowers from fifth-generation farmers – and Yamhill Valley Vineyards, the oldest vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. Nearby, the family-owned Maysara Winery sits on a 532-acre vineyard and specializes in Pinot noir.
After nine mostly flat miles, you’ll arrive at your turnaround point: Erratic Rock State Natural Site, a place for picnicking and relaxing with great views. The centerpiece of the park is a 90-ton rock that floated more than 500 miles down the Columbia River in an iceberg roughly 15,000 years ago. When the ice melted, the rock remained – and, today, is the largest glacial erratic in the Willamette Valley. While here, take a second to appreciate the surrounding Willamette Valley views – and try to imagine what this area must have looked like covered in water during the last Ice Age.
From here, the ride returns to downtown McMinnville, mostly following the same route you took on the way out.
You’ll want to keep a few things in mind when planning to ride this route: