Decker; Benton County Backways

Berms. Rock gardens. Jumps. Booters. More berms. If it’s fun to ride on a mountain bike, then it’s part of Alsea Falls, a trail system set in the thick, green forest of the Oregon Coast Range. A parade of top-notch pro and volunteer trail builders have labored in the dirt here for your riding pleasure, and with an easy road climb to the top, you’ll want to do two loops — because once is just not enough. (less)

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. (less)

When you need an escape and to experience those less-traveled backroads, take the Willamette Valley’s challenging 40-mile Albany Lewisburg Loop for a spin. (less)

You’ll find no shortage of history on the Benton County Winery and Historic Route. Gaining 3,500 feet over 40 challenging miles, the ride passes historic sites, pastoral wineries, a long-running country store, and through a covered bridge that dates back nearly a century. (less)

The McKenzie 3 River Loop has it all: urban riding, forested foothills, scenic rivers, and even a popular park—all in just over 27 miles. Along the way, the ride lives up to its name by following and crossing the Willamette, McKenzie, and Mohawk rivers. (less)

Only about three miles of this easy-riding, 16.5-mile loop are on paved surfaces, making it an excellent gravel ride with plenty of scenery along the way. This route will take you past farms, vineyards, forest, and rolling hillsides; other than the crunch of the gravel beneath your feet, this is an exceptionally quiet slice of the Willamette Valley. (less)

This 40-mile (one-way) ride begins on paved road in the heart of Westfir; almost immediately, it begins following the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River (and will remain mostly alongside the river all the way to Springfield) on a flat, paved surface. At the end of this ride you'll arrive at the southern edge of Springfield, downtown. (less)

Not for the faint of heart – but definitely for the lover of dramatic climbs and coastal mountain scenery.

Expect some gravel and a big elevation gain in the first half of the ride, followed by a more flat trip through the heart of Oregon Wine Country in the second half of your 40-mile excursion. (less)

Farmers produce more than 170 crops and livestock items throughout the Willamette Valley – and this ride offers ample opportunities to experience some of the region’s bounty all year long. (less)

This 21.8-mile loop showcases a quiet look at life in rural Polk and Marion counties. Highlights include the Willamette River Basin, a quick trip on the historic Buena Vista Ferry, and post-ride refreshments back in the charming community of Independence. (less)

Mountain bike loop through the McDonald-Dunn Research Forest over fire roads and pavement. Have a stop at the top of Dimple Hill to enjoy the view of the Willamette Valley, Marys Peak, and the Three Sisters. (less)

This scenic, 27.5-mile, balloon-shaped loop ride heads through the rolling hillsides of the mid-Willamette Valley without ever demanding intense elevation gains. This route arrives at its first low-traffic gravel road after about three miles as it passes farmland, grassland, and the occasional patch of forest. (less)

Description: Pastoral scenery and low traffic in Southern Benton County northwest of Monroe. (less)

Don't let the Paved to Gravel ratio fool you, the gravel sections here are fantastic (rolling vineyards, quiet wood lanes), and the connective roads offer some stunning views of the Valley and "swoopy" downhill fun. (less)