Who knows what the weather’s going to do, but there are excellent ways to get out in the Gorge by bike no matter what it decides.
Exploring Waterfalls
Multnomah Falls is a beautiful destination no matter what spring throws our way. Looking to avoid parking? Catch the Columbia Gorge Express from Gateway Transit Center in Portland and bring your bike. Take in the sights at the falls and then pedal along the Historic Columbia River Highway to Cascade Locks, which includes 8 miles of car-free trails. Enjoy a brew and bite at Thunder Island Brewing or get your fill of fish at Brigham Fish Market. Stay the night or work your way back on the Columbia Gorge Express which has stops in Cascade Locks, Multnomah Falls, and Portland.
Family Fun
Bring the family! Board the Columbia Gorge Express in Portland with your bikes, and listen to the Woody Guthrie Hear in the Gorge podcast episode along the way. Hop off in Cascade Locks and pedal your bikes along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail through tall tree forests, over bridges, and through a tunnel and meadows of wildflowers in the spring. It’s eight miles of car-free trail to the John B. Yeon Trailhead – turn around and come back to Cascade Locks for hot chocolate and soft serve from Eastwinds Drive-In.
A Day on Wheels
Spring is an excellent time of year to pedal the length of the Historic Columbia River Highway from Troutdale to Cascade Locks and back. This is a great challenge for riders who are up for an 80-mile round trip ride through gorgeous scenery of waterfalls, forests, and views - with the added challenge of a bit of climbing. Avoid busier traffic days and go mid-week.
For more resources on how to get around the Columbia River Gorge without a car head to https://www.columbiagorgecarfree.com/.
