OVERVIEW

The Northern Oregon tour is a counterclockwise loop starting and ending in Troutdale Oregon. The route travels south to Springfield on little travelled rural roads then works its way south, east, and eventually north over scenic byways to The Dalles, returning west to Troutdale via the incredible Columbia Gorge. This 564 mile, 8 day tour has wonderful scenery around almost every bend, a plentiful payback for the long miles and challenging terrain.

Download the route map (PDF).

WHAT TO EXPECT

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

This tour is rated Advanced. This eight day tour is Cascade’s most challenging, having an 81-mile daily average, with two back to back 100 mile days, 32,000’ total elevation gain with 2 passes, and occasional short climbs with grades in excess of 15 percent. The route includes occasional stretches with no shoulder or significant traffic, including a stretch on I-84 as part of the Columbia Gorge bikeway.

WEATHER

September sees some of the Willamette valley and northeastern Oregon’s best weather. Despite the likelihood of warm, dry weather, you should be prepared for both rain and cold temperatures as this tour goes through stretches at high elevation and over two mountain passes.

MEALS

This tour will provide both snacks and lunch on riding days. Breakfast and dinner are not provided, however our accommodations provide breakfast five of the nine mornings.

LODGING

Quality of lodging varies from basic to luxurious. New this year, a ninth night’s lodging on your return to Troutdale.

ITINERARY

Friday, September 9

We meet the first night in Troutdale and get to know each other over dinner and a brief meeting.

Saturday, September 10 (Day 1) - 76 miles, approximately 5.500’

This is a day for the climbers! Today, as we head southwest, it is all about avoiding highways on rural country roads, climbing up hill and down dale with beautiful territorial views from the ridges. We end the day in Silverton, at a resort in the beautiful Oregon Gardens.

Sunday, September 11 (Day 2) - 100 miles approximately 5,000’

We continue south, climbing through Silver Falls State Park and descending to the Willamette valley. We get our first, but not last, chance to see the covered bridges for which this area is famous. Our route dodges most of the populated areas on little pastoral byways. We end our day in Springfield.

Monday, September 12 (Day 3) - 100 miles, approximately 3,500’

The Willamette River is our companion for most of the day. We head southeast through Lane county with opportunities to see several more covered bridges. After reaching the village of Westfir, we head northeast, following the Willamette uphill along the Aufderheide Forest Drive – cycling paradise. After the summit at 3682’, we descend into the McKenzie basin to our overnight in Rainbow.

Tuesday, September 13 (Day 4) - 46 miles, approximately 4,600’

The day begins following SR 126 east climbing very gradually to the junction of SR 242 where the work begins – a steady 11 mile climb gaining 3100’. Despite the work, the day is enjoyable due to the sensational scenery, in and out of forest, meadows and vast mountain vistas. The highlight of the climb comes at the summit in a vast, stark, moonscape of black lava. After your descent, the day ends in the charming town of Sisters.

Wednesday, September 14 – (Day 5) Rest day. You have the day to relax, wander through shops and galleries, or take a spin along quiet country roads

Thursday, September 15 (Day 5) - 78 miles, approximately 3,500’

Today is a cycling tour sampler pack – a transitional stage from the mountains to the high desert, rolling grasslands and high mesas, gorges and mountain vistas, moving east or north most of the day. Our day ends with two climbs and a screaming descent before we turn towards our night’s lodging at a resort in the middle of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation.

Friday, September 16 (Day 6) 83 miles, approximately 4,800’

Today is all about climbing. There are two climbs today but even more great downhills to pay back the hard work. Along the way, you are treated to frequent sights of Mt. Hood on the horizon. The day ends with grand views of the Columbia as we finish in The Dalles.

Saturday, September 17 (Day 7) - 78 miles, approximately 4,700’

The grand finale! Our day follows the Historic Columbia River Highway through the Columbia River Gorge, past stellar river views, stone walls, and mile after mile of waterfalls, much of it on trails and sections of road closed to traffic. So much to see but the whole day to see it before we finally end the day back where we started one week earlier – Troutdale, where you have a room waiting for you for one last night with the group before you say good-bye and head home on Sunday.