Did you know that Oregon has the only Scenic Bikeway program in the nation and that Cycle Oregon manages the program? Oregon State Parks opened its scenic bikeway program in 2009 in partnership with Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation. It is the first of its kind with official state-designated bike routes, printable maps, and on-road signage. These scenic bikeways showcase beautiful scenery, state history, and local communities. Here are 17 beautiful Oregon scenic bikeways for your next ride:
1. Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway
Cruise through quaint covered bridges and tranquil lake views on this scenic bikeway. The family-friendly Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway starts and ends in Cottage Grove, known for its historic downtown that has even been featured in movies such as Animal House (1968) and Stand By Me (1986).
From downtown Cottage Grove, ride towards Mosby Creek Trailhead, where Row River Trail starts. Row River Trail offers 17 miles of smoothly paved bike/ped-only path along the north side of Dorena Lake. Row River Trail can be ridden as an out-and-back. It also connects to Row Rover and Lower Brice Creek Roads, turning the ride into a low-traffic loop.
Difficulty: Mild
Length: 36 Miles
Climb: +1,210 FT
Best Season: Year-round
Location: Willamette Valley
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
2. Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway
The Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway is a hidden gem in Central Oregon. This ride takes visitors from the historic community of Prineville through the Crooked River Canyon, showing off its narrow, twisting rock, which presents nostalgic scenery of the Wild West.
The scenic bikeway ends at Big Bend Campground, where the Crooked River feeds into Prineville Reservoir. Big Bend Campground has parking, restrooms, water, and power. Additionally, several day-use sites along the route have restrooms; two have water stations to refill empty bottles.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 18 Miles
Climb: +728 FT
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Out and back (37 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
3. Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway
The Madra Mountain View Scenic Bikeway is a breathtaking 29-mile loop that offers views of Oregon’s volcanoes and pastoral scenery. The ride starts and ends at Sahalee Park in Madras. If you need to stop for water or restrooms mid-ride, you can find those at The Cove Palisades State Park.
The bikeway includes several overlooks where you can take in the best views of volcanic peaks. You might even spot wildlife like eagles, deer, snakes, and lizards along the way.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 29 Miles
Climb: +1,175 FT
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
4. Sherar’s Falls Scenic Bikeway
Sherar’s Falls Scenic Bikeway begins in Maupin and is a 33-mile loop that winds along the Deschutes River in passage to Sherar’s Falls. The falls are a popular salmon fishing spot for local Native Americans. Watch them fish on wooden scaffolds using traditional diners and set nets.
You’ll also come across White River Falls State Park, which (following a short walk) leads to one of Oregon’s secret hideaways: sweeping views of a 90-foot plunge over a basalt shelf.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 33 Miles
Climb: +1,727 FT
Best Season: Spring and Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
View on Ride With GPS (clockwise)
View on Ride With GPS (counterclockwise)
5. Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway
The Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway takes riders past historical sites, the Deschutes River, and spectacular views of the Cascade Mountains. The bikeway starts in the town of Sisters and ends at Smith Rock State Park, just outside of Terrebonne.
Smith Rock State Park will greet you with dramatic walls of towering multicolored formations left over from eroded volcanoes. Here you can watch rock climbers ascend the surrounding peaks.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 36 Miles
Climb: +960 FT
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Out and back (72 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
6. Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway
The Twin Bridges Loop Scenic Bikeway gets its name from the two bridges along the route that cross the Deschutes River. Beautiful wetlands and ranches surround them. Along the ride, you will have striking views of the Cascade Mountains along with changing scenery such as high-desert landscapes, hobby farms, hay fields, and wildlife.
This route starts and finishes at Drake Park in Bend, where you can find restrooms, parking, and shaded picnic areas.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 36 Miles
Climb: +1,812 FT
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
7. Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway
The Tualatin Scenic Bikeway includes lovely views of farms, vineyards, and natural areas. The route starts at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro and follows country roads leading you to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail in Banks.
This route is perfect for out-and-back explorations and offers an ideal blend of a meandering ride through the valley and the Banks-Vernonia Trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 51 Miles
Climb: +1,647 FT
Best Season: Year round
Location: Portland Region
Type: Out and back (102 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
8. Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway Oregon
The Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway was the first official scenic bikeway in the United States. Ride through the Willamette Valley with views of the Coast Mountain Range on your West and the Cascade Mountains to the East. This route will also take you alongside fields of hops, vineyards, and even Champoeg State Heritage Area.
The valley’s temperate climate allows you to enjoy this route year-round, but we suggest you bring rain gear for winter riding.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 134 Miles
Climb: +2,585 FT
Best Season: Year-round
Location: Willamette Valley
Type: Out and back (268 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
9. Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway
The Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway is a voyage to the oldest town on the Oregon coast, Port Orford. In addition to the oldest coastal town, you will see a wild river, lush cranberry bogs, basalt sea stacks, and breathtaking ocean views. You can complete this ride in one day or take several out and back rides.
On this ride, you can visit various places, such as Battle Rock Park, Redfish Rocks Marine Reserve, Elk River Fish Hatchery, and Cape Blanco Lighthouse.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 61 Miles
Climb: +3,028 FT
Best Season: Year round
Location: Oregon Coast
Type: Out and back (122 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
10. Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway
The Grande Tour Scenic Bikeway offers country roads with gorgeous views of the Blue and Wallowa Mountains. The route starts at Riverside Park, just north of La Grande, and is a challenging 134-mile figure eight loop. If you want to split the ride, rest at the halfway point in Baker City, where you can grab some good food and stop by the local bicycle shop.
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 134 Miles
Climb: +4,546 FT
Best Season: Spring through fall
Location: Eastern Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
11. Old West Scenic Bikeway
The Old West Scenic Bikeway is a two to three-day ride that offers diverse scenery, such as rivers, hot springs, and fossil beds. The bikeway begins at the Kam Wah Chung Heritage Site in John Day. This route is truly one of the best community supported rides, with ten communities along the route filled with people ready to greet you and help in whichever way they can.
In addition to the warm communities, there are three state parks, five additional campgrounds, and two bike hostels on this route. The Grant County Chamber (541-575-0547) has a volunteer who will assist cyclists wanting to plan a day, weekend, or longer vacation ride.
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 174 Miles
Climb: +8,493 FT
Best Season: Spring and fall
Location: Eastern Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
12. Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway
The Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway is a 71-mile route that follows the Breitenbush and Clackamas Rivers. Along the way, cyclists will catch glimpses of elk, grouse, quiet pools, and reservoirs.
Riders looking for a challenge will be attracted to this bikeway that starts with a 17-mile, 1,985 foot climb out of Detroit, cresting at an elevation of 3,583 feet. The remainder of the route is a long 3,125-foot descent into the Estacada Cycling Plaza where you can find a number of amenities for the end of your journey.
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 71 Miles
Climb: +3,300 FT
Best Season: Spring through fall
Location: Mt. Hood & Columbia River Gorge
Type: Out and back (142 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
13. Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway
The Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway is a stunning loop that starts and ends in Heppner, a full-service community. The 108-mile route takes you through the Blue Mountains to Ukiah, where you can find overnight accommodations before looping back to Heppner. Most cyclists should plan to finish this ride in two days.
Difficulty: Extreme
Length: 108 Miles
Climb: +8,211 FT
Best Season: Early Summer and Fall
Location: Eastern Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
14. Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway
With more than 5,000 feet of climbing and steep winding descents, the Cascade Siskiyou Scenic Bikeway is for experienced riders. This route begins in Ashland, and most of the climbing is in the first 15 miles. Throughout your ride, take in the beauty of the diverse ecosystems around you. The route ends with an exhilarating 13-mile descent back to Ashland.
Some variations to this ride include a 5-mile out and back to the historic Tub Springs State Wayside, where you can fill water bottles from a cold, pure mountain spring. Bike campers can also plan a two-day adventure by staying at one of several campgrounds near Hyatt Reservoir or Howard Prairie Lake. A popular locals’ trip is to ride the 3,000-foot climb up to Green Springs Inn for brunch, returning to the town the same way, making it a 35-mile ride.
Difficulty: Extreme
Length: 55 Miles
Climb: +5,085 FT
Best Season: Spring through Fall
Location: Southern Oregon
Type: Loop
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
15. McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway
The route begins at the Village Green Park in the center of Sisters and follows an 1860s wagon route. This bikeway takes you through ponderosa pine forests, a 2,000-year-old lava flow, the Dee Wright Observatory, and a short hike to Proxy Falls. At the end of the route is Belknap Hot Springs, which sits on the banks of the McKenzie River.
Difficulty: Extreme
Length: 38 Miles
Climb: +2,367 FT
Best Season: Summer and Fall
Location: Central Oregon
Type: Out and Back (76 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
16. Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway
The Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway is nestled within the Warner Mountains. Begin your ride at the Lake County Fairgrounds in the town of Lakeview. Then, cycle by high peaks, sheer cliffs, and gorgeous lakes. You might be lucky enough to spot pronghorn antelope, wetland birds, bighorn sheep, and sage grouse along the way.
Difficulty: Extreme
Length: 90 Miles
Climb: +4,327 FT
Best Season: Early Spring through fall
Location: Southern Oregon
Type: Out and Back (180 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
17. Painted Hills Scenic Bikeway
The Painted Hills Scenic Bikeway reveals millions of years of history in the layers of mountains of earth, one color at a time. The hills get their name from delicately colored stratifications in the soil. Additionally, you can also find some Mars-like pillars formed by waterfalls and volcanic sludge. The route is a sensational series of rides and loops which easily connect to adjacent counties for more extended tours on primarily low-traffic roads.
Difficulty: Extreme
Length: 161 Miles
Climb: +12,864 FT
Best Season: Late Spring through Fall
Location: Eastern Oregon
Type: Out and Back (322 mi)
Trip Planning Resources
Downloadable map and cue sheet
Come ride with Cycle Oregon!
Do you love Oregon AND Cycling? Sign up for one of our long-distance cycling events this year! Rides are open to everyone and all skill levels.
CLASSIC – Ride the Painted Hills
- Month: September
- Duration: 7 Days
- Cumulative Distance: 272-443 Miles
- Month: May
- Duration: 2 Days
- Cumulative Distance: 91-109 Miles
JOYRIDE – Independence, Oregon
- Month: June
- Duration: 1 Day
- Cumulative Distance: 18-64 Miles
WEEKENDER – Oregon State University
- Month: July
- Duration: 2 Days
- Cumulative Distance: 23-138 Miles
So I challenge you to find an easy way to get the link that “Downloadable map and cue sheet” under the first “covered bridges” description. When I go to that link it is a vicious circle.
Thank you for letting us know about the error. Unfortunately that dead link is on Travel Oregon’s site, which we cannot edit (I will pass along feedback to them). Here is a direct link to the map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3335458?no_redir=1