The best road cycling routes around North Bonneville

There are 7 road cycling routes available around North Bonneville, offering a diverse range of experiences within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

The terrain around North Bonneville is quite varied. You'll find a mix of paved pathways, rolling hills, and more challenging ascents. The region is characterized by dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and the Columbia River, providing diverse cycling experiences from car-free sections to demanding rides with significant elevation gain.

Yes, for beginners and families, the Heritage Trail System in North Bonneville offers almost 12 miles of paved pathways, making it an easy and leisurely option. While our listed routes are moderate to difficult, the Heritage Trail provides a great starting point for less experienced riders.

Experienced road cyclists will find several challenging routes. The Bridge of the Gods to The Dalles Bridge Century Ride is a difficult 100.1-mile route with extensive views. Another demanding option is the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which offers a difficult 45.2-mile path with notable landmarks. For an even greater challenge, the Larch Mountain Climb, though not one of our listed routes, is known for ascending over 4,000 feet for panoramic views.

Yes, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail features significant car-free sections. A 13-mile car-free path near Cascade Locks (just across the Bridge of the Gods) takes riders past the Eagle Creek Trailhead and Bonneville Dam. Other sections, like the one from Mosier, also offer car-free riding with stunning views.

The region is rich in scenic beauty and landmarks. You can cycle past the iconic Bridge of the Gods, visit the Bonneville Dam, and see various waterfalls like Punch Bowl Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Dry Creek Falls. Beacon Rock State Park, home to the world's second-largest monolith, is also nearby and offers spectacular views of the Columbia Gorge.

Yes, a popular loop option is the Bridge of the Gods – Starvation Creek State Park loop from Stevenson. This moderate 31.7-mile route leads through varied landscapes and is often completed in about 3 hours.

The road cycling routes around North Bonneville are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from several reviews. Cyclists often praise the breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge, the unique experience of car-free sections on historic trails, and the diverse challenges offered by the region's varied terrain.

Yes, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, particularly the car-free section near Cascade Locks, takes riders past the Bonneville Dam. You can visit the Bradford Island Visitors Center at the dam to learn about its operations and see migrating fish through its fish ladders.

Absolutely. The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, for example, offers access to several waterfalls. The 13-mile car-free path near Cascade Locks ends near the Elowah Falls Trailhead, and other notable falls like Dry Creek Falls are also accessible in the vicinity.

The Columbia River Gorge experiences diverse weather. While specific recommendations depend on personal preference, the spring and fall often offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, especially in the drier eastern parts of the Gorge, while winter can bring rain and cooler temperatures. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

While popular routes like the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail can see more traffic, sections like the Ashes Lake Ride, starting a short distance from North Bonneville in Stevenson, offer a moderate 6-mile ride with minimal vehicle traffic on its non-motorized path, providing a quieter experience.