Barlow Wayside County Park from Gresham

This route is rated as difficult for touring cyclists. While sections like the Springwater Trail are generally flat and paved, the overall distance and elevation gain of approximately 940 meters contribute to its challenging rating.

The terrain varies significantly. You'll start on paved, relatively flat surfaces like the Springwater Trail, which is ideal for touring bikes. However, as you approach Barlow Wayside County Park, the landscape changes. The park itself features walking trails that are not suitable for touring bicycles, and it connects to the challenging singletrack mountain biking trails of the Sandy Ridge Trail System. Be prepared for a transition from paved roads to potentially unpaved or less suitable surfaces if you venture off the main touring route.

The estimated duration for this 88-kilometer touring bicycle route is around 5 hours and 38 minutes of active cycling time. This does not include stops for breaks, sightseeing, or exploring highlights.

While specific parking details for the start in Gresham are not provided, the Main City Park in Gresham is a notable highlight along the route and may offer parking options. For the Springwater Trail, which is a major part of the route, various access points in Gresham typically have parking available.

Generally, paved multi-use paths like the Springwater Trail are dog-friendly, requiring dogs to be on a leash. However, specific rules for Barlow Wayside County Park or other natural areas along the route may vary. Always check local regulations for each specific park or trail section regarding dogs.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the spring, summer, and early fall months (roughly April to October). During these periods, you can expect more favorable weather conditions, less rain, and comfortable temperatures for touring cycling. Winter can bring colder temperatures and significant rainfall, making some sections less enjoyable.

For the main touring bicycle route, including the Springwater Trail, no specific permits or fees are generally required for cycling. However, if you plan to access certain facilities or specific areas within parks like Barlow Wayside County Park or the Sandy Ridge Trail System, it's advisable to check their official websites for any potential parking fees or specific usage permits, especially for mountain biking trails.

You'll encounter diverse scenery, from urban parks like Main City Park to the natural beauty of the Springwater Trail, which passes through wetlands and agricultural fields. A notable highlight is the View of Mount Hood from East Marmot Road (Little Switzerland), offering stunning vistas. Near Barlow Wayside County Park, you'll find a temperate rainforest with towering Douglas-fir and western redcedar trees, and Little Joe Creek.

Yes, a significant portion of this route utilizes the Springwater Trail, which is a key component of the Portland area's larger 40-Mile Loop trail system. You will also encounter sections of the PGE Road and various neighborhood trails.

Given that the route starts in Gresham and follows the Springwater Trail, you will pass through areas with access to various amenities, including cafes and bike shops, particularly in and around Gresham and Sandy. However, as you venture further into more rural sections towards Barlow Wayside County Park, services may become less frequent, so it's wise to plan accordingly.

It's crucial to understand that while the initial sections from Gresham, particularly the Springwater Trail, are excellent for touring bicycles, the destination area around Barlow Wayside County Park is different.

The park itself has 1.5 miles of walking trails through a forest, which are not suitable for touring bikes. Additionally, the park connects to the Sandy Ridge Trail System, which is specifically designed for mountain biking with technical singletrack. If your goal is to reach Barlow Wayside County Park or explore Sandy Ridge, be prepared to transition from your touring bike to walking or to a mountain bike for those specific sections.