Columbia River Highway Trail
📍Hood River, Oregon (21.4 miles / 1,869 ft)
🐾 Load ’em in the backpack! Or take ’em for a walk.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Roads closed to vehicular traffic? Yes, please!
Why This Ride Hooked Us
When a cycling route gets called “the best under 10-mile bike ride in America”, you pay attention. We spotted this route by Bikabout while browsing Ride with GPS, and it immediately checked all the boxes for our weekend ride — close to Hood River, solid climbs, car-free sections, and Columbia River Gorge views.
Switchbacks, Clifftop Views, and a Ride Back in Time
Rolling east out of Hood River, we hit a set of rising switchbacks that warmed up our legs in no time. Within a couple miles, we reached the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail — the legendary section that earns the “best ride” reputation.
It’s hard to argue with that title.
The State Trail is entirely car-free, which means you can focus on riding and taking in the scenery. Perched high on cliffs above the river, the route offers frequent pull-offs with sweeping views of the Gorge. And while there’s climbing, it’s manageable — the original highway was built over 100 years ago for Model T’s, so the climbs aren’t too punishing on the legs.
A highlight here is the Mosier Twin Tunnels — historic rock passages with natural light streaming in through side openings. Emerging from the second tunnel reveals a jaw-dropping view of the Columbia River that’s worth stopping for.
Vineyards, Overlooks, and a Fast Descent into Mosier
At the end of the State Trail, the route drops into the small agricultural town of Mosier. The curated Bikabout route lists several local food and drink stops worth checking out, but since we rode early in the morning, we had to settle for simply enjoying the quiet streets and scenery.
Heading east of Mosier, the Historic Columbia River Highway climbs gently past vineyards and orchards. I paused at the Memaloose Overlook for another incredible river view (and so Laura could catch up). It’s a view I could never get tired of.
The route then turns south, looping back toward Mosier on a fast, low-traffic descent framed by more vineyards and even a distant view of Mount Hood. Once back in Mosier, the final climb leads you back to the State Trail for a relaxed return ride to Hood River, complete with another chance to soak in those views.
Gorge-Worthy
A couple of hours on this route is enough to remind you why the Columbia River Gorge is a bucket-list cycling destination. From sheer cliffside trails to historic tunnels and constant postcard-worthy views, it’s a ride that blends history, scenery, and just the right amount of challenge.
We’ll definitely be back — next time to explore the Gorge west of Hood River.
🧭 Ride with GPS – Tasting the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail
Check out more trails in our Happy Trails section.