We’re excited to host you for your e-bike ride in the Gorge! If you have any questions about the suggested route below or other ride options, feel free to email us at info@bikethegorge.org or ask us for advice when you check in.
P.S. Don’t forget to read and sign our rental agreement before your arrive! The confirmation email you received includes a custom link to our rental agreement and liability waiver. Please share that link with everyone in your group and ask them to complete it ahead of time so there aren’t any delays getting you out on the road.
Your ride details
Our recommended route follows the Historic Highway State Trail to a series of spectacular waterfalls and one of the best swimming holes in the Gorge.
- If you booked a half-day or full-day rental, you will have time to complete the full 22-mile roundtrip ride and explore the waterfalls along the way.
- If you booked a two-hour rental, you will need to choose between hiking to Emerald Falls or riding further along the state trail.
Distance: 10 to 22 miles roundtrip
Directions: Our rental bikes are equipped with adjustable phone mounts, which give you the option of pulling up Google Maps and following these directions as you go.
For more detailed directions with photos of major landmarks along the way, expand the box below.
Detailed Directions With Photos
Total distance: 22 miles round trip
What to do if you need assistance: Give us a call at 541-645-5721 if you have any problems with your e-bike or questions about directions, extending your rental, etc. For medical emergencies, please call 911.
Reminder: Bikes must be locked up whenever you’re not riding them. A bike lock is included in your rental, and the code will be texted to you at check-in.
Start. As you leave our rental location, cross the railroad tracks on Herman Creek Lane and turn left onto Forest Avenue.
Mile 0.6. When you reach the T-intersection, turn left onto Frontage Road.
Mile 1.5. Follow the signs for the Historic Highway and turn right onto Wyeth Road / Herman Creek Road. The road climbs steeply for more than a mile and then descends just as quickly, so be sure to use your brakes to control your speed.
Mile 4.9: Wyeth Trailhead. The trailhead on your right is a good place to stop for water or a restroom break. You can also park your bikes here and hike to Emerald Falls, but we recommend doing that on your way back if time allows.
Mile 5.0. From Wyeth Trailhead, continue riding east past the entrance to Wyeth Campground, then immediately take a slight right turn to stay on the state trail.
Mile 8.6: Hole-In-The-Wall Falls. Dismount your bike when you see a sign for the Mt. Defiance Trail and walk it about 50 yards to the end of the paved offshoot trail. This human-made waterfall has a fascinating story, and it’s a great place to cool off in the mist of the waterfall or break for a snack at the picnic table nearby.
- Note: There are no bike racks at this location, but if you’re riding with another person, you can lock your bikes together and keep them in sight while you walk up to the falls.
Mile 8.9. Cabin Creek Falls. The next waterfall is only a 1/4 mile away, and it’s so close to the trail that you can’t miss it. The safest way to experience Cabin Creek Falls is from below, but if you’re feeling brave, you can scramble up a short, steep path that allows you to walk behind the waterfall. Just watch your footing and be especially careful on the way down, as it’s easy to slip if you don’t have good traction on your shoes.
- Note: There are no bike racks at this location, but if you’re riding with another person, you can lock your bikes together and keep them in sight while you walk up to the falls.
Mile 10.7. We recommend breezing past Starvation Creek Falls on the way out (you can stop there on the way back) and riding all the way to Viento State Park. When you get to the end of the bike-only trail, do a sharp U-turn and follow the road under the interstate.
Mile 10.9. Ride through the first parking lot you come to and past the Viento North Campground, following signs for the Day Use Area. You will cross a set of railroad tracks before reaching another small parking lot.
Mile 11. Viento State Park swimming hole. Once you reach the Day Use Area parking lot, dismount your bike and push it ~50 yards to the rocky beach, which is considered one of the best swimming holes in the Columbia River Gorge. On a hot day, this is a great place to cool off in the river or eat a picnic lunch before setting off on the second half of your ride.
Mile 12.6. Starvation Creek Falls. From Viento State Park, retrace your route until you reach the parking lot at Starvation Creek State Park. To the left of the parking lot, you will see three bike racks where you can lock up while you choose one (or both) of the following detours:
- 5 minutes: Get a glimpse of Starvation Creek Falls. This 190-foot waterfall is the largest you’ll see on this ride, and the viewpoint is less than a two-minute walk from the bike parking area.
- 40-50 minutes: Hike to Lancaster Falls. For a more challenging detour, walk west along the state trail until you reach Hole-in-The-Wall Falls again. Cross the footbridge in front of the falls and hike about 0.5 miles up the hill to reach Lancaster Falls and its incredible views of the Gorge.
Mile 17.1: Wyeth Trailhead & Emerald Falls. Ride past the campground and cross a small bridge to reach the Wyeth Trailhead on your left. If you have time and any energy left, you can lock your bike(s) to the bike rack in front of the restrooms and hike to Emerald Falls. Otherwise, continue
Mile 22: Return your bikes to 15 Herman Creek Lane. If your Bike the Gorge host isn’t there to meet you, please lock the bikes to the vertical bars on the shipping container.
What to do if you need assistance: Give us a call at 541-645-5721 if you have any problems with your e-bike or questions about directions, extending your rental, etc. For medical emergencies, please call 911.
Reminder: Bikes must be locked up whenever you’re not riding them. A bike lock is included in your rental, and you will receive the lock code at check-in.
Alternative ride routes: You are welcome to choose a different route for your ride, as long as the bikes stay on paved roads and trails and are returned on time. Another popular option is a ride across Bridge of the Gods to Stevenson, Washington, but due to the busier car traffic, we only recommend this route for experienced bike riders.
After your ride
Your Bike the Gorge host will usually be there to meet you at the end of your ride, but occasionally they get called away. If that’s the case, please lock your bike to door of our shipping container and text a photo of the secured bikes to 541-645-5721.
Got more time in Cascade Locks? Here are just a few of the restaurants, destinations and activities we recommend:
Restaurants
- Gorges Beer for the rooftop patio and our favorite tacos in town.
- Thunder Island Brewing for outdoor seating, great burgers, and a family-friendly environment.
- Eastwind Drive-In for the massive ice cream cones and sandwiches to go.
- Brigham Fish Market for the fish & chips and Coke in a glass bottle.
- Cascade Locks Ale House for pizza and pub grub.
Destinations
- Marine Park and Thunder Island for views of the river and Bridge of the Gods.
- Dry Creek Falls, Punchbowl Falls and Wahclella Falls for popular waterfall hikes that take between 45 minutes and 2.5 hours.
- Multnomah Falls for a photo in front of the “granddaddy” of Oregon waterfalls. (Consider booking a ride on the Sasquatch Shuttle to avoid parking headaches.)
- Government Cove and Blackberry Beach for cooling off in the river and laying out in the sun.
Activities
- Otter & Osprey Outdoor Gear for kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals.
- Gorge Canoe Club for community events and canoe races
- Disc golf at the easyCLIMB trailhead
- Sternwheeler boat tours for rides on the river