Bike the Gorge isn’t just a bike rental shop. We’re here to help you have an unforgettable experience in the Gorge, which is why we provide a recommended route and easy-to-follow directions with every rental.
This guide will give you a preview of our recommended ride route, but you’re not required to follow it. If you want to choose your own adventure, we’re happy to suggest other options by phone, email or in-person at our booking office.
E-bike Ride Guide
With pedal-assist power up to 20mph, our Lectric XP 3.0 e-bikes will help you make the most of your time in the Gorge while also offering the thrill of riding an e-bike. Note: You must be at least 16 years old and 4’11” tall to ride our e-bikes.
Our recommended route
Our favorite ride follows the Historic Highway State Trail to a series of spectacular waterfalls and one of the best swimming holes in the Gorge.
If you go all the way to Viento State Park, it’s a 22-mile roundtrip ride with fantastic views of the Gorge and virtually no car traffic after leaving town.
Directions: You will receive more detailed directions when you book your rental, but you can see a preview of the route on Google Maps.
Why you’ll love it
Experience the best of the Gorge. You’ll see towering firs, sweeping views of the river, and up to five spectacular waterfalls all while zipping along on your e-bike.
Get away from the hustle and bustle. This route follows one of the quietest, lowest-traffic sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway and includes up to 11 miles of riding on a car-free bike trail.
Cool off in the river. The swimming hole at Viento State Park is the perfect place to take a dip in the river (or soak up the sun) halfway into a half-day ride.
Test ride an e-bike on varied terrain. Thinking of buying an e-bike? This ride will give you a chance to test how a 500W e-bike performs on steep hills, long straightaways and everything in between.
How long to rent
Need help choosing a rental duration? Here’s what you can you do and see with each of our e-bike rental options:
2-hour rental: This option gives you plenty of time to ride to Wyeth Trailhead, lock up your bikes, and take a short hike to Emerald Falls. Faster riders may have time to continue along the state trail and reach Starvation Creek State Park, but that usually requires skipping the hike to Emerald Falls.
Half-day rental (3.5 hours): This is our most popular rental option, as it allows you to ride all the way to the swimming hole at Viento State Park and spend time exploring most if not all of the waterfalls along the way.
Full-day rental (up to 8 hours): For the most relaxed experience, we recommend booking a full-day rental and giving yourself extra time for picnicking by the waterfalls, lounging by the river, or adding a bonus ride to Stevenson or Eagle Creek in the afternoon.
Still undecided? Let us help! Email info@bikethegorge.org or call us at 541-645-5721 with any questions, or visit our booking office in Cascade Locks to talk through the options in person.
Cruiser Bike Ride Guide
Our non-electric Townie cruiser bikes are perfect for shorter, less hilly rides on the westbound segment of the Historic Highway State Trail. Note: The minimum rider age is 10 years old and the minimum height is 4’11”.
Our recommended route
Our favorite ride follows a car-free section of the Historic Highway State Trail from Cascade Locks to a series of scenic overlooks and trailheads for short waterfall hikes. The route is hilly enough to make you work, but not nearly as hilly as the eastbound route that we recommend for e-bike riders.
Why you’ll love it
Escape the car traffic. The nine-mile roundtrip ride from Cascade Locks to the Wahclella Falls Trailhead follows a car-free section of the Historic Highway State Trail, making it the perfect route for families, beginner riders, and anyone who prefers not to share the road with cars.
Visit the waterfalls. A half-day rental will give you enough time to park your bikes and hike to either Punchbowl Falls or Wahclella Falls, where there are several opportunities to dip a foot in the water — or jump all the way in.
Ride a Townie cruiser. Our Electra Townie cruiser bikes are simple to learn and so much fun to ride, and with 7 to 9 gears (depending on the model), you’ll be well equipped to tackle the rolling hills along this route.