It’s no surprise that Oregon is considered one of the best states for outdoor recreation. With its delightful climate, varied terrain, and abundance of natural wonders, the “Beaver State” truly has it all. If you’re eager to experience this incredible state for yourself, you won’t want to miss our Mount Hood to Columbia River Gorge tour.
Covering over 100 miles of national forest, with a gain of over 4,000 feet, this mountain bike tour typically runs from June through September to guarantee optimal weather conditions and trails cleared of snow.
Overview of Mount Hood
Mount Hood, standing at 11,249 feet, is the tallest peak in Oregon and is located approximately 70 miles from Portland. Though considered an active stratovolcano, Mount Hood hasn’t had any eruptive activity since the mid-1800s. Twelve active glaciers adorn its summit, serving as a water source for numerous rivers and aiding in the irrigation of the surrounding area. The region is also home to an immense national forest, charming villages, and beautiful orchard valleys.
Why Visit Mount Hood?
If you’re an active traveler or mountain biker, Mount Hood should be at the top of your bucket list. There are countless reasons to explore this enchanting section of Oregon. Start with these five!
#1 Visiting the Famous Timberline Lodge
The first stop on our journey is the Timberline Lodge, an enchanting high-alpine icon dating back to the Great Depression. There’s a good chance that you’ll recognize the lodge’s exterior, which served as the fictional “Overlook Hotel” in Kubrick’s 1980 thriller, The Shining.
However, this treasured mainstay is anything but scary. Step inside the warm interior and you’ll be greeted with stunning murals and intricate carvings that showcase the region’s rich history.
One celebrated feature of Timberline is their traditional on-site Saint Bernards. Be sure to ask at the front desk for a photo op with these furry pups!
#2 Exploring the Iconic Surveyor’s Ridge Trail
If you’re looking for the ultimate Pacific Northwest mountain biking experience, look no further than Surveyor’s Ridge. Designated as an IMBA Epic, this ridge trail consists of 95% singletrack and is considered an Oregonian must-ride.
Brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping experience on this 23.4 mile out-and-back classic that will test your skills with intense climbs, exhilarating descents, and rugged rock features. As if that weren’t enough, the trail is packed with spectacular scenery. As you ascend over the pear orchards of Hood River Valley, you’ll gain a stunning new perspective of Mt Hood’s north face.
#3 Enjoying Unparalleled Views of the High Cascades
The Mt Hood mountain bike tour features incredible views at every turn, thanks to invigoratingly elevated trails. On the second day, we hike into the upper regions of the Badger Creek Wilderness, where some of the most breathtaking vistas of the entire tour await.
At its apex is Lookout Mountain, the second highest peak in the Mt Hood National Forest. From there, we’ll gain postcard-worthy views of the nine surrounding Cascade peaks (all the way to Rainier!)
#4 Spotting Plant & Animal Life
Around 2,770 wild species of plants and animals call Mt Hood National Forest their home. This exceptional woodland is among the top 10 carbon-storing forests in the U.S., boasting over a million acres of western red cedars, Douglas-firs, western hemlocks, and other conifers.
Summer tours undoubtedly sweeten the pot, as alpine meadows burst with lupines, Indian paintbrushes and other colorful blooms.
Mount Hood National Forest is also excellent for birdwatching. Residents include the cinnamon-chested Calliope hummingbird, the old-growth inhabiting Northern spotted owl, and the rare Bufflehead, whose head feathers take on a rainbow of colors in the sun.
#5 Taking It All In at the Columbia River Gorge
Columbia River Gorge is a dramatic river canyon, stretching 80 miles and up to 4,000 feet deep—a fitting frame for the river that forms the majority of the Washington-Oregon border.
Before the establishment of the Barlow Road in 1846, travelers along the Oregon Trail would load their wagons onto rafts and navigate these waters to reach the next leg of their overland route.
Today, this renowned natural corridor is a beloved recreational area, with a waterfront perfect for strolling and watching windsurfers.
MT HOOD TO COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE
Experience It all on Tour With Us
Join us for an epic mountain biking adventure across the stunning landscapes of northwest Oregon. Book your tour today and experience it all with our skilled guides! And don’t forget to browse through our other Oregon bike tours!
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
