Cycling in and around the Columbia River Gorge (1 of 14)

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We actually rode the gorge over 3 different rides. The first day we neglected to take our camera. We went out along the entire Portland waterfront. Then, we turned uphill toward the University medical school. This climb took us up about 1,000 feet through an older neighborhood up to the school. Then, we had a screaming descent back towards downtown.

The second ride in the gorge took us along the southern banks of the river out to Horsetail Falls. We took pictures of Bridal Veil falls, Multnomah Falls, and Horsetail Falls. Multnomah was a zoo, and we had lunch in the Lodge. Originally, we had planned to go out to the locks and cross over to the Wahington side. But, extensive road work and one way traffic controls on the south side slowed us down enough to have to do an out and back ride from the Gresham light rail station. This was a beautiful ride, and if the chainmail road surface had not been there to torture us, it would have been a perfect day. It was near-perfect as it was.

For our final ride along the gorge, we took the light rail toward the airport, and then rode an interstate bike path across the Columbia river to Washinton state. We had good views of Mt. Hood on the way out. The path was interesting as it ran in the middle of the freeway - very innovative. Unfortunately, the highway on the Washinton side was frenetic and not great for riding. We grabbed a quick bite for lunch and headed back.