You may remember the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway that I wrote about back in the day, a 132-mile, bike-friendly route from Champoeg State Park to Eugene.
Well! It just came to my attention that Oregon Parks and Rec just opened five new scenic bikeways, ranging from an approximately 20-mile loop by the Metolius River to a few “extreme” 100+ mile routes around McKenzie pass and the Blue Mountains. All of the routes are purportedly bike friendly, with signage to help you find your way.
I’m SO FRICKEN PSYCHED ABOUT THESE!! I’m also way into the description that the Parks and Rec department has up about the rides rated “extreme”: if you want to do those, “you had better be in top shape, able to climb like a mountain goat and go all day.”
I swiped that picture from the website about the Old West Scenic Bikeway, which mostly follows the John Day River. And which I bet is absolutely gorgeous.
Of course, I can’t personally vouch for any of these rides (yet!), but I strongly encourage you to check them out. The Oregeon Department of Parks and Recreation has maps, cue sheets, and all the information you’ll need. Oh man, if only it were summer touring season I’d be out in a second!:)