Saturday, November 30, 2013

A Short Ride In The Columbia Gorge

Every cyclist should have the old Historic Columbia River Highway on their bucket list, whether you live right here in Oregon or as far away as, say, Benin.  Any chance you get to ride a segment of this highway, do it. The HCRH is ever-improving for cyclists and hikers, and has has gotten some exciting press thanks to the recent completion of the project at Moffett Creek

Today’s outing had to be short so I chose one of the highway's most ridiculously scenic parts to ride. Multnomah Falls to Vista House and back provides a great climb and descent, some expansive views, and only a handful of cars sharing the road. A winter weather system is about to overtake this area, but today folks were here in droves to hike, bike, and take some pictures of the sights that make this the most visited spot in Oregon (if you don’t count the factory outlets, and I don’t).

There’s no shortage of things to see and appreciate. Several examples of the highway’s original engineering and masonry have endured, adding to the allure for its visitors. The waterfalls that drop as much as 700 feet from the cliffs above are certainly the show-stoppers, and most are visible directly from the road. It would be tempting to make lots of stops, but if you’re on a bike, all you want to do is roll on the road.  Photo ops will just have to wait. 

Back in the car and driving away, I was already thinking about the next time I can ride this road again. It's still on the bucket list.

1 comment:

Salem Breakfast on Bikes said...

Are you the new Assistant Superintendent just announced today?! (Or just share the same name?) If so, congratulations!