Pack up your gear for a biking adventure from poignantly blue Crater Lake to the dramatic Oregon coast to Oregon’s Little Switzerland in Wallowa County. Bicycle Adventures has added new trips that travels through John Day and Painted Hills, which departs from Bend, OR in June. The eye-popping terrain of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is straight out of a child's storybook, and is on the list of Oregon's Seven Wonders. Sometimes covering 100 miles a day, you'll bicycle past striped hills, giant monoliths and trees where bald eagles nest. Pedal through terrain where sparkling rivers and sun-streaked ponderosa pine forests compete with thousand-year-old fossil-laden mounds. Then, climb the hills and descend into equally epic valleys.
“Seeing Oregon by bike is a unique and exciting experience, moving at a speed where you're actually getting from Point A to Point B, but not so fast that you can't enjoy all the sights, sounds, smells and tastes along the way,” states the TravelOregon.com website. “It’s our goal to make our state the best place in America to ride a bike,” said Todd Starnes, owner/president.
Wallowas and Hells Canyon is the second new trip in Oregon this season. Tucked between Oregon's Blue Mountains and the Snake River is an astonishingly beautiful region dominated by the Wallowa Mountains in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. On this trip you'll bicycle through the land that Nez Perce Chief Joseph called home and spent much of his life trying to get back for his people. Along with biking, you'll also paddle the waters of Wallowa Lake, ringed by breathtaking peaks. Later, a ride to Hells Canyon reveals what is said to be the deepest river gorge in North America. A 3,700-foot gondola ferries you from the lake to the summit of Mt. Howard. Once there, you'll transfer from Pasco or Walla Walla, WN, in Early July for this four-day and three night adventure.
The additional five wonders include southern Oregon and a lake of impenetrable depth and color blue on the seven-day Oregon Crater Lake Classic that includes accommodations at the venerable Crater Lake Lodge and an overnight on the McKenzie River. Dunes, sea lions and Dungeness Crab highlight the six-day Oregon Coast Casual (or Oregon Coast Classic) ride. The 'Windsurfing Capital of the World' takes center stage on Bicycle Adventures’ six-day Hood River Casual. Enjoying another venerable accommodation, Timberline Lodge, is a highlight while on the six-day Columbia Gorge Classic, and urban adventure, wine and beer tasting plus more high country riding through the Cascades are on tap on the four-day Bend Breakaway.
Plan Your Adventure:
For details on current trips, dates available, and reservations call Bicycle Adventures at 1-800-443-6060.
By Melody Schubert