Photo by Lloyd Jones
Outdoor Recreation
Breezy Rides for Cyclists
One of our local avid cyclists, Betsy LaBarge shares two of her favorite rides in the Villages of Mt. Hood, from a leisurely family ride to a more challenging workout route.
Wildwood Recreation Area
Wildwood Recreation Area provides wonderful shady riding, often along the cool, rushing waters of the Salmon River.
The paved paths are very smooth and relatively flat...great cycling for any skill level. The dirt trails are wide, swoopy single-track. These routes are a great option for beginners and families who are introducing their children to mountain biking.
Don't forget to bring a lunch and pause to enjoy Mt. Hood's woodlands while in one of the vine maple sheltered picnicking areas. No matter what season, exploring the Cascade Streamwatch trail and the underground streambed viewing center is always interesting.
Easy, family ride; distance = 1+ miles. The multiplicity of paved paths and dirt trails in BLM's Wildwood Recreation Area offers several scenic options and distances for beginning mountain bikers and casual cyclists. Wildwood Recreation Area is located approximately 2 miles west of the signal at Welches Road and Hwy 26.
Along the Salmon River
Start at Hoodland Park Plaza shopping center (anchored by Thriftway grocery store). Ride south on Welches Road, for one mile, passing through The Resort at The Mountain's golf course.
Stay to the left at the "Y", and continue two more miles of mostly casual, middle chain ring riding until you come to a "T".
Go right onto Salmon River Road for two more miles to the Salmon River Bridge. Along this section you will enjoy intermittent views of the Salmon River on your right and tall basaltic cliffs, densely vegetated hillsides of ferns and native shrubbery as well as evergreen trees on your left. You will have some short sections that require lower gears.
From the Salmon River bridge, the road continues on a graveled surface for approximately two more miles. It rises rather steeply throughout that stretch. Expect a bit of a workout.
The Salmon River bridge is a great place to stop for a picnic and cool down in the river. You can also lock up your bikes and take a hike through old-growth forest along the riverside.
When you are ready to head home, go back down Salmon River Road about four miles to Fairway Ave. Before you turn left, make sure your brakes are working for the 3/10 mile wind-in-your-face downhill coast. Cruise past the golf course with scenic views of the Cascade Mountain ridges along the horizon.
At Welches Road turn right for 1/2 mile back to Thriftway. Optional: Stop in at Java the Hut for an iced latte and biscotti.
Moderate road bike or mountain bike ride on pavement; distance=10 miles. A pleasant ride along the backroads of the Village of Welches starts at the stoplight on Welches Road and Hwy 26. July/August 2006