Multnomah Falls Out-and-Back

This is a signature ride for locals and visitors, showing off stunning views of the Columbia Gorge as well as sublime sections along the Sandy River and, of course, the centerpiece of Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s most-visited natural site.

The ride as mapped starts at the parking area for the Marine Drive bike path; while the ride along Marine Drive (taking the road is easier for experienced riders) is pretty, it’s flat, can be windy and adds quite a few miles, so some people prefer to start this ride closer to the action, so to speak. A good place is in downtown Troutdale (a neat old-school street full of shops and restaurants) or at Lewis & Clark State Park just off I-84 one exit past Troutdale.

Highlights along the way include downtown Troutdale, the Sandy River, the Women’s Forum viewpoint (stop for the first breathtaking view of the Gorge) and the historic Crown Point Vista House. The climb up from the Sandy is long and steady; coming back up to Crown Point on the return is a steep 2 or 3 miles. You can get food and drink and use the restrooms at Multnomah Falls.

This ride is best done earlier in the morning on weekends, before the tourist-vehicle traffic gets going. There are sections with little or no shoulder; play nice and share the road. (And if you’re a good descender, wait for a gap in vehicles leaving Crown Point toward the falls; otherwise you’ll get stuck going 15 mph behind an RV or car.)

Motorized Vehicle Traffic: Light to moderate, depending on season, day and time

Seasons: All