Scenic Bikeways: Five New Options!

There’s only one state in the nation that has Scenic Bikeways – and now you’ve got six to choose from.

Oregon State Parks just announced a new round of Bikeways, and these five routes offer more of the cream of Oregon road riding – epic back-country loops, short and family-friendly options, scenic mountain passes, multi-day trips… it’s all there.

Here’s a quick rundown of the five new rides on the block:

• McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway – The jewel of the Cascades, this seasonal pass takes you up through deep forests and past starkly beautiful lava fields, with a 360-degree view at the top that takes in a dozen peaks.
• Old West Scenic Bikeway – This epic 175-mile loop passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in Eastern Oregon – mountain ranges, wild rivers, alpine meadows – while taking you through 11 of the friendliest small towns you’ll ever come upon. There are plenty of camping and lodging options along the way.
• Metolius Loops Scenic Bikeway – The Camp Sherman area, centered around the fly-fishing paradise of the Metolius River, is one of Oregon’s treasured natural wonders. A series of routes provides options for all kinds of riders, and they all encompass backwoods beauty.
• Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway – Sometimes you just want to get away from it all – on your bike. Start in the charming town of Heppner and then head off into the wilds for a day of splendid isolation. Stop near Ukiah and then take a different lonely road back to Heppner. It’s 109 miles and two days of bliss on a bike.
• Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway – From the quintessential New West town of Sisters, roll out through high desert landscapes and through rimrock canyons, crossing the famous Deschutes River on your way to Smith Rock State Park, set on the canyon-carving Crooked River and home to sheer rock walls that attract climbers from all over the world.

Find more detailed descriptions of each ride on its Scenic Bikeway page, along with route maps and turn-by-turn cue sheets.