Oregon Cycling by Level
No matter your cycling skills or preferences, one of the Tualatin Valley’s numerous bike paths will provide a long stretch of unadulterated fun. Oregon cycling by level has never been for fun than during a getaway to the Tualatin Valley.
Training Wheels
The Rock Creek Trail provides a friendly path for families, including those with training wheels. The five-mile trail takes cyclists past open fields, lovely meadows and—get this—a string of awesome playgrounds. Say Ahoy, Matey! to Bethany Meadows Park, which has been affectionately dubbed “Pirate Park” by way of its play structure of two pirate ships.
Leisure Rider
The beloved Banks-Vernonia State Park Trail is one of our favorite places to experience the changing seasons as the canopy of trees above the 21-mile trail give way to the first signs of spring. The paved trail was made over a decades-old train bed with 13 old bridges, wood trestles, and a deep sense of Oregon history and Oregon nature co-mingling.
Intermediate
Hagg Lake provides more than just water recreation. Around the lake, find 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as 10 ½ miles of hard-surface, multi-purpose shoulders along the road. Cycle to one of the several flora and fauna observation sites where you can take in a view of wild daisies, orchids and violets. After your ride, dip your toes in the lake for a zingy pick-me-up.
Seasoned Road Cyclist
Intermediate and advanced cyclists should take full advantage of the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway and its 50-miles of pastoral views. Take a full day to tackle the bikeway, stopping at local farms and wineries for lunch or a respite. In addition to a cyclist’s GPS and the free bike map, the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway also includes wayward signage. The northernmost portion of the bikeway syncs up with the Banks Vernonia State Trail, providing a lovely beginning—or end!—to your ride.
Bonus: Mountain Biking
Daredevils can turn their wheels toward the Gales Creek Camp with its seven miles of technical riding. L.L. Stub Stewart State Park also has a network of bike trails, many of which are bike only. The park’s freeride trails is best for those who want to hone their mountain biking techniques.