Day One
Head west to the small city of Banks, Oregon, and rent a bike—single rider or tandem—from Banks Bicycle Repair and Rental. Then, venture along the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. Once a busy railway, the Banks-Vernonia State Trail is Oregon’s first rails-to-trails path, a 21-mile, multi-use trail open to hikers, cyclists and equestrians.
Pedal along trestle crossings for the best views of nature embracing each season. The path provides a choose your own adventure vibe as cyclists can opt to venture the entire trail to Vernonia, Oregon (42 miles round trip), travel L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (18 miles round trip) or simply travel to the Manning Trailhead (6 miles round trip), then head back to Banks.
After a long day out in nature, relax at the soaking pool at McMenamins Grand Lodge, a quirky and fun hotel with an on-site spa, movie theater, restaurants and bars.
Day Two
The last stop is a thrilling zip line escapade at Tree to Tree Adventure Park (opens for the season in March) or Pumpkin Ridge Zip Tour (open year-round). Experience the Tualatin Valley from new heights—literally—as you whizz from platform to platform in the forest’s canopy, overlooking the amazing Oregon coastal range.
Afterward, explore the tastes of Tualatin Valley with a visit to a winery (or two). Not far from downtown Forest Grove, David Hill Vineyard & Winery is open by reservation. Here, you can enjoy a variety of wines from some of the oldest vines in the Willamette Valley wine growing region. If you want to stay closer to downtown, Dauntless Wine Co. is right on Main Street. Owned by veterans, Dauntless produces a variety of wine made from grapes grown throughout the region.
