The Columbia River Gorge is the kind of place that makes you want to spend all day outside, with waterfalls cascading down mossy cliffs and dense forests giving way to sweeping river views. One of the best ways to experience the landscape is on two wheels, whether that means a scenic paved ride or a rugged dirt trail. From car-free stretches of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail to mountain bike routes in the surrounding hills, the Gorge offers biking adventures for every pace and skill level. Here are some of the best Columbia River Gorge bike paths and mountain bike trails, along with guided rides and rentals for getting out there without bringing your own bike.
Ride the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
If you’re searching for the best Columbia River Gorge bike path, start with the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This paved, family-friendly route is one of the most scenic rides in the Pacific Northwest, perfect for casual cyclists, e-bike riders, and anyone who wants beautiful views without technical terrain. Made up of three disconnected stretches of historic Highway 30, the trail takes riders past river overlooks, dramatic cliffs, forested hillsides, and some of the waterfalls that have made the Gorge so famous. Whether you choose one segment or plan to explore them all, it’s a memorable way to experience the landscape on two wheels.
Bonneville Segment: John B. Yeon to Cascade Locks
The western end of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail stretches 5.5 miles from the Elowah Falls trailhead at John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor to Cascade Locks. This scenic segment follows the Columbia River and passes several waterfalls along the way, including Elowah Falls, McCord Creek Falls at the John B. Yeon trailhead, and Ruckel Creek. This segment can be accessed from several points, including Toothrock Trailhead, Eagle Creek Day-use Area (Northwest Forest Pass required), and the Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in Cascade Locks.
Mitchell Point Segment: Wyeth to Viento
This 6-mile segment connects Wyeth Trailhead to Viento State Park and is known for its dramatic Gorge views, including vistas of Shellrock Mountain from the 500-foot-tall Summit Creek Viaduct. Parts of the trail run alongside I-84. Along the route, riders pass four waterfalls: Starvation Creek, Cabin Creek, Hole-in-the-Wall, and Lancaster Falls, which make this stretch especially memorable. You can also access this segment from Starvation Creek State Park, which offers parking, a restroom, and even a waterfall view right from the trailhead.
Twin Tunnels Segment: Hood River to Mosier
One of the most popular segments is the 4.5-mile Twin Tunnels segment, which connects Hood River and Mosier, with trailheads and parking at either end, so you can start from whichever side is most convenient. This route is especially loved for its sweeping Columbia River views, gentle rolling terrain, and the chance to ride through the carefully restored Mosier Twin Tunnels carved into the cliffsides. It’s approachable for a wide range of skill levels and delivers epic scenery almost the entire way.
Mountain Bike Trails Near the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge offers access to world-class mountain bike trails for riders who want more speed, elevation, and technical descents paired with scenic views. From exposed routes with river views to forested trail systems with jumps, berms, and long downhill runs, there is plenty here for riders who want to go beyond the pavement.
Syncline/Coyote Wall
On the Washington side of the Gorge, Coyote Wall Trailhead gives riders access to a 30-plus-mile trail network. The landscape here feels more open and exposed than the forested riding found elsewhere nearby, with big river views, rolling grasslands, basalt outcrops, and stretches that feel suspended above the Columbia. The Coyote Wall Loop is about 8.5 miles with roughly 1,768 feet of elevation gain, though you can adjust the route depending on which trail connections you choose.
Yacolt Burn Trailhead
Yacolt Burn Trailhead is one of the best-known mountain biking areas within reach of the Gorge. Located in Yacolt Burn State Forest, the area includes a 35-mile nonmotorized trail system with options for a range of skill levels. One of its biggest draws is Thrillium, a 2.4-mile downhill-focused singletrack with about 1,611 feet of descent, known for fast riding, bigger features, and a more advanced feel. Riders can link the popular Tarbell and Thrillium trails for a loop which covers about 7 miles with roughly 1,610 feet of elevation gain.
Cold Creek
Cold Creek is another standout near the Gorge and one of the most popular sections of the Tarbell system. Running roughly 5.5 miles from top to bottom, it offers a mix of berms, rollers, rooty and rocky sections, and a chunky rock garden near the end. Its relatively low elevation helps keep the lower half rideable much of the year, while the upper half typically opens from late March through early December. For riders looking for an immersive forest trail with a balance of flow and technical features, Cold Creek is a great option.
Guided Bike Adventures & Self-Guided Rentals
It’s easy to add curated bike experiences to your stay, whether you want a scenic e-bike outing, a waterfall-focused ride, or a more rugged mountain biking adventure. Here are a few options to help you choose the experience that fits your trip best.
Self-Guided Bike Tour – Gorge Town & Trail Tour
This full-day self-guided e-bike experience is a great option if you want to see more of the Columbia River Gorge at your own pace. Designed for comfort and flexibility, it offers an introduction to the region without the need to bring equipment or plan the route yourself.
Self-Guided Bike Tour – Waterfalls & Waterfront
This self-guided e-bike tour follows the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and features beautiful waterfalls, iconic viewpoints, and a peaceful stretch near the waterfront at Viento State Park. It’s an especially good fit if you want a scenic ride that feels relaxed, memorable, and quintessentially Gorge.
Self-Guided Bike Tour – Multnomah Falls Tour
Explore the Gorge’s most famous waterfall – Multnomah Falls. Riding from Cascade Locks along the Historic Highway, you will pass lush forest, dramatic cliffs, and seven waterfalls. It’s a great option for combining biking with some of the region’s most iconic scenery.
Mountain Bike Rental
If you want to trade paved paths for dirt trails, a mountain bike rental makes it easy to explore the Cascade Locks International Mountain Bike (CLIMB) trail system on your own. This area offers a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced terrain, so it works well whether you are building confidence or looking for a more active ride in the woods.
Group Columbia Gorge Mountain Biking
This option lets you explore the Columbia River Gorge with an expert guide while taking in forests, waterfalls, and the region’s dramatic landscape. It’s the perfect choice if you want the ease of a mapped-out mountain biking adventure with local insights along the way.
Know Before You Go Biking in the Columbia River Gorge
- Wear a helmet: Always wear a helmet for both paved rides and mountain biking trails.
- Follow trail etiquette: Yield appropriately and respect right-of-way rules. On mountain bike trails, downhill riders should yield to uphill riders, and cyclists should yield to horses, hikers, and runners. On roads, ride in the same direction as traffic, stay single file, and signal when turning.
- Ride with extra caution on weekends: Trails can be crowded, so leave plenty of space and keep your speed under control on descents.
- Know the e-bike rules: E-bikes are allowed on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, but they are not allowed on nonmotorized Forest Service hiking trails without a permit.
- Stay on designated trails: Stick to marked mountain biking routes to help protect the Gorge’s sensitive landscapes.
- Dress for changing conditions: Wear sun protection and layered clothing so you are prepared for shifting weather.
- Bring water and snacks: Pack plenty of water and enough fuel to keep your energy up throughout the ride.
Staying at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge
Whether you are planning your trip around bike trails, waterfalls, wineries, or the Historic Columbia River Highway, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge makes it easy to experience the best of the region from a beautiful home base. Set on a breathtaking 120-acre property in Washington’s White Salmon River Valley, this Pacific Northwest retreat is surrounded by forested hillsides, towering peaks, and views of the Cascade Mountains, including nearby Mount Hood. With upscale outdoor accommodations, a main lobby tent featuring local artwork and contemporary furnishings, cafe-style dining, and inviting outdoor lounge areas, it offers an elevated glamping experience just 45 minutes from Mount Hood and an hour from Portland – perfect for travelers seeking adventure, comfort, and style.