Top Cycling Rides from the Cascades to the Coast

Ride in the Mountains

Mountain biking, graveling and road cycling all offer an immersive ride in nature through the Cascades' old growth forests, around mountain lakes and beside meadows of wildflowers.

Remote Forest Road Getaway

Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway

The Aufderheide is now a designated Oregon Scenic Bikeway, with spectacular views of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, creeks and rivers.​ The route passes landmarks like Terwilliger Hot Springs and Cougar Reservoir and ​connects Oakridge - Westfir to the McKenzie River. The historic Willamette Forest Service road is beautiful with spring foliage and abundant wildlife and features with over five campgrounds and more than 25 trailheads along its 60-mile (96.56 km) stretch.

If it's your first time riding the route, we recommend starting across the Office Covered Bridge at Westfir Portal Park and working your way up to the McKenzie side.

Accessible Gravel Ride

Greenwaters Park, Oakridge

Looking for a more casual ride? Greenwaters Park is a fantastic, easy-going gravel ride that loops around Hills Creek Reservoir in the southern portion of the Willamette National Forest. The trail is nice and wide but still immerses you in old-growth forest much like the Aufderheide, perfect for those who want to meander the woods with ease.

You'll find plenty of trails in the Willamette National Forest, so don't hesitate to venture off these designated road rides and spend time deeper in the trees.

Ride Through the Valley

Eugene is nestled right between the Cascades' forests and the rolling grasslands and vineyards that define the Willamette Valley. With gentle hills, long flat stretches and small towns, riding through the valley makes a pleasurable tour.

A Roll Through Wine County

Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, Coburg

The Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway showcases the gentle road hills of our region's wine country, beginning at Armitage Park on the outskirts of Eugene - Springfield, near the town of Coburg. Cycle Coburg's Main Street, which has a fabulous small-town atmosphere with historic buildings and fun antique shops.

If you find yourself riding a section of this bikeway as an out-and-back, check out Hayworth Estate Wines once you're back in Coburg for their specialized Gamay Noir wine.

Small Town Gems

Connect Lane

Wanting to explore what's south of Eugene? Our Connect Lane routes link together the communities of the lower-Willamette Valley!

Follow back country roads between Creswell, Cottage Grove and Oakridge, each town showcasing its small town charm and unique cultural heritage from pioneer days to movie sets to the lumber industry. 

Ride on the Coast

From cycling along Highway 101 with dramatic cliffs and scenic beach vistas to fat tire riding over the beaches and dunes, the Oregon Coast provides a diverse landscape for great rides.

Sand and Gravel with Bonus Waterfalls

Jessie M. Honeyman State Park

How about a ride that has both sand dunes and waterfalls? Well, Honeyman State Park is the place for you! Just three miles (4.82 km) from the city of Florence, and just two miles (3.21. km) from the ocean, Honeyman is a perfect way to experience the many different micro-climates on the coast. You'll find two sparkling, freshwater lakes near the start of the ride, created in part by the sand dunes that represent the topography of this part of our state's coastline. Follow the whole route (54 miles / 86.9 km) up into the Coastal range to add a series of small waterfalls to the ride's thrills!

A Coastal Highway Cruise

Oregon Coast Bike Route

The Oregon Coast Bike Route (PDF) is the renowned 370-mile (595.45 km) trek from Oregon's border to border, with Florence acting as the de-facto mid-point of the route. This ride is along Oregon's Highway 101, so we recommend that only seasoned riders comfortable cycling with only a narrow shoulder attempt this ride. If you feel confident in taking on this route from Florence, head north to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, a day-use overlook with breathtaking views of the coast. You'll see the surf crashing upon the jagged shore, a sight that's amazing on both sunny days and under coastal fog.

If you want to stick closer to Florence, why not bike on the shore? The Oregon Coast is completely open to the public from top to bottom, so biking on the shore is an experience you have to try. Our partners at the Oregon Coast Visitors Association have great recommendations on how to fat tire bike along the waves.