| Things to Do » Outdoors and Recreation » Cycling » Gravel riding |
When you can't decide between road cycling and gravel riding, why not choose both? The Willamette Valley's lowlands are rich with low-traffic, backcountry byways, while the Coast Range offers plenty of opportunity to get off the beaten path and enjoy a mixed-terrain ride.
Here are a few of our favorite routes, along with rentals and accommodations.
The McMinnville - Peavine Climb ascends 1,000 feet out of the Willamette Valley before turning onto gravel roads in the heart of the Coast Range. As it returns to the valley floor and levels out, the route passes several award-winning wineries and cuts through bucolic farmland.
Gaining 3,500 feet over 40 challenging miles, the Benton County Winery and Historic Route passes pastoral wineries, a long-running country store, and through a covered bridge that dates back nearly a century. Portions of the curvy, hilly route are on gravel roads in the Coast Range foothills.
Up for a challenge? The Wings, Wine, and Wonder gravel grinder covers 54.3 miles and features more than 1,800 feet of elevation gain through some of Oregon's most charming towns and scenic farmland, with opportunities for viewing regional wildlife along the way.
Want to traverse the Oregon Coast Range? Grab your gravel bike or hardtail mountain bike, and make an adventure out of the 56-mile (one-way) Corvallis to the Sea Trail. The epic route begins in Corvallis, climbs out of the Willamette Valley, heads through lush forests, and follows several fern-lined roads before ending at the Oregon Coast.
We've also put together a guide to gravel riding and mountain biking around the Willamette Valley, with trails around Falls City, Sublimity, Westfir, Oakridge, and along the McKenzie River.
Peak Sports in Corvallis rents a variety of gear -mountain bikes, road bikes, cruisers, child trailers, bike cases, hitches, and more.
Corvallis Electric Bikes (also in Corvallis) rents e-bikes, fat bikes, and e-skateboards and scooters. Helmets, locks, and lights are available for an additional fee.
Whether it's the midpoint of your ride or the basecamp for Valley-wide adventure, Amity Flats offers a whimsical blend of history and modern comforts. The hotel's five rooms-all on the top floor of a restored, century-old building in Amity-are within a short walk of several tasting rooms in the heart of Oregon Wine Country. Amity Flats even loans out a pair of bicycles and offers secure bike storage.
We'd understand if you had a hard time getting on your bike after a night at Chehalem Ridge Bed and Breakfast. The regal, Newberg-based B&B prepares fresh breakfasts (save room for the homemade jams and rhubarb muffins), boasts outdoor decks with beautiful Willamette Valley views, and offers well-appointed rooms with a suite of modern amenities.
And whatever your plans for Corvallis, you're never far from the action at Courtyard by Marriott Corvallis. The newer hotel sits along the Willamette River in downtown, offering easy access to bike paths, downtown dining, and some of the city's best-loved breweries.
