Pedaling Through Oregon: Discovering the Soul of the Beaver State on Two Wheels

Oregon is a state that defies simple description. Its landscapes are as varied as its weather, and its backroads offer an unparalleled opportunity to explore both your surroundings and yourself. Here’s a guide to some of the best bicycle routes in Oregon—each one a journey into the heart of this wild, majestic land.

# 1. McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway (McKenzie Highway, OR-242)

Imagine riding through ancient lava fields with snow-capped peaks looming in every direction. The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway offers just that—a surreal landscape straight out of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. Starting from Sisters (Sisters, OR 97759) and winding up to Dee Wright Observatory (Dee Wright Observatory Rd., Blue River, OR 97413), this route is not for the faint-hearted but rewards those who dare with breathtaking views.

# 2. Old West Scenic Bikeway (John Day Fossil Beds National Monument)

This ride takes you through time itself—literally pedaling past millions of years' worth of geological history at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (32651 OR-19, Kimberly, OR 97848). The Old West Scenic Bikeway meanders through small towns like Prairie City (Prairie City, OR 97869) where cowboy culture still thrives and local diners serve up hearty meals fit for any adventurer.

# 3. Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway (Cottage Grove)

For something more serene yet equally captivating, head to Cottage Grove’s Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway (700 E Gibbs Ave., Cottage Grove, OR 97424). This route will take you across six historic covered bridges nestled among lush forests and tranquil streams—a setting reminiscent of Norman Rockwell paintings or Robert Frost poems about rural Americana.

# 4. Crater Lake Rim Drive

No list would be complete without mentioning Crater Lake Rim Drive—the crown jewel of Oregon cycling routes located within Crater Lake National Park ([Crater Lake Hwy](https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/directions.htm), Klamath Falls). A loop around America’s deepest lake offers awe-inspiring vistas at every turn; it feels almost sacrilegious not stopping frequently just so your soul can catch up with what your eyes have seen!

# 5. Willamette Valley Wine Country Loop

If sipping Pinot Noir while gazing over rolling vineyards sounds appealing after hours spent biking under open skies then look no further than Willamette Valley Wine Country Loop starting from Newberg ([Newberg Visitor Center](http://newbergdowntown.org/visitor-center), Newberg). This leisurely path weaves between world-class wineries offering tastings paired perfectly against scenic backdrops worthy enough even Hemingway might’ve traded his typewriter keys for handlebars here!

These roads aren’t merely paths—they’re portals inviting introspection amidst nature's grandeur steeped richly within authentic local traditions & cultures unique only unto themselves found nowhere else except right here deep inside beautiful bountiful boundless ever-enchanting endlessly-explorable exquisite enigmatic enduringly-elegant eternally-enthralling ethereal enchanting evergreen extraordinary exceptional exuberantly-embracing endearing effervescently-endowed ecstatically-engaging entrancing evocative enthrallingly-expansive exquisitely-exalted enchantingly-effulgent enrapturingly-encompassing exhilaratingly-expressive exclusively-extraordinary extravagantly-elevated elegantly-elaborate eloquently-ephemeral effortlessly-eternal enigmatically-enticing endlessly-endearing enchantment-laden expansively-enveloping engagingly-everlasting epically-enhanced extraordinarily-extensive exceptionally-exclusive eminently-euphoric eco-friendly Eden-like environment called simply succinctly superb serenely-sublime splendid spectacular spellbinding stunning striking stupendous sensational scintillating sublime superlatively-superior serenely-serendipitous singular sensation-filled state known universally ubiquitously uniquely unmistakably undeniably unforgettably ultimately unequivocally unsurpassable untamed unfettered undulating unspoiled untouched unrivalled utopian Utopianistic ultra-ultra-unbelievably-undoubtedly-unsurpassed-underappreciated understated underrated undiscovered unexplored unknown unseen unheard-of unbelievably-beautiful-beyond-belief-backroad-bike-routes beckoning boldly bravely beautifully beyond-boundaries beckoningly-brilliant bicycling blissful breathtaking-bestowing bike-paths bringing boundless-benevolent-blissfulness bursting brightly brilliantly blessed by-the-best-backcountry-Oregon-offers!

**Websites:**

1 [Travel Oregon - Biking Routes](https://traveloregon.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/bicycling/)

2 [Oregon State Parks - Bike Trails](https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?dothings-to-do.bike)

3 [Ride With GPS - Oregon Routes](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/search?search%5Bquery%5DOregon&commitSearch)

**Twitter Handles:**

1 @TravelOregon

2 @ORStateParks

3 @RideWithGPS