Posted By admin on May 13, 2009

Easygoing Bike Rides

Family-Friendly Biking in the Villages of Mt Hood

I like to ride my bicycle, I like to ride my bike! Now this song will be humming in your mind for your entire bike ride…so sorry!

The Villages of Mt Hood are easily accessible by bicycle for all ages, whether riding to the local grocery store, or riding around during your Mt Hood vacation to see the sights.  From your mountain cabin rental, RV resort, condo or campground, it’s easy to pack your essentials and enjoy an entire day of these easygoing bike rides.

The Village Trail

In Welches, on the south side of Hwy 26 there is a ride I call The Village Trail that will take you from the Rendezvous Center to the Welches school and playground, as well as the Barlow Trail Restaurant.

This is a trail that really helps keep all of your little ducklings in a row.  I personally frequent on foot, bike and horseback. It is unfortunate at this time that the trail does not extend down to Wildwood Park and Cascade Streamwatch, so if they are in your plans, please be careful riding along the highway (Hwy 26 has bike lanes heading both east and west).

Take a Breather

Even though you’ll need to stow your bikes, Wildwood Park is unbelievable! There is a wetland trail (no bikes allowed) and plenty of picnic tables and grassy fields to run around on. This is a fantastic place for kids.  There are interpretive signs throughout the trail systems explaining about the history, flora and fauna, Oregon Pioneers, and Native Americans.  It also has the Cascade Streamwatch trail where you can see salmon spawning on the Salmon River, and an underwater fish viewing site that will keep you staring for hours!

“Old” Salmon River Trail

This is a popular trail, and for good reason.  What could be better than riding around next to a wild, scenic river and giant old growth Douglas Firs and Western Red Cedars?  Everyone can enjoy this flat, easy ride — including little ones and older folks. Ride along Welches Road (from the stoplight in Welches) for 3 miles to the trail head of Old Salmon River Trail #742 (look for the vehicle parking on the west side of the road where you’ll find the trailhead). The trail is a bit steep right at the very beginning, but then settles into an easy ride.

The trees are big and beautiful, the flowers are blooming, and on a hot day the river keeps you super COOL (especially if you are wearing your sunglasses)!  This trail is approximately 2.6 miles up to the upper bridge.  At this point the trail continues forever to the backside of Trillium Lake, but enters the wilderness where bikes or other motorized things are not allowed.  After your 5.2 miles roundtrip you can head back down Salmon River Road to the Zigzag Inn parking lot where a frosty milkshake usually hits the spot. The Zigzag Inn features casual family dining, pizza, burgers and steaks. 70162 E Highway 26, Zigzag, Oregon 97049. 503-622-4779.

Just east of the ice cream is the Zigzag Ranger Station and Information Service.  Stop in and check out their maps, books, and get any advice that they may have to offer.

Flag Mountain Trailhead

Continuing east, and in the bike path on Hwy 26 you can turn on Road 20 through a hidden neighborhood and to the Flag Mountain Trailhead #766.  This trail is approximately 4 miles roundtrip and at the top you are rewarded with gorgeous views of Mt. Hood.  You do not have to go the complete mileage to reach the viewpoint.

Mt Hood Bike Rental & Supplies

Now, the first step is throwing your biking gear, little monsters, and whichever pets are making the trip in the family-mobile. Then, right in the middle of Welches, right in the middle of the village trail I wrote about above, there is Mountain Sports.  They are located right next to Thriftway and have everything you may have forgotten!  Tom and Sonya are awesome and run the shop.  Their staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and can help with whatever you may need.  They rent bikes and helmets and other outdoor gear to help you make your memories.

This is just a small taste of what the Mt. Hood area has to offer.  You can get on your bike with the entire family and never be able to stop exploring; there is always something new every time.  Flowers in the spring, sunshine in the summer, berries and colors in the fall, and you can golf and ski the same day in the winter.  You can’t beat it!

Written by Greg Moreno

Categories: Mt Hood Recreation
Tags: activites, biking, cabins, Mt. Hood Events