For assistance while riding, call (541) 705-2438.

BIKE LOCK CODE: 23456 

Starting the bike route:

Welcome and thanks for coming. Start by turning right out of the driveway, you’ll arrive shortly to the start of the trail at the John B Yeon trailhead.

Historic Highway State Trail

John b Yeon to Cascade Locks

State Trail
Length: 7 miles each way

Ride the historic highway state trail to Cascade Locks, stopping along the way to view the highlights.

Highlights:

– Just a minute or two in to the trail you’ll cross McCord Creek, to view the waterfall proceed a bit past the bridge and look upstream.

– Bonneville Dam and Tanner Creek. Ride into the fish hatchery for some beautiful views and a fun and informative expereince at the fish hatchery. The hatchery is on the left, Wahclella falls on the right, and the trail continues straight ahead. The Wahclella trail is one of the best in the Gorge and is done in under an hour.

– Toothrock, just past Tanner Creek you’ll find amazing views as the trail loops around Toothrock.

– Eagle Creek Recreation Area. There’s a beautiful bike ride up the creek to the right, to the left there’s an amazing viewpoint.

– Ruckle Creek. Here the trail crosses a beautiful waterfall

– Cascade Locks. Check out the bridge of the gods and thunder island for amazing rides on the river 

Stop One

Elowah Falls and Upper Mccord Creek Falls

Elowah Falls
Type: Tiered
Height: 213 feet

Elowah Falls
45 minutes plus another 45 minutes if adding Upper McCord Creek Falls. You can

From the parking area, hike uphill on Gorge Trail 400, passing a wooden cistern that supplies water to nearby homes. Stay left at junctions with the Nesmith Point Trail and Upper Elowah Falls Trail, then switchback down to a bridge over McCord Creek in the amphitheater carved by Elowah Falls. Return the same way. For a longer hike, take the same trailhead to Upper McCord Creek Falls for a total of 3.3 miles.

Ride 3.4 miles East to the Bonneville Dam and Wahclella Falls trailhead.

Stop Two

Bonneville Dam, Wahclella Falls, Munra Falls

Wahclella Falls + Munra Falls

Type: Tiered

Height: 60 feet visible of 350 feet total

Wahclella Falls

Less than 1 hour

Dozens of waterfalls cascade off the basalt cliffs lining the walls of this slot canyon hike. The author’s favorite hike in the Gorge.

Park where the cars are and follow the trail along Tanner Creek past a small dam used by the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. It narrows to a single track, crossing a bridge over Munra Falls before climbing the east side of the canyon. While there are no cliffs, watch for steep drop-offs.

After a short staircase, the trail splits into a loop. Take the lower path for scenic views, descending switchbacks to a bridge near Wahclella Falls. Passing through a grotto, enjoy a full view of the falls before the trail gains elevation and loops back. At the junction, continue straight to return to the trailhead.

Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery

30 minutes
 

Head in and take a left to view the fish ponds where The Bonneville Fish Hatchery raises millions of salmon and trout annually to support fish populations and conservation efforts. Visitors can explore ponds with massive sturgeon, view fish ladders, and learn about the hatchery’s role in sustaining the region’s fisheries.

Continue 4 miles to Cascade Locks.

Note: A staircase separates stops 2 and 3. To navigate down the staircase put the bike wheel in the groove on the right side of the stairs. Make sure both wheels go in the groove. Use both brakes to very slowly lower the bike down the stairs. If you need help have your group work together to lower one bike at a time. To go up the stairs get both wheels in the groove and twist the throttle to power the bike up the stairs. 

Stop Three

Eagle Creek Recreation area

Eagle Creek Ride

Distance: 1 mile round trip.

Turn right (South), and ride on a quiet road along the beautiful Eagle Creek.

Columbia River Viewpoint

Turn left (North), and ride on the road toward the river for a beautiful view of the dam and Beacon Rock. Continue on the road past the gate to another amazing viewpoint.

Cascade Salmon Hatchery

Do not ride the bike around the hatchery please. Lock them up and walk around, read the sign on the back of the building to learn what’s going on here on this self guided tour.
 
Ride 5 miles West back to your car or continue 3 miles to Cascade Locks.

Stop Four

Cascade Locks

Bridge of the Gods

Turn left immediately upon exiting the trail and entering town. A road will spiral you up to the Bridge of the Gods, ride across the bridge and back.

Thunder Island

Continue through town past Eastwind Drive in and turn left down into Marine Park. Ride into the park and cross the bridge onto Thunder Island.

Food Recommendations

1. Ixtapa – Waterfront dining at a family mexican restaurant.
2. Gorges Beer Co – Brewery with rooftop dining and river views.
3. Brigham Fish – Locally caught fish in a casual setting
4. Thunder Island Brewing – Great beers and food in a brewpub.
 
Ride 8 miles West back to your car.