Portland, Oregon:
We’ll just start by saying that Portland is rated the
#1 bicycling city in North America by Bicycling Magazine.
Here’s what Lonely Planet has to say -
With more inner-city parks than most cities have
parking, and more brewpubs than burger joints, it's no wonder Portland is
among the fastest growing cities in the US. The city sits at the junction of
two great rivers, ringed by vast forests and ancient volcanoes.
Perennially near the top of the USA's 'most liveable
cities' list, Oregon's largest city acts as a magnet for cutting-edge young
artists and musicians as well as for young-at-heart go-getter types. It's
the type of place where investment bankers wear Birkenstocks, coffee shops
double as boardrooms and everybody, but everybody, is outdoors on the
weekend.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/north-america/usa/portland/
For more Portland info check out:
Portland Oregon Visitors Association -
http://www.pova.com/
Bicycle Transportation Alliance –
http://www.bta4bikes.org/
Hood River, Oregon:
The City of Hood River is the beginning and end point
for the Cascade Huts Mt. Hood Loop mountain biking trip. Located in the
heart of the Columbia River Gorge (see details on this below), Hood River is
filled with recreational opportunities, a range of accommodations, and
delicious food and drink.
For more Hood River info check out:
City of Hood River –
http://www.ci.hood-river.or.us/
Hood River Chamber of Commerce –
http://www.hoodriver.org/
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area:
Your Mt. Hood Loop mountain biking trip begins and ends
in the Columbia River Gorge. The first few miles provides stunning views of
the river and canyon.
Here’s how the US Forest Service describes the Gorge -
The Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular river canyon
cutting the only sea-level route through the Cascade Mountain Range. It's 80
miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep with the north canyon walls in
Washington State and the south canyon walls in Oregon State.
For more Columbia River Gorge info check out:
US Forest Service –
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/forest/
GORP –
http://gorp.away.com/gorp/resource/us_national_forest/or_colum.htm
Historic Columbia River Highway:
The beginning of your trip rides along a portion of the
Historic Columbia River Highway that has been turned into a hike and bike
path. Here’s a description of what you’ll be biking on from America’s Byways
-
The Historic Columbia River Highway is the first scenic highway in the US
to gain the distinction of National Historic Landmark. The construction of
this Highway was considered one of the greatest engineering feats of the
modern age.
America’s Byways –
http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2141/overview.html
Mt. Hood:
Mt. Hood, the icon of Oregon and your trip, is a
stunning 11,249 foot peak that you’ll see from every angle as you bike the
loop. Mt. Hood is the highest point in Oregon and last erupted shortly
before the arrival of Lewis and Clark in 1805.
Find out more about it at:
Mount Hood History –
http://mounthoodhistory.com/
Mt. Hood National Forest:
The Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the
strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of
forested mountains, lakes and streams. The Forest encompasses some 1,067,043
acres, including 189,200 acres of designated wilderness. Some popular
destinations within the National Forest are Timberline Lodge, built in 1937
high on Mt. Hood, Trillium Lake, and portions of the Old Oregon Trail,
including Barlow Road.
Learn more about the Mt. Hood National Forest and the
USFS at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/about/
Wildlife:
As you ride keep on the lookout for elk, deer, and an
occasional black bear. The route is also along the Cascade Birding Trail.
Near the Columbia River watch for osprey, bald eagles and herons. Inland and
around Mt. Hood you may hear or see a pileated woodpecker, red-breasted
sapsucker, or olive-sided flycatcher. For more information go to:
Mt. Hood National Forest Wildlife Species -
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mthood/wildlife/index.shtml
Cascade
Birding Trail -
http://www.oregonbirdingtrails.org/cascades.htm.
