Cross Country USA: Portland to Portland Bike Tour

Overview

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Today is the day to get everything in order before embarking on your cross-country odyssey. After a two-hour shuttle to the town of Astoria, you will enjoy a hearty welcome lunch and brief introductions, and your guides will take time to ensure you have a comfortable fit on your bike. We recommend that you have a professional bike fit early in you... Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. Today is the day to get everything in order before embarking on your cross-country odyssey. After a two-hour shuttle to the town of Astoria, you will enjoy a hearty welcome lunch and brief introductions, and your guides will take time to ensure you have a comfortable fit on your bike. We recommend that you have a professional bike fit early in your training for the greatest efficiency and to reduce the risk of injury. Please bring your measurements, as well as your saddle, pedals, personal GPS unit, and any other equipment you would like affixed to your bike to this meeting so your guides can set up your bike to your requirements. Following the bike fit, safety tips and some introductory information, it's time for a short scenic spin from Astoria to Fort Stevens State Park and down to the Pacific Ocean where you can dip your wheel into the water to mark the official start of your journey. Use the rest of this ride to warm up your legs and make sure you are comfortable in the saddle. Your warm-up ride will be followed by a social hour and dinner, where your guides will discuss your upcoming adventure in more detail and answer any questions you may have. Read More

Overview

Your adventure begins today as you depart Astoria and head for Portland on your first long ride of the trip! It's time to bid farewell to the West Coast and turn east as you ease into your first pedal strokes along Youngs River and through the beautiful and densely forested Clatsop State Forest. As you ride, the enclosed green canopy and winding roads gradually open up to bring you just north of Portland where you will continue southeast on the Scappoose-Vernonia Hi... Your adventure begins today as you depart Astoria and head for Portland on your first long ride of the trip! It's time to bid farewell to the West Coast and turn east as you ease into your first pedal strokes along Youngs River and through the beautiful and densely forested Clatsop State Forest. As you ride, the enclosed green canopy and winding roads gradually open up to bring you just north of Portland where you will continue southeast on the Scappoose-Vernonia Highway and directly into downtown. Explore one of America's most bike-friendly cities this evening as you relish the feeling of accomplishment from completing your first full day in the saddle. Read More

Overview

You'll depart Portland this morning on a network of popular bike trails and lanes. Once in Troutdale, you will ride on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway 30 that separates Washington from Oregon. The north side of this 75-mile scenic byway boasts spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge while the south is blessed with a collection of astonishing waterfalls. Take the time to stop at Columbia Point, one of the most scenic outlooks on the journey, and visit... You'll depart Portland this morning on a network of popular bike trails and lanes. Once in Troutdale, you will ride on the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway 30 that separates Washington from Oregon. The north side of this 75-mile scenic byway boasts spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge while the south is blessed with a collection of astonishing waterfalls. Take the time to stop at Columbia Point, one of the most scenic outlooks on the journey, and visit the Vista House which was built as a rest stop for early travelers. As you finish your ride, don't forget to look out onto the river, as Hood River is renowned as one of the best windsurfing locations in the U.S. Tonight is yours to explore. Take a stroll down Oak Street and dine in one of the many tasty bistros. Read More

Overview

Depart this windsurfing and mountain-biking hotspot to continue following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the water. Cycle through the five-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail that passes through two climate zones and is bordered by numerous types of foliage and plants. The route hugs the Columbia River on Interstate 84 for about 15 miles before turning inland. Finish the day’s ride winding past rolling ranch lands, and tackling the climbs through Cottonwood Canyon Sta... Depart this windsurfing and mountain-biking hotspot to continue following the Lewis and Clark Trail along the water. Cycle through the five-mile Mosier Twin Tunnels Trail that passes through two climate zones and is bordered by numerous types of foliage and plants. The route hugs the Columbia River on Interstate 84 for about 15 miles before turning inland. Finish the day’s ride winding past rolling ranch lands, and tackling the climbs through Cottonwood Canyon State Park and Recreation Area. We’ll be spending the night in Condon, a proud, century-old farming community nestled between miles of rolling, golden wheat fields in Eastern Oregon. Read More

Overview

After a hilly start this morning, we'll reach the small town of Heppner, known as the “Gateway to the Blues.” Pedal a short stretch of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway before gradually descending back towards the Columbia River. Enjoy dinner at Nookie’s restaurant, home of the Hermiston Brewing Company & Tap House. This historic building housed a Plymouth dealership for many years in the early 1940s, but now offers over 15 beers produced in-house! Spend the nigh... After a hilly start this morning, we'll reach the small town of Heppner, known as the “Gateway to the Blues.” Pedal a short stretch of the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway before gradually descending back towards the Columbia River. Enjoy dinner at Nookie’s restaurant, home of the Hermiston Brewing Company & Tap House. This historic building housed a Plymouth dealership for many years in the early 1940s, but now offers over 15 beers produced in-house! Spend the night in Hermiston, once known as home of Six Mile House, an old-west hotel that served as a stopover for weary travelers, and is now famous for watermelon farms. Read More

Overview

Today is a relatively short ride as we make our way into Washington. Pedal through high-desert sage and the farmland producing the sweet onions, wheat, and wine that give Walla Walla its flavor. Finish your ride in the heart of town where the tree-lined streets are lined with a mix of vintage shops, boutiques, cafes, and bookstores. This evening, venture out to enjoy a wine tasting and dinner of your choice.

Overview

Climb out of Walla Walla on gently rolling hills as you make your way through eastern Washington's beautiful golden fields of wheat. Today you will work hard to get to Idaho, the third state of your journey, but the effort will be well worth it as you enjoy a long, winding descent into the state alongside the gentle Asotin Creek and the powerful Snake River. Shortly after crossing the border you will find yourself in Lewiston, located at the confluence of the Snake ... Climb out of Walla Walla on gently rolling hills as you make your way through eastern Washington's beautiful golden fields of wheat. Today you will work hard to get to Idaho, the third state of your journey, but the effort will be well worth it as you enjoy a long, winding descent into the state alongside the gentle Asotin Creek and the powerful Snake River. Shortly after crossing the border you will find yourself in Lewiston, located at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Due to a system of locks and dams, Lewiston is accessible by some ocean-going vessels and is the easternmost port on the west coast. Read More

Overview

Soon after departing Lewiston you will enter the land of the Nez Perce Native American tribe. Cruise through undulating hills and scattered towns as you uncover this magnificent gateway to the West. With many areas to hunt, fish, hike, and farm, the Nez Perce have made this area home since before the history of the West was recorded. Enjoy the striking views from the banks of the Clearwater River into the hills above as you make your way to the small town of Kamiah.

Overview

Today's epic ride follows the historic Route 12 into the Bitterroot Mountains and over Lolo Pass. You'll pedal along the banks of the Clearwater River this morning and the Lochsa River this afternoon, both of which are lined by majestic pines. Enjoy the serene yet striking scenery as you roughly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The road climbs gently until the last few miles, which greet you with steeper terrain and sweeping views. Near the end of the rid... Today's epic ride follows the historic Route 12 into the Bitterroot Mountains and over Lolo Pass. You'll pedal along the banks of the Clearwater River this morning and the Lochsa River this afternoon, both of which are lined by majestic pines. Enjoy the serene yet striking scenery as you roughly follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. The road climbs gently until the last few miles, which greet you with steeper terrain and sweeping views. Near the end of the ride, you'll reach the top of Lolo Pass at 5,233 feet, which is also the Montana border. Say hello to state number four and a new time zone! All that's left is a short descent to the Lodge at Lolo Hot Springs. It's a great place to rest and soak your legs after the day's climb. Read More

Overview

Enjoy a relaxed morning with your fellow riders as you get used to the time change, because this short day is nearly all downhill! Today you finish descending the gorgeous, winding road from Lolo Pass into the town of Missoula—home of the University of Montana. Take a look around at the peaks dominating the horizon, as this town lies at the convergence of five separate mountain ranges. It's your choice for lunch so enjoy your favorite foods as you soak in the scen... Enjoy a relaxed morning with your fellow riders as you get used to the time change, because this short day is nearly all downhill! Today you finish descending the gorgeous, winding road from Lolo Pass into the town of Missoula—home of the University of Montana. Take a look around at the peaks dominating the horizon, as this town lies at the convergence of five separate mountain ranges. It's your choice for lunch so enjoy your favorite foods as you soak in the scene in this fun college town. Tonight you will gather for a social hour and dinner at the hotel, as you raise a glass to congratulate each other on reaching your first well-earned rest day. Read More

Overview

Your first rest day has arrived and you’ve certainly earned it! Today is a day to relax, put up your feet, and enjoy. Benefit from a recovery stroll along the trail beside the Clark Fork River or explore the quaint downtown. This could also be the day to get some shopping done as Montana levies no state sales tax! Alternatively, catch up on some sleep, unwind, and simply get some correspondence and laundry done. Today is yours to explore, dine, and recover as you ... Your first rest day has arrived and you’ve certainly earned it! Today is a day to relax, put up your feet, and enjoy. Benefit from a recovery stroll along the trail beside the Clark Fork River or explore the quaint downtown. This could also be the day to get some shopping done as Montana levies no state sales tax! Alternatively, catch up on some sleep, unwind, and simply get some correspondence and laundry done. Today is yours to explore, dine, and recover as you please. Read More

Overview

Saddle up! Today you'll take advantage of your well-rested legs to tackle another big ride as you continue across the fourth largest state in America. Follow the Blackfoot River out to the plains and enjoy the cool breeze as it wicks down the surrounding mountains and stirs the wildlife below. Keep a careful eye on the sky and passing fields to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, mule deer, antelope, elk, or maybe even a grizzly bear. You'll climb to the top of Flesher... Saddle up! Today you'll take advantage of your well-rested legs to tackle another big ride as you continue across the fourth largest state in America. Follow the Blackfoot River out to the plains and enjoy the cool breeze as it wicks down the surrounding mountains and stirs the wildlife below. Keep a careful eye on the sky and passing fields to catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, mule deer, antelope, elk, or maybe even a grizzly bear. You'll climb to the top of Flesher Pass at 6,131 feet before enjoying a gradual descent into Montana's capital city for the evening. Read More

Overview

Another picturesque day of riding awaits as you work your way south through Big Sky Country. You'll end up in Three Forks, near where the Jefferson, Gallatin, and Madison rivers converge to form the Missouri River. Sacajawea, who was interpreter and guide for Lewis and Clark, was kidnapped near here as a child and recognized it as her homeland when the explorers arrived here in 1805. Tonight, you'll stay at the historic Sacajawea Hotel.