Motorcycle the Columbia River Gorge

Looking to spend the day on a motorcycle ride out of Portland, Oregon? You won't find one more spectacular than riding along the Columbia River Gorge.

The Columbia River carved a canyon on its way through the Cascades, an area that enjoys protection as a National Scenic Area. A good way to motorcycle the gorge is to head out one side of the River and back on the other. Travel on the Washington side on Highway 14, a two-lane state highway with an average speed of 40-50 mph. On the Oregon side travel on Interstate 84 if time is short; otherwise don't miss the chance to ride the patchwork of remaining segments of the Historic Columbia River Highway, with an average speed of around 25 mph. Set the length of your ride by crossing the river at one of four bridges: Bridge of the Gods (40 miles from Portland), Hood River (60), the Dalles (80), or Biggs Junction/Maryhill (100).