Washington Bicycle Ride IV
July 23 - 29, 2011
Exploring Lewis & Clark’s Territory
The Washington Bicycle Ride will celebrate summer with six days of bicycling through regions of Washington and Oregon that were explored by Lewis & Clark. You will enjoy the splendor of the forests, mountains, and rivers as you ride at your own quiet, unhurried pace. Pedaling along the routes you will find serenity between yourself and the endeavor that lies ahead. Take a step back in time and imagine what it was like for the famous explorers, Lewis & Clark, to forge through these paths. Let your imagination soar! And, when you are done, expect exciting new friendships, a wealth of visual memories, and a great sense of accomplishment.
Saturday, July 23 - Dallesport
Dallesport Elementary School
Check-In and Orientation
Dallesport is a small community located on the north bank of the Columbia River about 10 miles from The Dalles, Oregon. Originally this was the site of the Wishram tribe (called Echeloots by Lewis and Clark). Even though this tribe was included in the Treaty of Yakima, they resisted moving to the Yakama Reservation until they were faced with the loss of their traditional fishing grounds with the construction of The Dalles Dam in 1957.
Sunday, July 24 - Dallesport to Trout Lake
Mileage: 73; Elevation Gain: 3,694'
You will leave the Gorge and climb lazily in the shadows of oak groves along the Klickitat River. Your reward for this effort will be one of the most incredible vistas with the Klickitat River Valley below and the imposing Mt. Adams ahead. You won’t want to miss out on the spectacular landscape and photo opportunities of this day. Your campsite for the next two nights will be in the shadow of the magnificent Mt. Adams. You will feel as though you can reach out and touch it.
Monday, July 25 - Trout Lake Layover
Mileage: 46; Elevation Gain: 2,187'
Today’s ride begins with a leisurely downhill ride with Mt. Hood in the background. The beauty of the White Salmon River valley will open up to rural farmland as you begin to climb the foothills of Mt. Adams. Along the way enjoy glimpses of the ever-imposing snow-capped Mt. Adams. While riding past the Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, be sure to keep your eyes open for elk, deer and birds indigenous to the area. Circling back through the pines, you will re-enter Trout Lake Valley and delight in a step back in time.
Tuesday, July 26 - Trout Lake to Cougar
Mileage: 69; Elevation Gain: 3,691'
For two days now, you have been teased with views of Mt. Adams. Saying goodbye to the sleepy community of Trout Lake, you will start climbing up and over a shoulder of this dormant volcano through fir covered forests. This shaded climb along tranquil country roads skirted with ferns will lead you back to the western slopes of the Cascades. Listen to the rustle of the leaves as you pass under the canopy of aspens. Be sure to check out the waterfalls, creeks, eagles and all the majesty this special country offers. Camp tonight is along the shores of Cougar Reservoir shaded by a grove of mighty Douglas firs.
Wednesday, July 27 - Cougar to Blue Lake Park
Mileage: 67; Elevation Gain: 1,775'
Leaving Cougar Campground you will follow the Lewis River downstream. Traffic-free country roads shaded with oak and maple trees will take you along the outskirts of Vancouver and Camas to the Columbia River bicycle path. After crossing the Glen Jackson Bridge into Oregon, you have only a short ride to our campsite. Blue Lake Regional Park is a great place to unwind under the massive oak trees where you can set up your tent on the lush green carpet next to the lake. This park creates the perfect setting for tonight’s Wine Tasting Party.
Thursday, July 28 - Blue Lake Park to Cascade Locks
Mileage: 36; Elevation Gain: 1,870'
Today will be a historic day! A sight-seeing day! A day to ride slow and witness all of the history and the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. As you ride through the town of Troutdale be sure to grab a latte. From Troutdale, you will follow the Sandy River up to the Historic Columbia River Highway. Teddy Roosevelt called it "The most remarkable feat of engineering of its time!" From breathtaking views at Crown Point to one of the most spectacular waterfalls found in North America, Multnomah Falls, the Gorge has it all. We have created a short ride today so that you can take your time to enjoy some of the best scenery the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Take your time and be a tourist as this route takes you past six waterfalls. You have all day to explore these wonders before arriving at your next fabulous camp in Cascade Locks overlooking the Columbia River. We will be waiting to hear your stories and see your pictures! Tonight’s special dinner will be served aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler as we cruise along this magnificent river.
Friday, July 29 - Cascade Locks to Dallesport
Mileage: 50; Elevation Gain: 2,349'
Yesterday you experienced the western half of the Historic Columbia River Gorge. Today you will have the joy of seeing the eastern half. After making your way to Hood River, famous for its wind surfing and kiteboarding, you will climb up to the start of the Mark O. Hatfield / Mosier Twin Tunnels’ bicycle trail that winds its way along bluffs overlooking the Columbia River. Beyond the town of Mosier you will take pleasure in more of the incredible scenery from high above the river as you ride on this the magnificent plateau to Rowena Crest. The sites are amazing! Then fly down off the top of the world into The Dalles before crossing the bridge over the mighty Columbia River and wind your way back to Dallesport. Enjoy your final lunch and shower reflecting upon the places you have been, the people you have met, and what life in this part of the country must have been like for the explorers, Lewis & Clark.
Total miles 341
Total elevation gain 15,566'
| WBR Entry Fees: | Individual: | $845.00 | After April 1, 2011: | $870.00 |
| Family (3 or more): | $820.00 each | After April 1, 2011: | $845.00 each | |
| Both Rides: | Individual: | $1700.00 | After April 1, 2011: | $1755.00 |
| Family (3 or more): | $1650.00 each | After April 1, 2011: | $1705.00 each |
Ride fees for the Washington Bicycle Ride include: transport of your gear, support vehicles, rest stops overflowing with food each day, all meals starting with dinner on Saturday evening through lunch on the final ride day, most lunches, campsites, shower and toilet facilities, socks, Chico bags and the dinner cruise aboard the Columbia River Sternwheeler.
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