cycling Twin Tunnels Trail, Oregon

by site editor Rick McCharles

At tourist information in the Columbia River Gorge, I picked up a brochure called Columbia River Gorge Bike Map.

It’s geared for road bikes, unfortunately.

I had a mountain bike and was looking for off-road. Though nearby Portland is considered one of the best cycling cities in the States, dedicated bike trails are NOT abundant in the Gorge.

Further research led me to these best 2 options:

1. Klickitat Trail (Rails to Trails)
2. Twin Tunnels (old highway)

I drove out early evening to check Klickitat. Looked cool. But, in the end, I chose the other (shorter) option, Twin Tunnels from Hood River to Mosier, and beyond.

The old road runs parallel and above the new highway.

Loved it.

I’ll do Klickitat next time.

I stayed across the river in Bingen at the Columbia River Gorge hostel, one of the most unique I’ve ever seen. It’s a former school, closed for decades.