Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Wine Country get lots of attention, but the Tualatin Valley is a great destination – a lush, scenic place to ride that’s only a few miles from Portland. This Bikeway shines a spotlight on the bounty of the valley.
Ride the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Coast Range, dairy farms, vineyards and natural areas, while you inhale the earthy aroma of fresh-cut hay and listen for the flutter of waterfowl. The prominent natural feature here is the Tualatin River and its surrounding river basin, which is dotted with wetlands and forest stands. Farm-produce stands, farmers’ markets and a winery offer a wonderful seasonal mix of activities, giving you the opportunity to partake in the area’s agricultural bounty – and then pedal off the calories!
The route is perfect for out-and-back explorations, or you can pick up a segment anywhere along the way. The Bikeway is essentially two pieces – a meandering ride through the valley at one end, and the Banks-Vernonia State Trail at the other.
Within the valley section, you’ll travel back roads and spin through Forest Grove, a historic college town with a quaint downtown. Farther north, the route connects to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, which follows an old railroad bed to the formerly timber-based town of Vernonia.
With spectacular trestles, long swoops through thick forest, a smooth surface and no cars, it’s an exhilarating ride, perfect for everyone from families to hardcore riders. Be aware that the middle portion of the state trail does feature a climb of about 600 feet, but at gentle grades. With the route’s layout, cyclists have many overnight options for multi-day rides, while day trips covering sub-sections of the route are easy, too. L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park is adjacent to the state trail and offers camping, while Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Banks and Vernonia offer lodging, dining and other services. The route’s northern and southern hubs are public parks, each with parking, restrooms and drinking water. Several other parks on the route offer picnic shelters and restrooms. Transit connections are available in Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Banks.
More Resources
Find more to see and do near the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway at Explore Tualatin Valley and Travel Portland.
Camping and restrooms are available at Stub Stewart State Park; you can also find restrooms at Rood Bridge Park in Hillsboro, and restrooms and water at the Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove.
Access, permits and amenities: Find information from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park and Banks-Vernonia State Trail.
Road/trail conditions: In addition to visiting TripCheck.com, please check state trail notices and contact the Stub Stewart State Park office directly at 503-324-0606 for current information.
