Cycling the Oregon Trail
Take a ride into the mountains for a day along the historic Barlow Road with its alpine meadows and striking views. This Trip We Love capped off with a few holes of golf, a relaxing spa visit and a casual meal.
By Otis Rubottom
1.
Heading Out
The morning I geared up to cycle the Oregon Trail, Barlow Road trip, I was already so excited about this route which follows some of Mt. Hood’s most striking roads. You can choose to travel to Sandy by car, or you can bike there. My crew chose not to make the day quite so long, and on the way, we checked out the historic and expansive Jonsrud Viewpoint. The signage does a great job of giving an overview of the area’s historical significance.
A filling breakfast followed at the Tollgate Inn. Named for the spot it occupied on the historic Barlow Road, the Tollgate Inn is filled with Oregon Trail memorabilia. Once we were on our bikes, the real fun began, with gorgeous valleys and a twisting descent down to the Sandy River valley. A long, moderate climb took us up over the “Devil’s Backbone” and down Marmot Road into one of Mt. Hood’s most beautiful alpine valleys, along the pioneer route of the old Barlow Road, a favorite route for local cyclists. Highlights include amazing old barns on homestead properties and empty roads winding along the river. Leave time for a stop at Barlow Trail County Park for lunch, or just to enjoy the sound of the river.
2.
Lodging
Although I am confident you will not really want the ride to end, you will eventually reach your destination: the Villages of Mt. Hood. If you still have steam remaining, be sure to check out The Resort at The Mountain. Fresh off a recent (and extensive) remodel, The Resort is exactly the type of place you want to arrive at after a long weekend of riding. Sleek, welcoming rooms are framed by gorgeous landscaping that never battles the equally striking natural surroundings. My pal and I wanted to try out one of their immaculate nine-hole golf courses, while the other half of our party did some in-depth research at The Spa (read: massage).
3.
Dinner
For dinner, you might want to do as we did, venturing out to the nearby Rendezvous Grill & Tap Room. The restaurant’s claim of “serious food in a not-so-serious” space is a perfect description of the engaging dishes and welcoming vibe. It’s no wonder it’s a longtime local favorite. Enjoy a couple of local microbrews or an Oregon pinot, then turn in for some well-deserved rest. There’s a special kind of tired you get from mixing time outside playing with the exploration of new (and sometimes not-so-new) places, and we were all feeling it. Your dreams are likely to include lush, rolling and peaceful scenery, topped off by an incredible meal at the end of it.
If you like to travel at a faster pace, enjoy this itinerary on four wheels while experiencing the same sights, flavors and activities by car. Check out www.MtHoodTerritory.com/bikeon for this cycling route and more.