Motorcycle Road Trip | Columbia River Highway, Oregon

Whether you’re looking for a solo ride or a motorcycle road trip away with friends, the jaw-dropping landscapes of Oregon always deliver an unforgettable adventure. Blessed with lush scenic vistas, riverside views, and cascading waterfalls along the way, join us as we take you on a motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Completed in 1922, the Historic Columbia River Highway became the first planned scenic roadway in the United States, and when you arrive, you’ll soon see why. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime motorcycle road trip, grab your gloves and helmet as we see the sights on a journey from The Dalles to Troutdale, Oregon.

The Dalles, Oregon

Where better to start our motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway than The Dalles, Oregon, the most easterly point of our road trip. We kick start our tour with a visit to the interactive Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum to learn about the volcanoes and floods that first created it. The museum also provides a fascinating insight into the region’s rich cultural history and ties to the daring exploits of pioneers Lewis and Clark.

Before we leave The Dalles, take advantage of the stunning surroundings by heading to The Dalles Country Club for a round of golf. Here, you can start to understand why this stunning corner of Oregon is so popular as the astonishing views and rolling hill backdrops prepare you for the journey ahead.

As we set off towards Hood River along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the superb panoramic views over the river valley are a photographer’s dream. Additionally, riders road-tripping during the summer season should detour to the fantastic Evans Fruit Company in Mosier Valley. Here, you can U-pick the region’s juiciest cherries and peaches for the trip ahead.

Hood River, Oregon

Stopping off for a few days in Hood River is an ideal opportunity to enjoy the fine foods and vibrant craft beer scene while exploring the city’s scenic surroundings. A trip to the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM) to inspect one of the largest collections of still-flying antique airplanes and drivable automobiles is a must for aviation and vintage car enthusiasts.

Next on our motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway itinerary is a visit to the delightful Full Sail Brewing Company to sample their award-winning beers in their first-class Brew Pub. Finally, while you’re in Hood River, also be sure to eat at the amazing Solstice Wood Fire Pizza, a waterfront cafe & bar for fine dining with spectacular views.

Enhance your motorcycle road trip by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus Hood River Inn overlooking the marina in Hood River, Oregon.

Cascade Locks, Oregon

Leaving Hood River, we head west again towards Cascade Locks, named after the set of locks that helped the Oregon Trail pioneers navigate past the Cascade Rapids. Now submerged, the locks were replaced in 1938 with the completion of the Bonneville Lock and Dam further downstream.

We highly recommend exploring the city of Cascade Locks on your motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The best way to see the city is to join the crew on The Sternwheeler for a brunch or dinner cruise along the Columbia River. Here, you can float along the Columbia River while enjoying great food and outstanding views as you pass under the magnificent Bridge of Gods.

Every night, be sure to enjoy the city’s bars and restaurants. However, topping our list of places to eat, venture down to Brigham Fish Market to try their incredible locally caught, fresh fish dishes. Heighten your stay while in town by booking a room at Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn in Cascade City, located downstream with riverside vistas of the Bridge of Gods.

Troutdale, Oregon

Heading westward on the final leg of our motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway, prepare yourself for the unbelievable sights and sounds along the way. The first is the striking Multnomah Falls on Multnomah Creek. Attracting over 2 million visitors a year, stroll along the bridge at the base of the waterfall before stopping to take the perfect photograph of the falls to take home with you. Another must-see stop to complete our tour of the Historic Columbia River Highway takes us to Vista House at Crown Point. Built in 1917, Vista House also provides a picture-perfect postcard memento overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge before ending our motorcycle road trip in Troutdale, just outside Portland.

Don’t miss out on a trip of a lifetime along one of the most scenic routes in the United States, and end the perfect motorcycle ride along the Historic Columbia River Highway by booking your stay at the Best Western Pony Soldier Inn – Airport in Portland, Oregon.