Timothy Lake Journal: Columbia River Gorge Biking

Back in June, we enjoyed a glorious day-off biking the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail!! The section we biked is referred to as the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead.

It is a 9-mile paved out and back ride from its starting point just outside of Hood River to the edge of the town of Mosier. Gorgeous views of the Columbia River! There is a large parking area near the beginning of the trail and a visitor center that was unfortunately closed the day we were there.

The trail follow the historic state highway – one of the first scenic highways in the US. There is an outdoor interpretive sign that aptly describes some of the history of the road.

As the signage above says – it is indeed a “road with a view!” The old road sits high above the Columbia River and Interstate 84 and offers up some spectacular views of the river along the winding, hilly trail. There are a few overlooks along the way that allow for resting and admiring the remarkable landscape – with its transition from a Douglas Fir forest to a high desert environment.

The Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead between Hood River and Mosier is just one small section of the extensive bike trail along the gorge. We rode this trail back in June and, as of my writing today, this section is closed due to a wildfire in the region. Hopefully, it will re-open soon.