August 25, 2016
Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway
If you’ve been to Portland, you know that bikes are kind of a big deal around here. What you may not know is that across the state there are official Scenic Bikeways, the only program of its kind in the nation. Earlier this year I visited my first Scenic Bikeway, the Wild Rivers Coast Scenic Bikeway, at the Southern Oregon Coast!
This Bikeway starts in Port Orford and travels a total of 60.9 miles taking cyclists from town, along the Elk River on a forest road, and then out to breathtaking views of the Oregon Coast.
There is some riding along somewhat busy Highway 101 but the shoulder is quite large leaving plenty of room to stay away from traffic. This only lasts a short while before you turn East and start heading towards the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and join up with the Elk River.
When you reach the Elk River Fish Hatchery, this is where the real fun starts! The road transitions to a National Forest road with the road surrounded by trees and you start catching glimpses of the Elk River’s clear and bright green water!
As I was there early in the season, I nearly had the road to myself and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Due to a time constraint, I made my turnaround at the Sunshine Bar Campground rather than continuing another few miles to Butler Bar Campground.
On my journey back out to Highway 101, I stopped to say “Hi!” to a slug in the road and also saw some horses out running around in the sun.
I also cut out the Northern section of the ride that continues to the lighthouse at Cape Blanco State Park (I drove it on my way out) and instead turned South to head to Paradise Point.
Nearly back to where I started at Battle Rock Wayside Park!
And there you have it! Back at Battle Rock Wayside Park!
I did drive the portion of the bikeway that extends to Cape Blanco State Park and the view from near the lighthouse is pretty incredible!
You may be asking yourself why I was in such a hurry to leave. Well, it’s because I was driving to Ashland, OR so that I could do another ride! Next up: Cascade Siskiyou
Scenic Bikeway!
Category: Cycling
Tags: Cycling, Oregon Coast, Oregon Scenic Bikeways
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