Barely 45 minutes from downtown Portland exists a biking adventure through golden wheat fields, fields of crimson clover, rows of grapevines and between the massive trunks of old oak trees.
This is the Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway. It’s a 50.5-mile bike ride that's officially recognized as one of the state’s 12 scenic bikeways. The route offers many beautiful views for cyclists, including stretches of farmland, vineyards and natural areas. Some possible parts of the bikeway to enjoy:
• Check out the section by Rood Bridge Park on the south side of Hillsboro. This trail takes cyclists right next to the slow and meandering Tualatin River. The scenery is woodsy, with farms dotting the fertile countryside.
• Sample the bounty of the region by stopping at farm stands or taking a wine break at a local vineyard. The locals grow everything from blueberries to winter wheat, but savvy cyclers will make a point of sampling Unger Farm’s summer strawberries.
• Ride along the car-free Banks-Vernonia State Trail section and enjoy the greenery. The gently climbing route crosses the iconic Buxton Trestle – a former railroad trestle. It rises 80 feet above the ground and stretches 700 feet in length, and is the highlight of this trail. Benches and green space at its base offer great resting spots.
Learn more about the Banks-Vernonia Trail: https://www.shareoregon.com/en/listings/124916-tualatin-valley-scenic-bikeway
Learn more about this unforgettably scenic bikeway: http://goo.gl/SPHCVo