the adventure by booking a guided whitewater-rafting tour with eNRG Kayaking on the North Santiam River. If you’re looking for a familyfriendly swimming hole, the Silverton Reservoir is perfect for a cool dip. TIP: If you plan water adventures, never paddle alone and always wear a properly fitting life jacket. Wear bright colors to ensure you’re seen by other boaters, and be courteous in sharing the waterway. PEDAL POWER For a top-notch introduction to Oregon cycling, the 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is the ultimate ride. Hearty cyclists can tackle the route in a single (very long day), while most prefer to break up the trip over a few days, stopping at wineries, farm stands, and historic sites along the way. If you’re looking for something shorter and more leisurely, head to Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem. Its 7.3-mile loop offers a relaxed ride through shady forests and alongside tranquil wetlands, perfect for families or casual riders who still want plenty of scenery. Mountain bikers will also find plenty to love in the Salem area. The region boasts hundreds of miles of single-track trails, from gentle woodland rides to adrenalinepumping descents. For the ultimate off-road experience, make your way to the Black Rock Mountain Biking Area, about 30 miles west of Salem. This network of free-ride trails has earned the prestigious “Epic Ride” designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. With handbuilt skinnies, berms, and gap jumps, it’s a playground for advanced riders, though beginners can warm up in the aptly named “Basic Training” skilldevelopment area. In the Santiam State Forest, hop on the Monument Peak Trails for 12 miles of single-track that wind through towering Douglas fir trees, pristine meadows and waterfalls. The trail can be rough and technical at high speeds; be sure to brake for horses. HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGES CYCLING Cycling through the Mid-Willamette Valley offers more than just scenic landscapes — it’s a ride through history. Winding past farmlands, vineyards and historic landmarks, these covered-bridge cycling routes invite riders to slow down and savor the region’s timeless charm. The 45-mile Ritner Cycling Loop showcases everything that makes the area so wondrous. Starting in Monmouth, the route meanders through lush farmland and rolling vineyards before reaching its star attraction: the Ritner Creek Covered Bridge. Built in 1926, this elegant bridge — framed by evergreens and adorned with Gothic-style windows and a cedar-shake roof — stands as a graceful tribute to Oregon’s heritage of craftsmanship. To the southeast, the 57-mile Stayton-6 Bridges Cycling Loop showcases a rich mix of rural scenery and local flavor. You’ll pedal past hazelnut orchards, family farms and vineyards, crossing six historic covered bridges along the way. Among them is the 90-foot Stayton-Jordan Covered Bridge, a beloved pedestrian span over the Salem Power Canal and centerpiece of Pioneer Park. Shaded picnic areas and riverside views make it the perfect place to take a break — then refuel just down the road at the cozy Covered Bridge Cafe. For a shorter ride, try the 22-mile Gallon House Bridge Loop from downtown Silverton. This intermediate-level route winds along paved country roads through farmlands and hop fields, offering sweeping views that shine brightest in late fall, when the trees blaze with color and ripe hop vines burst with citrus aromas. The route’s highlight, the 84-foot Gallon House Bridge, dates back to 1916 and holds a colorful piece of local lore: It earned its name during Prohibition, when locals met here to discreetly trade “gallons” of moonshine. Reed Lane Photography Polk County cycling 11 TravelSalem.com
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