PEDAL POWER For a top-notch introduction to Oregon cycling, the 134-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is the way to go. Hearty riders make a (very long) day of it, while most cyclists break up the trip over a few days. Start at Champoeg State Heritage Area; from there you’ll meander south and through Willamette Mission State Park, the city of Salem, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and the picturesque town of Brownsville before ending at Armitage County Park, just outside Eugene. The 47-mile Western Valley: Ritner Creek Covered Bridge Trail showcases everything that makes the Mid-Willamette Valley so magical. It begins in the town of Monmouth and takes you through lush farmland, rolling vineyards and to historic covered bridges. The mostly mellow 47-mile Drift Creek Ride in East Marion County begins in Salem and loops through Sublimity, winding through the heart of Mid-Willamette Valley farmland. A trip in late summer or early fall will reward you with views of wine grapes and hop bines at peak ripeness, bustling hazelnut orchards, and wildlife such as deer and eagles. OFF-ROAD AND MOUNTAIN BIKING GEER BIKE PARK & PUMP TRACK Shredders of all skill levels will dig this track, which offers dirt-jump lines and paved trails that ride well on rainy days. Take the kids to the smaller track, where the banked turns aren’t steep enough to carry much momentum, or ride the fast rollers of the larger track. CATAMOUNT TRAIL Pump through the lush evergreen forest of Silver Falls State Park with turns, berms and rock features that are exhilarating yet approachable. The connecting beginner-friendly Newt Loop provides skill stations and mild climbs along the packed-dirt single-track. BLACK ROCK MOUNTAIN BIKING AREA This network of free-ride trails about 30 miles west of Salem has earned the “Epic Ride” designation from the International Mountain Bike Association. With hand-built skinnies, berms and gap jumps, many trails are best suited for experienced riders; beginners can start at the “Basic Training” skill-development area. MONUMENT PEAK TRAILS Located in the Santiam State Forest, you can crank it through 12 miles of single-track trails and 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. Caleb Wallace Silver Falls State Park Catamount bike trail Fred Chambers 11 TravelSalem.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==