Carver Loop
Length: 51 Miles
Direction: Counter Clockwise
Elevation Gain: 3250 ft
Highest Point: 635 ft
Recommended Gearing: 39X25 or equivalent
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Carver is an area southeast of Portland where I rarely see other cyclists. It is often overlooked as a destination for good riding but I highly recommend it. Beginning from Mt Tabor Park, east of downtown, you’ll travel south on 92nd Ave until Sunnyside Rd. Head east for a while and then south, working your way to Carver. Then cross over the Clackamas River. Here you’ll meet your biggest climb of the day, south of the river. 4 punchy climbs await afterwards with friendly names such as Holly Lane, Maple Lane and Fischers Mill. They aren’t terribly difficult, but you will likely remember them.
Head back to Carver via the 224 Hwy. This road is quite scenic although there can be traffic at times. Pay attention to approaching vehicles and keep single file if riding in a group. You’ll return to Sunnyside and 92nd Ave for your trip home. Then, hooked on Carver, you’ll go online and look for other rides in the area.
March 12th, 2009 at 10:27 am
An alternative starting point for this and other eastside rides is the Springwater trail. This rail-to-trails multiuse path starts around Sellwood and stays off all roads until the pavement ends at Rudd Road and Telford, almost to Boring.
April 26th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Hwy 224 is not a ride for me – much too busy and dangerous. Instead I would suggest crossing the Clackamas River at Carver and riding east on Springwater Road to Bakers Ferry Road and then reconnect with Carver Loop ride near Baron Park, south side of the river.
May 1st, 2009 at 8:23 am
The major flaw of this route is that a large portion of it is on Hwy 224. There are a number of much better possibilities (on the other side of the Clackamas) that have lower traffic volumes and are more scenic.
May 12th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
There is very little shoulder on 224, so do consider the variation ride if traffic is a concern
June 15th, 2009 at 5:25 am
I didn’t think the Tabor-to-Carver leg would offer much scenery, so I skipped that stretch and drove out to Carver first. There, at the intersection of Clackamas River Drive and Hattan Road, is parking at Carver Boat Park. Weekends the parking costs $3 for the day — have exact change and a pen to write your license plate number on the payment envelope. Public restrooms there too. Starting and finishing from that partk, taking the Bakers Ferry Road & Springwater Road on the return, I clocked it right at 25 miles. Great time.
August 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
It sounds like quite an interesting ride. The roads look somewhat narrow and windy which is concern for me since I am a fairly new cyclist. The mileage is good distance for an avid rider.