Clackamas River Cruise
Length: 38 Miles
Direction: Clockwise
Elevation Gain: 1974 ft
Highest Point: 507 ft
Recommended Gearing: 39X23 or equivalent
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Riding along the Clackamas River is one of my favorite ways to cruise around town. This is a great ride for meandering along, or for a hard training session. Begin the ride near River City Bicycles on the Eastbank Esplanade bike path under the Hawthorne Bridge. Follow the well traveled commuter route through Ladd’s Addition and onto Clinton St. This will take you through the neighborhoods of South Tabor and onto Woodward St, eventually leading to 92nd Ave.
The I-205 bike path has been largely closed south of Division St during 2008 for the construction of more MAX rail lines. If the path is reopened, hop on for this section just east of 92nd Ave heading south. However 92nd has proven to be extremely safe with a bike lane provided for nearly the entire distance.
Sunnyside Rd will send you east towards Damascus and Carver, where you’ll arrive at Clackamas River Dr, once over the river. The river offers peaks and snipets of itself as you ride along for about 6 miles. This will lead to Oregon City, and the end of the Oregon Trail. Stop in at the information center if you wish and snap a photo of the structure. It resembles a circling of the wagons. Oregon City has a number of shops and an espresso cart also if you need a pick-me-up for the way home. Cross over the Willamette and take a look at the locks to your left.
After passing through Lake Oswego, the Tryon Creek path awaits, as well as a water stop at the information center if you need it. This path is truly the nicest in the city. Heading north on it does mean you will largely be climbing, but the distractions of the forest will keep you motivated.
Hop onto Terwilliger Blvd for the trip into downtown. Terwilliger leads to 6th Ave. There are some MAX rail lines to keep an eye out for. Always cross tracks perpendicular to keep safe. Hop onto the Hawthorne Bridge back to the Esplanade and your done!
February 14th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Great ride. solid directions. The stretch on sunnyside rd into happy valley contains good clear paths but is “strip mall” boring. Otherwise incredible ride. The turn off on “Market” didn’t have a road sign but was easy to figure out. The ride along the river was fantastic. I made the HUGE mistake of skipping the tryon creek end and went 43 into Portland. Inconsistent shoulder, sometimes down to a few inches. super dangerous w/the curves. Thanks for taking the time to put these together!