Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Springwater Trail
Cycling
5.0
(17)
Gravel riding
5.0
(2)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
Tips
December 18, 2023
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Springwater Trail
1
riders
72.6km
04:48
1,010m
1,010m
The Bull Run loop from Gresham offers a challenging touring bicycle experience, winding through diverse terrain that includes both paved and unpaved sections. You'll be treated to spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge from iconic spots like Crown Point and Chanticleer Point, and ride alongside the scenic Sandy River, all while passing through the lush, protected Bull Run Watershed. This difficult 45.1-mile (72.6 km) route, with its 3329 feet (1015 metres) of elevation gain, is a true test of endurance, typically requiring about 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete.
Planning for this demanding ride means ensuring you have the fitness and experience for significant climbs and varied surfaces. There are no specific permit requirements mentioned, but preparing your touring bicycle for a long, strenuous day is key. Starting early in the day is advisable to allow ample time to complete the loop and to enjoy the cooler temperatures, especially if you're looking for challenging touring bike routes in the region.
What makes this one of the popular cycling routes near Gresham Oregon is its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The route incorporates parts of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, featuring the 1912 Sandy River Bridge, and traverses the Bull Run Watershed, which has supplied Portland with drinking water since 1895. This commitment to preservation means you'll encounter pristine natural landscapes, including mature trees over 500 years old, making it a truly special ride.
88.1km
05:38
940m
940m
Embark on a touring cycling route from Gresham to Barlow Wayside County Park that promises a diverse and demanding experience. You'll journey from urban paths into lush forests and rural landscapes, passing old barns and following natural water features like the Sandy River. Keep an eye out for expansive views of Mount Hood from East Marmot Road, and prepare for a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including primitive sections of the historic Barlow Road.
This is a difficult 54.8-mile (88.1 km) ride with a substantial 3084 feet (940 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 5 hours and 38 minutes. The initial stretch from Gresham uses multi-use paths, but the terrain becomes significantly more challenging as you approach Barlow Wayside County Park, with some segments requiring good fitness and a robust touring bicycle. Plan your visit during drier months to best navigate the varied surfaces.
What makes this route truly special is its connection to history; you'll be cycling along the historic Barlow Road, the final segment of the Oregon Trail. Barlow Wayside County Park itself is a forested haven, home to wetlands and streams like Little Joe Creek, where coho salmon and steelhead spawn in autumn and winter, offering a rich natural and historical context to your ride.
4.9
(26)
51
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Distance 803 m
Uphill 10 m
Downhill 10 m
Weather
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Today
Monday 29 June
21°C
12°C
45 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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