Explore the Scenic Bikeways Around the Mid-Willamette Valley
Road cycling is a popular pastime around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, and is it any wonder why? Salem is home to miles of protected bike lanes, scenic backroads away from the…
Bike Havens: 3 Places to Ride without Cars
Is there anything better than a nice bike ride in the park? Here are three places in the Salem region where you can escape traffic and enjoy easy, safe trips suitable for the entire family.
Riverfront Park and Minto-Brown Island Park
Salem’s Riverfront Park and adjacent Minto-Brown Island Park are the most convenient and popular places to ride a bike. Head toward the Eco-Earth Globe at the south end of Riverfront Park, cross the bridge, and glide downhill into Minto-Brown. Well-marked, paved paths crisscross the area for miles. Accessible dirt and gravel paths help you explore along the banks of the Willamette River.
Extend the tour from Riverfront Park’s north end by crossing the Union Street Railroad Bridge and entering West Salem’s Wallace Marine Park. The former railroad crossing is now dedicated to bike riders and pedestrians.
Food and Drink: Dozens of downtown restaurants are only a few blocks from Riverfront Park. More options await on Glen Creek Road near Wallace Marine Park.
Silver Falls State Park
(Ride with GPS coordinates for this route here)
Silver Falls State Park, a diamond in Oregon’s park system, is famous for its waterfalls and hiking trails. Here’s a beautiful ride along smooth park roads that few cars ever travel and hikers never see.
Start at Smith Creek Village southeast of the park’s stellar South Falls. Follow the road north and turn right following signs to the YMCA’s Camp Silver Creek. Ride to the end of the road, turn around, and return to the start of this peaceful, forested 8-mile journey. Turn into the campground along the way to change the scenery. Cars on this road are rare and they should travel at slow speeds.
Food and Drink: Big Leaf Coffeehouse & Grill is only steps away from your vehicle at Smith Creek Village. Rack the bikes and stop in for a well-deserved meal.
Champoeg State Heritage Area
Oregon’s first provisional government was formed here in 1843. A town flourished here until the Willamette River flooded in 1861 and washed it away. Now the Champoeg State Heritage Area celebrates the land’s history, its nature, and the recreation it now offers.
That includes a 2-mile bike trail across the park, past campgrounds, day-use areas, and a disc golf course.
Food and Drink: Keep pedaling east for 2 miles and arrive in Butteville, another small river town that thrived in the 1800s. The Historic Butteville Store makes an excellent stop for a cool drink or ice cream before returning to the state park.
Dan Shryock is a Salem-based author and travel writer who specializes in cycle tourism.