Biking the Columbia River Gorge was one of the highlights of my recent trip to Oregon — and what a trip it was. Oregon has to be one of the most underrated states in the US.
It had been on my list for ages, so when the opportunity came up to explore this part of the States, I jumped at it.
Most people probably don’t know a huge amount about Oregon, but it has a bit of everything: snow-capped mountains, lush wine country, dramatic coastline and seriously good food. One of my favourite childhood films The Goonies was also filmed here.
It’s wild, green and packed with natural beauty — without the crowds you’ll find in some other US states.
We started our trip in Portland and based ourselves there, exploring without hiring a car — something surprisingly doable in this part of the world.
One of the absolute highlights was spending a day ebiking the Columbia River Gorge and finishing at the famous Multnomah Falls.
If you’re planning a trip to Oregon (or wondering why you should), I recommend starting with this ultimate guide to Oregon — but if waterfalls, biking trails and epic views are your thing, keep reading.
Why Explore the Columbia River Gorge by eBike?
Exploring the Columbia River Gorge is one thing — but pairing it with an eBike adventure? Even better. It’s scenic, fun, and gives you more freedom to explore without the faff of parking or traffic.
The Gorge is just east of Portland, where forested cliffs tower over the wide river. You’ll pass waterfalls, small towns, wineries, and viewpoints — all with that classic Pacific Northwest feel.
We chose the Hood River route, which is one of the most popular and beautiful ways to experience the area. It combines paved trails, historic roads, and optional detours — perfect for beginners and regular cyclists alike.
Best of all? You can do it all car-free. Here’s how.
Getting There Without a Car
It’s totally possible to explore this area without a hire car. In fact, it’s encouraged.
We took the MAX Light Rail from downtown Portland to Gresham. From there, we hopped on the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle bus, which stops at various points along the Gorge.
For the eBiking part, head to Hood River — a charming town with a great food scene and mountain views. We rented our bikes from a local shop (there are a few, including Hood River Electric Bikes and Sol Rides).
The shuttle route makes it easy to plan your day. You can cycle the route first and then loop back via Multnomah Falls, catching the return shuttle to the MAX line.
The Hood River eBike Route: What to Expect
This route is part of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. It’s smooth, well-signed, and mostly away from cars.
Here’s how we structured the ride:
Start in Hood River: Grab your eBike and a cold drink. The town is friendly and great for pre-ride supplies.
Bike east along the trail: You’ll pass orchards, views of Mount Hood, and several scenic pullouts.
Stop at Mosier: This tiny town has a lovely park and river views. Time for a snack or a leg stretch.
Ride through the Mosier Tunnels: These old, restored tunnels are a real highlight. Don’t forget your camera.
Detour to wineries if you have time: Some are accessible via side roads.
The trail has gentle gradients, so even if you’re not super fit, it’s manageable — especially with an eBike.
Tips for Biking the Columbia River Gorge in Summer
We weren’t quite ready for how hot it got. Oregon’s weather is usually mild in May — sometimes even cool. But we happened to visit during a weird mini heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 36°C. Safe to say, it caught us off guard.
If you’re planning on biking the Columbia River Gorge or cycling the route in warmer months, here are some things that helped us:
Start early: Aim to be on the trail by 8am if you can. The earlier, the cooler.
Hydrate more than you think you need: We brought two bottles each and still could’ve done with more.
Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a cap: There’s not always shade, especially on the open bike trail sections.
Take regular breaks: Don’t try to power through — we stopped often and were glad we did.
Use your e-assist: That motor isn’t cheating, it’s smart. Especially when the heat ramps up.
We also packed cooling wipes and electrolyte tablets, which were total lifesavers when the sun was at its highest.
It’s worth checking the forecast before you go — this level of heat was rare for May, but clearly not impossible.
What If It Rains?
Oregon’s weather is nothing if not unpredictable. While we had scorching sunshine, it’s just as likely you’ll get showers — even in late spring or summer.
If you’re biking the Columbia River Gorge and the forecast looks grey, don’t write the day off. Just come prepared:
Pack a light waterproof jacket: Breathable and foldable is best.
Wear moisture-wicking layers: They’ll keep you comfortable if you get caught in a drizzle.
Use a dry bag or zip-locks: Especially if you’re carrying a phone or camera.
Tread carefully: Some of the hiking trails and bike paths get slick when wet.
Rain or shine, the Gorge still looks incredible — just in a different way. Think moody mist over waterfalls and lush greenery at its best.
Multnomah Falls: Oregon’s Most Iconic Waterfall
After your eBike adventure, there’s no better way to cool down than a visit to Multnomah Falls — a 620-foot, two-tiered cascade that feels straight out of a movie.
It’s the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most visited natural spots in the Pacific Northwest. The mist alone was worth the trip on a hot day.
There’s a lodge, a viewing area, and the iconic footbridge, which you’ll recognise from countless photos. If you have energy left, you can also hike up to the top of the falls — though we skipped that thanks to the heat.
Things to Know Before You Go
There’s a visitor centre, café and gift shop at the base
Toilets and water fountains are available
The lower viewing area is wheelchair accessible
The bridge is a 5-minute walk from the base
Biking the Columbia River Gorge doesn’t feel complete without a Multnomah stop. The falls are magical — even with the crowds.
How to Get Back to Portland
From Multnomah Falls, we caught the Columbia Gorge Express shuttle back to the MAX Light Rail, then returned to Portland by train. Easy, affordable, and relaxing.
This loop makes the trip completely car-free — and very low-stress. We didn’t miss having a car at all.
Other Scenic Routes in the Gorge
If you’re planning more time in the area, there are several other routes worth trying when biking the Columbia River Gorge:
Eagle Creek Trail: Famous for waterfalls and narrow ledges (check for closures before visiting).
Latourell Falls Loop: A short but stunning trail close to Portland.
Dog Mountain: Amazing wildflowers in late spring, though steeper and more challenging.
Punchbowl Falls via Eagle Creek: Great for photos and swimming spots.
Each offers a different way to experience Oregon’s raw, rugged scenery.
Why It’s Worth Biking the Columbia River Gorge
Biking the Gorge is one of the best ways to see Oregon beyond the city. The trails are lush, the views are dramatic, and there’s a real sense of peace out here.
Add in eBikes, waterfalls and local wine — and you’ve got the perfect escape from Portland. It’s green, it’s wild and it’s surprisingly accessible.
We loved that we could explore so much of the state without hiring a car, and we’d do it again in a heartbeat.
If you’re heading to Oregon and want a memorable day trip that’s active, scenic, and doable without a car, this one’s for you.
Biking the Columbia River Gorge by eBike, with a finish at Multnomah Falls, gives you a taste of the state’s best natural beauty — all without going too far from Portland.
You’ll come back tired, happy and probably with far too many waterfall photos. Worth it.
Ready to see more of the state? Explore Oregon with this full itinerary — perfect for first-time visitors looking to mix cities, nature and local flavour.
If you’re looking for places to stay in Portland, start here.
