PDX to the coast

[frank]

Anybody got a suggested route - portland to manzanita? Traffic on 26 seems as though it would be a bear. Pretty strong rider. Thx.

[mike_khad1]

I'd avoid 26. Two routes I've taken to the coast:

1. Highway 30 all the way to Astoria and then 101 South.

2. Highway 30 to Scappoose and then turn towards Vernonia. Vernonia to Astoria on highway 47 past Jewell, and Mist to Astoria and then 101 South.

A strong rider might be able to do option 1 in a day but a two days is what I took. Same with option 2.

[bikieboy]

Frank, I find Hwy 26 fairly unpleasant for riding --- there used to be a decent cut-over from 26 from Jewell Junction to Manzanita along the Nehalem River (quiet, with 7 miles of gravel) but the bridge washed out this winter.

an option might via hwy 6 to Tillamook, then north on 101 - Hwy 6 is a lot quieter than 26.

Here's some routes to the coast:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transp...x.cfm?c=39889&

beware the headwind, though, goiing north - you can cut inland just past Garibaldi on the Miami River Rd., to possibly escape (some of) the headwind...

[djasonpenney]

I'd recommend SR-6 for your pass over the mountains. It has a good shoulder most of the way (been there, done that with the Oregon Randonneurs).

From Tillamook you would be forced on US-101 as far as Garibaldi, but then (I think) the Oregon Coastal Highway would be fun and sufficient.

[cyclotouriste]

I'd also endorse OR 6 over US 26 or US 30 to get to Manzanita.

When you turn north from Tillamook, you have two routes to choose from. From Garibaldi, I'd recomend taking the Miami River Road, for three reasons:

1.) Less traffic than 101.
2.) The northbound shoulder from Manhattan Beach to Wheeler is crap.
3.) The prevailing winds on the coast are out of the northwest. Being inland behind a ridge, the Miami River Road gives you some shelter.

[Jsnyder]

For those of you have rode HWY 6, how is the climb? I am a fairly new cyclist and want to try a coast trip and everyone says this is the best way to go, but I am worried about the climb over the Coastal range.

Thanks for any input

[djasonpenney]

It never gets too steep, but it goes on and on and on.

Can you sing The Song That Never Ends? There, I knew you could.

If you're one of these young bucks in his 20's or 30's, I think you'll be fine. If you're not in such great shape, take a lot of food and water, and resign yourself to stopping a few times on the way up.

But the paycheck. OMG views of the Wilson River and you have to pedal maybe as much as a mile over the next twenty.

[bikieboy]

Originally Posted by Jsnyder

... everyone says this is the best way to go, but I am worried about the climb over the Coastal range.

The climbing begins pretty soon after Glenwood and continues fairly steadily for about 6 miles west to the summit, for a total elevation gain on 1700' or so. Not too bad, really, you'll do fine!

[drosen]

I've ridden hwy 6 to Tillamook many a time. It's not tough at all, just a gradual 3-5% grade most of the way to the summit. A couple of places are 7%, but they're brief. Once you're at the summit, your climbing is basically over until Tillamook. It's almost all downhill. Go to this link, http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/4313661, and you can check out the details. That ride went to Pacific City.

[drosen]

Well, that previous link won't work for you, sorry about that.