70-mile ‘Cascading Rivers’ route becomes Oregon’s 12th scenic bikeway

Just in time for peak summer riding season, the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission has just approved the latest State Scenic Bikeway. The Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway is a 70-mile route that takes riders from Estacada to Detroit along the Clackamas and Breitenbush Rivers.

Here’s more about the route from its official description:

Water is the dominant force that sculpts this steep volcanic landscape of the West Cascades. All along this route water and rock interact to create a place of dramatic beauty and inspiration. Rivers, rapids, waterfalls, hot springs and lakes captivate and guide the rider. Time is forgotten as a rider looks up to the sky through ancient forests that line the bikeway. Riders may experience glimpses of elk and grouse or rest along the route to a symphony of forest songbirds. The bikeway parallels the Breitenbush River and the nationally designated Wild and Scenic Clackamas River along rocky riffles and quiet pools where native coho, chinook and steelhead seek their ancient spawning beds.

Experienced riders who seek a challenge will love this 70 mile one-way route of forested splendor paired with a 3,125 foot climb from Estacada and 1,985 foot climb from Detroit. A shorter family-friendly ride is available from Estacada on Faraday Road, which is closed to motor vehicles.

Major campgrounds along the way include Milo McIver State Park, Ripplebrook, Breitenbush (home of the famous hot springs), and Detroit Lake.

Like all Scenic Bikeways, the route was created by local stakeholders who applied for the official designation through a review process run by the Parks Department. Local proponents of this route included the Detroit Business Association, the Estacada and Detroit Chambers of Commerce, Clackamas County Tourism Development, Travel Lane County, the US Forest Service, the Mt. Hood Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, City of Sandy Economic Development office, and many others.

A detailed map with a list of services available to bicycle riders is available at RideOregonRide.com.

This is our state’s 12th official Scenic Bikeway route since the program was established in 2008.

Currently the route is unsigned, but state road crews are expected to have new directional and safety signage installed “later this summer.”