Hood River Historic Highway and Post Canyon Loop

This route combines two very different cycling experiences. The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail section is ideal for touring bikes, offering paved, car-free paths with gentle grades and scenic views. However, the Post Canyon portion is primarily a mountain biking destination with technical trails, sustained climbs, and features like jumps and berms, making it generally unsuitable for touring bicycles. Combining them into a single touring cycling loop presents significant challenges due to the vastly different bike requirements and terrain characteristics.

The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail features paved, car-free sections that are well-suited for touring cycling. It generally ranges from easy to intermediate difficulty, with no excessively steep hills. A bike with easy climbing gears should be sufficient, and e-bikes are permitted.

Post Canyon is a mountain biking destination with a dense network of trails. The terrain includes sustained climbs, exposed ridgelines, forest switchbacks, and high-speed descents with features like berms, jumps, and drops. Trails range from beginner to expert, with some involving rocky, root-tangled technical sections.

Along the route, you can experience the historic Old Mount Hood Train and Station, the exciting Family Man Mountain Bike Skills Park, and the beautiful Wah Gwin Gwin Falls. The Historic Columbia River Highway also offers spectacular views of the Columbia River, Cascade Mountains, and the unique Mosier Twin Tunnels.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally from spring through fall. Spring offers wildflowers and pleasant temperatures, while fall provides vibrant foliage. Summers are typically warm and dry. Always check local weather conditions, especially for Post Canyon, as rain can make trails muddy and challenging.

Dogs are generally allowed on the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, typically on a leash. For the Post Canyon trail system, policies can vary by specific trail and land manager (Hood River County Tree Farm). It's best to check specific trail regulations before bringing your dog, especially given the technical nature of many mountain bike trails.

For the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, no specific permits or entrance fees are typically required for cycling. For the Post Canyon trail system, which is located within the Hood River County Tree Farm, there are generally no entrance fees for day use. However, always check the latest regulations from Oregon State Parks and Hood River County for any updates.

For the Historic Columbia River Highway section, parking is available in Hood River and at various trailheads along the highway, such as near Mosier. For Post Canyon, dedicated parking areas exist at trailheads like Family Man Park, which provides direct access to the mountain bike trails.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Seven Streams 100, Float On 101, Country Club Road, Indian Creek Trail, Cardiac Bypass, 100L Toilet Bowl, Lower 8 Track (150), and Donkey Boy.

Yes, while Post Canyon is known for its challenging mountain biking, areas like Family Man Mountain Bike Skills Park include features for all skill levels. You can find dirt jump lines, pump tracks, and skill-building bridges and ramps designed to be accessible for families and beginners looking to develop mountain biking skills.

Given the significant differences in terrain, a single bike is not ideal for the entire loop. A road or touring bike is best for the paved Historic Columbia River Highway sections. For the Post Canyon trails, a mountain bike with appropriate suspension and off-road capabilities is essential. If you plan to ride both sections, you would ideally need two different types of bikes or consider riding them as separate excursions.