Seattle/Tacoma to Portland and horrible Longview Bridge

[gkrides]

I just rode from Tacoma to Portland, using much of the STP route.  The Longview Bridge (Lewis and Clark) over the Columbia is a real hazard.  There is a small shoulder, but is covered in rock and gravel with pieces of wood from all the logging trucks.  I called Uptown Taxi 360 577 8294.  They were busy so it took an hour for pickup.  They use town cars, so I had to take the wheels off my bike to fit.  $10 fare across the river was a bargain.  It's legal to ride the bridge and you may live through the experience, but it didn't look safe to me.  The highway 30 to Portland, has an adequate shoulder, but it's covered in debris until the Portland city limits.  Lots of truck traffic, not the most pleasant ride.  I will send a request to OR and WA DOT asking for street sweeping. 

[adventurepdx]

Yeah, the Lewis and Clark Bridge, aka Longview Bridge, is no fun. I rode it once.

FYI: The bridge is maintaned by Washington DOT, so send your complaint/request there for the bridge, ODOT for US 30.

After using that bridge, I've stayed on the Washington side of the Columbia River, then cross into Portland at Vancouver. You can do most of it using roads that were formerly US 99. There's a small section north of Woodland where I-5 totally paved over old 99, so either you take the shoulder of I-5 for a few miles (legal), or go up a really steep hill. I've done both, and will stick with the shoulder of I-5 for now.

[Jmw58]

What about crossing at Cathlamet, as per Pacific Coast Adventure Cycling Map?

[adventurepdx]

What about crossing at Cathlamet, as per Pacific Coast Adventure Cycling Map?

One can do that, and the Westport Ferry is a pleasant crossing. But if one is trying to get from Tacoma to Seattle, it can add about 45 miles onto the trip, a ride that's about 150 miles by itself. That's quite a bit to add onto it if you aren't in the mood for a leisurely route, or don't have the time to devote almost an extra day to the trip.

[Jmw58]

All true. Related to crossing from Vancouver, I have read that the bike trails there are frequently blocked by encampments  of homeless folks...is this just exaggeration?

[adventurepdx]

All true. Related to crossing from Vancouver, I have read that the bike trails there are frequently blocked by encampments  of homeless folks...is this just exaggeration?

I couldn't tell you, since it's been at least a year since I biked in Vancouver. However, the routing I'd take from Seattle/Tacoma to Portland via Vancouver doesn't really use bike trails.

[Gypsea]

Hey, Day Tripper. I live in Vancouver WA and yes indeed the bike route is inundated with campsites, some right on the bike path. Watch for broken glass and needles. I have not encountered any aggressiveness, but have read of scattered incidents. Even if one made one's way east along Marine Drive route before turning south toward Portland proper, there are many homeless camps and more obstacles to watch out for.  An option might be to ride part way, to Expo Park Max station or Delta Park Max Station and take the train into Portland if for some reason that's where you are headed.  Local forum:  bikeportland.org may be helpful.

[Jmw58]

Thanks, GTK

[adventurepdx]

If you use the Interstate Bridge (I-5) from Vancouver to Portland, there's not that much bike path you'd be on, the rest is city streets.
Taking the Glenn Jackson Bridge (I-205) would mean more bike path, but that would be going out of your way if you are trying to get to central Portland.