Portland OR to Astoria along Columbia

[JimF]

I'm planning a loaded TransAm tour from Astoria to WY in the summer of '06 to complete my TransAm. I thought of flying to Portland and cycling to Astoria. I'd like to correspond with someone knowledgeable about the Columbia route: route out of Portland, river route, campsites, services, et al. My e-mail: jpfox@ehs.umass.edu
Thanks, JimF

[bluebee]

We rode from Portland to Astoria this summer - the most scenic, though it's slightly more miles, is to ride west towards banks, then through the coast range to vernonia (there is either route 47 or a packed-dirt off-road trail), through mist, jewell, and down a fun hill into Astoria.  There is one campground along the way - big eddy's - which is just past vernonia.  It is operated by Columbia County and the camp host is quite jolly. The best way to get out of portland is probably to ride the max (light rail) direct from the airport, through city center, towards Hillsboro.  You could get off anywhere from 205th ave. to the end of the line at Hillsboro, and then just work your way up.  Route 26 is quite busy, but there is a decent shoulder if you are just going to follow it for a few miles.  I hope that is helpful - our best guess as to the mileage was about 130, but that was from east side Portland.  Taking the max saves you city navigation and the dreaded west hills
Have fun!
Jan

[JimF]

Thanks for the info. You've opened some new options for me. Looking forward to next summer.

[valygrl]

Taking Hwy 30 from Portland along the Columbia is OK, I think it's about 60-70 miles.  The part right near Portland is busy, but there is adequate shoulder, plenty of supplies, and it's not very hilly.  There's an RV park midway.

Cheers,
Anna

[Kelly]

We rode this route while finishing up the Lewis and Clark in July. We followed the ACA maps. Our route into Portland was very nice along the river. We stayed at a GREAT hostel right downtown. Fabulous ambiance.Close to REI and Powell's bookstore.  Our route out of town to Astoria was on Hwy 30. We stayed in the park adjoining the swimming pool, free showers. Very nice. We spent a night at Ft. Steven's in the hiker biker sections ($4. each). Then down the coast to Seaside. Another great hostel - centrally located. We took Hwy 26 back to Portland, spending the night in Banks at the local park (no showers). Hwy 26 was very hairy for the last 5-8 miles into town as there was road construction and the lanes were closed down to a bare minimum. I'm sure the construction will be done by next year. The bike shop in Portland suggested Hwy 6 through Tillamock as a better cycling road back to Portland.

[JimF]

Thanks to all for your help. Looking forward to next summer.

[mike_khad1]

i rode Portland to Astoria this past summer. I took highway 30 out of portland. At Rainer, it got hilly (at least for me) but it was a real pretty trip. The wind will be in your face the whole way though. You can visit a decommissioned nuclear plant on the way. If you want to cheat, you can take an Amtrak bus out of portland to astoria. $17 for you and $5 for your bike.

This message was edited by mike_khad1 on 1-12-06 @ 11:32 PM

[JimF]

Thanks, Mike. Did you camp along the way and, if so, where?

[mike_khad1]

no I didn't camp. Spent the night in Claskanine in a hotel

[BikerLee]

Hi,
I cycled the reverse of your route last summer, Seaside-Astoria-Portland.
If interested, you could look at my remarks of the trip at:
http://bikerlee.home.comcast.net/c2c/week1.htm

Regards,
Lee

[JimF]

Thanks, Lee. Your web travelogue helps in my planning for this summer.

[kicker]

The Seaside Hostel is a excellent place to stay for touring bikers.  They give you $2 off if you arrive by bike.