Routes

Trips typically start and end in Portland from where we transfer you to the start of the ride. Our routes start in the northwest corner of the Willamette Valley area near Forest Grove. You'll then follow a horseshoe loop south through McMinnville and then across the Willamette River to Silverton and over the French Prairie to Canby.

You can choose to start and end anywhere along this loop. For example, riders who are only interested in the grape-growing areas would stay to the east of the Willamette Valley. Riders may also choose to extend their riding by adding on a trip to the Columbia River Gorge.

Your overnight stops will depend on the style of accommodation you chose but whatever you choose you will be staying in small Oregon towns with a warm welcome and plenty of character. Overnight options include: Forest Grove, Carlton, Dundee, Newburg, McMinnville and Silverton.

Optional activities include wine tasting, hiking and kayaking. Sights include many wineries, Silver Falls State Park, Mount Angel Abbey and the Evergreen Aviation Museum.

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Climate & When to Visit

The best months to visit the Willamette Valley are from May through to September. This is when the temperatures are pleasantly warm and the risk of rainfall much lower. The spring and fall are still great for riding but if you choose to visit at these times you need to be prepared for gentle rain and lower temperatures. We do not recommend riding here in winter.

In this area there are no great fluctuations in temperature across the area - though the western areas tend to be a little warmer than the French Prairie further east.

Below are monthly averages - temperatures (Fahrenheit) and rainfall (inches) - for the Willamette Valley towns of Forest Grove (NW), McMinnville (W), Silverton (SE) and Canby (NE).

Average Monthly Temperatures in Fahrenheit

Average Monthly Rainfall in Inches

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