Willamette Valley E-Bike Tour

A Gentle Beginning

Arrive in Eugene at your leisure and settle into your accommodations at our designated tour hotel. Guests who drive may leave their vehicles here for the duration of the trip and we provide return transport at journey’s end. Those flying will want to fly into Eugene and out of Portland at the end of the trip.  

This evening is yours to enjoy Eugene’s vibrant dining scene, riverside walking paths, and shops. 

ACCOMMODATION : N/A - Recommended tour hotel is the Valley River Inn

MEALS INCLUDED : N/A

Pedal Into Oregon’s Heartland

After breakfast, meet your guides for an informative orientation. We then travel a short distance to the town of Cottage Grove where we unload our bikes, have a bike fitting, and safety briefing before we start the day’s ride.

Our route is on the beautifully restored Row River Rail Trail, a gentle, tree lined corridor tracing rivers, wetlands, and historic rail bridges. The steady, forgiving grade makes for an ideal introduction to Oregon riding while your guides interpret the natural and cultural history of the region. We pass by or through one or two historic covered bridges on today’s ride.

After lunch in Cottage Grove, we travel north to Independence, Oregon, set on the banks of the Willamette River. It was the terminus of the Oregon Trail and named after Independence, Missouri where the trail started for thousands of pioneers in the 1830's and 40's. Early farmers quickly discovered the fertile soil was perfect for growing hops. Today, it's a  charming town with historic buildings and a vibrant arts and food scene. Our riverside hotel is specifically oriented towards biking groups and makes a lovely location for two nights.

Biking Miles: 30-32 miles, all paved. A gentle grade with approximately 1000’ up/ 1000’ down.

ACCOMMODATION : Independence Hotel or best available 

MEALS INCLUDED : Lunch, Dinner

Valley Roads, Vineyard Views, and a Historic Ferry

From Independence we ride south along the Willamette River toward the tiny riverside community of Buena Vista. Leaving town, the route quickly settles into quiet farmland where narrow rural roads wind between fields, orchards, and vineyards. Traffic tends to be light, and the landscape feels wide and peaceful, with the river never far away beyond tree lines and levees.

As you ride farther south, the countryside grows even quieter and more rural. The road gently rolls through open fields and clusters of farmhouses before eventually arriving at river's edge. One of the highlights of the ride is the Buena Vista Ferry, one of the last remaining cable ferries operating on the Willamette River. The small, flat ferry slowly pulls itself across the water using an overhead cable, to carry people and cars across the river. Roll your bike onto the ferry and contemplate the valley's history, the Native Peoples and the impact of the early settlers who came here to start a new life

Once across the river, we continue along farm roads and return to Independence. Some may want to change clothes and hop into our van to transfer to lunch, while others may want to continue riding to our very special winery lunch. One can't think about Oregon, without also thinking about Willamette Valley wine country, famous around the world, particularly for Pinot Noir. This part of Oregon sits at a latitude similar to Burgundy, France (home to the world's most expensive wines), with a similar moderate climate, with warm—but rarely hot—summers and cool nights. Climate, terroir and an embrace of tradition attracts winemakers who care deeply about farming, sustainability, and long-term quality. Organic and biodynamic practices are common, and many vineyards are farmed with a level of care you usually associate with much older wine regions. Our lunch today will showcase this philosophy and some of Oregon's delightful wines.

We return to Independence mid-afternoon with time to explore the town and relax.

Biking Miles: 22 miles. Approximately 430’ up / down. Possible optional ride of 11 more miles to lunch.

ACCOMMODATION : Independence Hotel or best available 

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pastoral Oregon at Its Finest

This morning, journey east of the Willamette River for a ride through classic Oregon farmland, quiet rural roads, and historic covered bridges. The route is thoughtfully designed to showcase the gentle rhythms of valley life, with time for photographs, conversation, and a scenic picnic lunch.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Silverton and check into our accommodations at the Oregon Garden Resort. There is time to explore the expansive botanical gardens at the Oregon Garden Resort, or walk around the outside of Oregon’s only Frank Lloyd Wright House – the Gordon House. Later we meet for dinner and share the day’s adventures.

Biking Miles: 30-40 depending on route taken. Approximately 600’ up / down.

ACCOMMODATION : Oregon Garden Resort or best available

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waterfalls, Forests, and Quiet Wonder

Ride from Silverton along quiet back roads into Silver Falls State Park, home to one of the most celebrated waterfall collections in the Pacific Northwest. Here, a network of forest trails leads past cascading falls, moss covered cliffs, and cool shaded groves.

Guests may choose to ride both directions, ride one way and return in the tour van. A picnic lunch provides a peaceful pause within this remarkable setting.

Mid-afternoon we transfer to the charming town of McMinnville where there's time to relax or explore the town. Dinner is on your own tonight, with many excellent choices available in the town.  

Biking Miles: 17-34 depending on route taken. About 1280’ up/down

ACCOMMODATION : McMinnville Boutique Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch

Valley Vistas and Personal Discovery

Enjoy a relaxed loop ride south of McMinnville through vineyard country and pastoral landscapes. The route follows quiet backroads that offers both scenic beauty and gentle challenge, perfectly suited to the capabilities of your e-bike.

Oregon wines feature again today as we enjoy a simple, delicious lunch at a local winery with panoramic views and time to reflect on all we've seen thus far. After lunch we return to McMinnville and the rest of the afternoon is yours to explore. Visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, enjoy additional wine tasting, browse local shops, or simply relax in town.

Biking Miles: 30 miles, all paved. About 1300’up/down

ACCOMMODATION : McMinnville Boutique Hotel

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A Fitting Finale

This morning, transfer to Banks to ride the iconic Banks to Vernonia Rail Trail, one of Oregon’s most beloved rails-to-trails corridors. The route winds through deep forest, across trestles, and through historic tunnels, offering a serene and car free conclusion to your journey.

Finish in Vernonia for a celebratory lunch before continuing to the recommended tour hotel near the airport. Guests who left cars in Eugene will continue with us for the two and a half hour drive south.

Biking Miles: 42 miles, mostly paved. Gentle grade with a couple of switchbacks requiring attention.

Important Note: We will strive to return you to the Portland airport hotel between 4-5:30 pm. If you are flying home, we recommend you spend the night in Portland due to possible delays to our return. For those continuing to Eugene we estimate we will arrive between 6:30-7:30 pm.  

ACCOMMODATION : N/A - Recommended hotel is the Radisson Hotel Portland Airport

MEALS INCLUDED : Breakfast, Lunch