Today, in a final attempt to soak up the last days of summer, we took off up the gorge on the bikes, chasing the sun-soaked hills and cliffs. We’ve ridden this route before, and there’s a rhythmic beauty in the criss-crossing patterns as the road winds through sharp 90-degree turns, cutting across East Clark County. The journey leads to Washougal River Road, which, if followed, brings you to the dusty paradise of Dougan Falls, a hotspot for swimmers during the heat of summer. But if you turn off at the store, the road S-curves through towering pines, eventually leading you to Highway 14, just east of the famed Cape Horn.
Heading East, you zip along under the shadow of Beacon Rock, where long, sweeping corners are flanked by sentinel pines. The Columbia River flashes brilliant blues, like sapphires dancing in the sun, as rocky outcrops stand in contrast. The engine’s rumble and the exhaust’s push are a constant reminder of the power beneath you. Passing the Bridge of the Gods, you slow down for the small towns, where the trees gradually fade, giving way to golden grass and sharp-edged crags rising from the landscape.
A few miles from the river’s edge, we find ourselves at an abandoned Shell station just off Highway 14. The wind combs through the sea of golden strands as we stretch our legs near The Dalles. Rich in history, one standout here is Sunshine Mill Winery, located in a retired grain factory. It’s impossible to miss, with its towering mural of a sun face set against a black background.
We pulled into the newly remodeled Columbia River Hotel (formerly the Shilo Inn), our stop for the night. They’ve done a great job giving the place a facelift, especially in the lobby, where the view frames pioneer-era buildings, the river, the dam, and the bridge like your own living postcard. The entire place has an updated, welcoming look, and the staff was wonderful—attentive and warm. It was a great place to rest and sip coffee in the morning before hitting the road, gazing out at the river.
For the next leg of our journey, we opted to take Historic Highway 30 west out of The Dalles, a breathtaking route, though too short for our liking. The road coils up and around itself, climbing through canyons, carving between rock outcrops. This late in the season, the yellowed grass dances in the wind, while the trees show off hues of orange and gold, their leaves swirling around us as we ride. Windswept evergreens dot the hills, painting dramatic shifts between the golden grass, dark rock cliffs, and bursts of fall color. The road twists and turns, with white wooden guardrails blurring into the landscape, while the shimmering blue waters of the Columbia River catch the light below.
For a moment, time seems to stand still. Riding through this historical highway, the echoes of the past reverberate around you, and with hardly anyone else on the road, it feels like the experience belongs to you alone. At Rowena Crest, we pause to catch our breath, gazing westward and down at the serpentine asphalt we just navigated. From up here, the bustle of Interstate 84 looks like a tiny toy set far below, and life seems to pause. You could easily linger in the expanse, lost in the view.
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Rumbling off on our Royal Enfield's, the landscape shifts once again, giving way to farms, vineyards, and orchards. The freeway disappears from sight, and the timeless vibe of the bikes makes you wish the road would never end. But, inevitably, it does, and we find ourselves back on Interstate 84. Before the world jolts us fully awake from this motorcycle dream, we get one last gift from Mosier, OR. This small town, seemingly frozen in time on the banks of the river, has all the charm of classic small-town America. Whether you stop to take a picture or simply idle through, it offers a moment of quiet reflection, a brief pause in a place stuck in its own time.
The Gorge, in all its grandeur, is a wonder to behold. If you ever have the chance to take it in, do so—whether on a bike or not. But there’s no better way to truly experience a place than by riding through it, feeling the wind and the road beneath you as you become part of the landscape.
We looped back onto Highway 14, crossing the Hood River Bridge, heading west with the wind at our backs. It felt like a gentle nudge, ushering us back to the west side as the clouds moved in, signaling that the season of pumpkin spice and rain is fast approaching. The fair-weather riding days are fading, but there’s something special about summer rides in the Pacific Northwest—the many destinations, the ever-changing scenery. In just 1.5 hours in any direction, you can find a drastically different experience and a new ride to explore.
Keep on riding! Enjoy the Columbia River Gorge
Check out Blog Post on Top 10 Rides in Pacific Northwest
Here is a few places to check out in and through the Gorge
Places to Stay
Places to Eat
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