Oregon Coast Bike Route

EXPERIENCE > YOUTH ACTIVITIES > CYCLING

Starting in the early 1970s, Oregon began to develop a bike trail which would allow cyclists to cross the state from north to south while staying within sight of the Pacific Ocean the entire time. Known as the Oregon Coast Bike Route, this 370-mile (595 km) trek generally follows the winding route of Oregon Coast Highway 101 (download an Oregon map to the right).

Cyclists typically ride on the shoulder of the highway but in some locales the route may deviate onto county or city roads where there’s less traffic and better access to the ocean. See the websites listed at the bottom of this page for additional information on communities through which the route passes.

When and How To Ride:

Although the Oregon Coast Bike Route is accessible all year long, weather and traffic conditions will affect the cyclist’s experience. It is recommended that cyclists travel from north to south (Astoria to Brookings) between the months of May and October. This will keep the prevailing winds to your back as you ride and tourist traffic will be lower in the late summer and early spring. Due to the mountainous features along the coast, cyclists should also be physically prepared for dramatic climbs in elevation. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the cumulative rise and falls in elevation add up to 16,000 feet (4900 m).

An experienced cyclist will take six to eight days to complete the route and will average 50 to 65 miles (80 to 105 km) per day. Of course, your tour can be extended depending on how many stops you make along the way. A large number of the 136 state parks are located along the bike route, as are public lands, historical lighthouses and bridges, museums and more.

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