This route provides a nice dirt alternative to riding the historic highway between Hood River and The Dalles. Expect lots of climbing which eventually pays off with stellar views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood.
7 Mile Hill Road is the best descent (paved) so I linked up the route that way, turning it into a big figure-8. Chenoweth Road is great up or down, as is Vensel. If you have the legs for it after climbing Chenoweth, I highly recommend an out-and-back on Ketchum Road – it’s tops! I wouldn’t try to push through on Ketchum, it gets super chunky up top, but if you know where to look, you can drop down to Mill Creek and loop back into The Dalles (hint: turn left at the power lines).
Details:
48 miles; 6,200 ft climbing; 55% dirt
GPS Route
Start/Finish: Hood River
Services: Hood River, The Dalles (requires slight detour for services)
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