2026 O’Horo Columbia Gorge Explorer Report

By Mike Faden and Kim Allen, CGE ride leaders 

This year’s O’Horo Columbia Gorge Explorer loaded tour almost didn’t happen, due to an unprecedented set of obstacles – including a lengthy viaduct repair at Multnomah Falls as well as trail closures caused by an I-84 bridge replacement project and a landslide near Cascade Locks. 

Thankfully, the anticipated obstacles either disappeared before the tour or were overcome in other ways. As a result, the tour took place on schedule and completed successfully! We had 14 riders from Oregon and Washington, fewer than in most previous years, but that led to a relatively close-knit group. And we had great weather — mostly sunny except for very light rain right at the end. Each evening, co-leader Kim Allen helped us ease sore muscles with welcome and well-attended stretching sessions in camp. 

For those who aren’t familiar with CGE, it’s a unique, low-cost four-day bikepacking/camping tour that runs from Vancouver east along the Washington side of the Gorge for two days and 100-plus miles, then returns along the Oregon side for the final two days. 

As for the obstacles: the viaduct repair work at Multnomah Falls was completed exactly on schedule, a week before the tour, so on our way home we were able to ride the Historic Columbia River Highway past Multnomah Falls and all the way to Troutdale. We were able to quickly bypass the problems caused by the I-84 bridge replacement project thanks to Todd Ross and his team at Legacy Contracting, the company responsible for the project. They provided shuttle buses that moved all of us swiftly and comfortably around a closed portion of the state trail. We owe them many thanks, because the tour probably wouldn’t have been possible without their help. 

We also need to thank Adrian, Khaliya Williams-Rodriguez’ husband, who accompanied the entire tour by car, providing supplies, helping scout the route and even transporting bags and riders on occasion. 

For the first time, this year we were able to ride through the newly completed and scenic Mitchell Point Tunnel, although there was some rough gravel to negotiate afterwards because the trail in that section hasn’t been completed. 

By next year, the remaining obstructions should be cleared and new paved sections of the state trail should be ready and waiting for us. Over the next few years the state plans to continue building out and enhancing the Historic Columbia River Highway and linked trails, ultimately enabling travel on either car-free trails or relatively low-traffic roads all the way from The Dalles to Portland. The HCRH continues to evolve into a terrific asset for our region that will encourage more people to explore the area by bicycle, while bringing business to the communities along the way.