Last Call for the 2026 Columbia Gorge Explorer

submitted by Mike Faden and Kim Allen, Ride Leaders

Join us for the Jim O’Horo Columbia Gorge Explorer, May 22-25! Registration closes May 15. This is a self-supported loaded bikepacking tour, no SAG (support and gear vehicle), with three nights of camping, open to all levels. The cost is just $35 (non-refundable) to cover our campsites. Riders can bring along their own food and camp stoves, and/or there is also enough food along the way just to purchase your meals at restaurants and convenience stores. If you are new to self-supported rides, this is a good sampler to find out if you enjoy this style of touring.

This year’s tour includes an opportunity to ride through the beautiful new Mitchell Point tunnel and some new car-free paved trails. However, to get around obstructions on the Historic Columbia River Highway, the tour will include two short additional sections of freeway shoulder riding. In addition, there are two construction projects that could affect the route on day 4. A short stretch of paved path may be closed, requiring a contractor-provided shuttle. And a viaduct at Multnomah Falls has been closed for repairs; it’s scheduled to open mid-May, but there’s no guarantee. If it’s not open, the backup options include a lengthy stretch of freeway shoulder riding, a $10 15-minute bus ride from Cascade Locks to Multnomah Falls, or reversing the Day 1 route back to Vancouver.

Check out the details here and contact the leaders for more information or any questions. Or skip straight to the registration page. If you are a PBC member, please log in before registering; you will need to sign in separately on the ride calendar for club miles.