Hood River to The Dalles Seven Mile Hill Loop

Description

FIRST park your vehicle in the large parking area with the restroom building. SECOND we get together and get on our bikes. After you get through the near death experience of navigating the freeway interchange, with bike lanes, this is a very scenic route that follows the Old Columbia River Highway through the Mosier twin tunnels, into the town of Mosier, on to the Rowena Crest Viewpoint, then into the north end of The Dalles. Now the real fun begins as we head to Seven Mile Hill Road. First, the route has a slight incline that just sucks the essence out of you before starting the real climb. The Seven Mile Hill Road climb isn’t really seven miles long, but you may feel that it is. Rewards? You bet! Great panoramic view looking east. You may want to stop a time or two to take in the view (not because you need a break). From the summit, it is a long, fun and non-technical (assuming no Gorge Wind) descent into Mosier, then back track to the start location. There is a restroom at the start, at the Old Columbia River Highway trailhead, and at the 76 fuel station in the Dalles. Bring water and nutrition, or snacks may be purchased at the 76 station mart in The Dalles. How about a bite to eat after the ride? We can figure that out then. Hey! Why is this a non-group ride? Isn't that non-friendly? Well...Non-group gives the opportunity for a frisky rider, or a not-at-all-frisky rider to take off, or hold back and enjoy as they wish, or don't wish. The rest of us use more of a re-group concept.