Wednesday Waterfalls Series: Theme & Variations

Description

E Faraday Road to Switch Creek Out & Back. This is a gorgeous, low‑stress route that follows the Clackamas River upstream and treats us to a string of waterfalls, rapids, and forest views the whole way. If you’re craving a peaceful ride with plenty of scenery and a friendly pace, this is the perfect one to jump in on.

We’ll roll out from PGE's West Side Hydro Project, enjoy a five-mile warmup on SE Faraday Road that is closed to cars, and then follow Hwy 224 as it winds along the river. The shoulder is good, the grades are gentle, and the traffic is light — especially on weekdays in the mornings. The turnaround point where we'll take a breath is Switch Creek, which is exactly where we'll switch gears (literally) from steady climbing and "Look at that waterfall!" to rolling back down and "Let’s go find coffee."

Expect:
• Multiple waterfalls visible from the road
• Smooth pavement and steady river views
• A relaxed, social pace — nobody gets dropped
• Plenty of photo opportunities

This is a wonderful ride for anyone who enjoys scenic miles, good company, and a route that feels like a mini‑escape into the forest. If you’ve been wanting to explore more of the Clackamas River corridor, this is your perfect chance.

We'll pass the Ripplebrook Camp Store at about Mile 24 on the way up and stop briefly, and again at Mile 37 on the way down for a longer rest stop — and the store will be open. We'll finish up with a coffee break at the end of the ride at The Grind Coffee House, 105 OR-224, Estacada, OR 97023.

You'll have the option to ride with me as a group, but non-group riders are also welcome to ride at their own pace.

If it's pouring rain, I'll probably cancel the ride; if it's a light rain, I may modify to make the ride shorter.