Mom’s, Dad’s, Guardians, Aunts, Uncles, baby sitters…are you looking for fun places to bring your kids to explore by bike? The Columbia River Gorge boasts world class riding, but much of it can be intimidating both to kids as well as newer adult riders. Below are my top recommendations of bike centric places to take your kids so the whole family can have fun on two wheels!

At a Glance:

Family Man. Post Canyon Hood River, OR
Golden Eagle Pump Track. Hood River, OR
White Salmon Bike Park. White Salmon, WA
The Dalles Bike Park. The Dalles, OR
Easy Climb Trail. Cascade Locks, OR
Historic Highway, Twin Tunnels. Hood River and Mosier, OR

Ride with your Kids!

6 Spots to Explore in the Columbia River Gorge

#1) Family Man, Post Canyon Hood River.

Family Man has undergone a recent facelift thanks to the tremendous work of Hood River County and the Hood River Area Trail Stewards. Family Man now boasts a tremendous array of trails for all levels. For young kids, start out with The Playground, a series of short looping trails with rollers and wooden bridges all specifically designed for small wheels or strider bikes. Once you graduate from The Playground, you can logically make your way down 1st Grade to 3rd Grade which are jump focussed trails. For the more advanced riders or older kids, check out 5th Grade and even Middle School. Although the Middle School jump line is perhaps more akin to a graduate level course in jumping! Timber Cruise is Post Canyon’s first adaptive trail and is a great way for kids to build comfort riding down short descents or taking their first pedal strokes. There is also a small dirt pump track in the middle of Family Man along with a myriad of other trails to explore.

Family Man has 3 pit style toilets and a plethora of picnic tables but there is no running water and no natural shade or protection from the elements other than trees. Make sure to grab your Hood River County Parking Pass before you go! The County also recently completed their own trail map, which is definitely worth checking out and using when you are out on the trails. Family Man is typically best in April-October. If the area has experienced significant rain or the trails have puddles, please wait till conditions dry to ride!

#2) Golden Eagle Pump Track. Hood River

The Golden Eagle Pump Track can be ridden year round as long as it’s clear of snow!

Pump tracks are gold mines for kids and bikes. Pump tracks check all the boxes from being endlessly fun to teaching kids important skills such as pumping, cornering, and pedal placement. They are also small and contained, so it’s easy to keep an eye on your kidos! The Golden Eagle pump track offers a variety of ride options for kids of all ages. There is a nice paved all weather Velo solutions pump track, a jump zone with 4 jump lines built in a progressive manner, as well as a strider track designed for small wheels.

The Golden Eagle pump track has two pavilions which cover picnic tables as well as two flush toilets and running water. There are also pickleball courts and running/walking trails close by on the Indian Creek Trail.

#3) White Salmon Bike Park, White Salmon, WA

Photo courtesy of https://explorewhitesalmon.com/

The White Salmon bike park is a small, tucked away gem. Located below the Jewett Sports Complex, it boasts 3 progressive jump lines along with a pump track, a drop zone, skinnies, and a bonus jump/roller line. You will frequently have the whole place to yourself, but don’t be alarmed if you hear gunshots as there is a nearby shooting range. Amenities are sparse, but there is a porta-potty close to the baseball fields up top. The White Salmon Bike Park can be ridden as long as it’s free of snow and not too wet! The sandier soil drains better than in Post Canyon, but if there is standing water on the trails, or your tires are leaving ruts, please wait till conditions dry to ride!

#4) The Dalles Bike Park, The Dalles, OR.

The Dalles Bike Park offers something for everyone and is a great option in the shoulder seasons!

Located directly adjacent to The Dalles Aquatic Center and Skate Park at 602 W. 2nd St. The bike park was built on rocky basalt and utilizes the terrain efficiently and creatively. There are 3 distinct lines that offer green, blue, and black options from jumps and drops to rock roll downs and skinnies. No matter your ability you will find something fun and challenging!

Regarding nearby facilities, if the Aquatic Center is open, there are public bathrooms and running water, otherwise you’ll need to scoot over to the Safeway or Fred Myer.

The Dalles bike park is an excellent option for winter riding or shoulder seasons such as November and March.

#5) Easy Climb Trail, Cascade Locks, OR.

The easy climb trail located on the banks of the Columbia River in Cascade Locks, OR is a great single track experience for younger or newer riders. Be ready for short bits of technical riding from tight switchbacks to rocks and roots. You may also encounter overgrown bits of trail or social side trails, but overall it’s a small network that’s fun to explore!

There are porta potties located at the trailhead but no water. The town of Cascade Locks boasts some great local breweries and eateries - The Bingen Fish Market is a personal favorite! The Easy Climb trail can be ridden as long as it’s not too wet. If there is standing water on the trails, or your tires are leaving ruts, please wait for conditions to dry before riding!

#6) History Highway, The Twin Tunnels. Hood River - Mosier, OR

The Historic Highway can be ridden year round as long as it’s free of snow!

The Twin Tunnels segment of the historic highway is an excellent place for kids looking for smooth open terrain with gentle slopes. The section of the Historic Highway between Hood River and The Dalles is closed to cars thus offers a safe and fun opportunity for kids to explore on two wheels. Parents can ride or jog alongside and there are plentiful majestic views of the Columbia River as you cruise along.

If you start at the Hood River side there are flush toilets with running water. If you start on the Mosier side there are pit toilets but no running water. You will need a NW Forest Pass.