Our US tour is in the beer “mecca” of Oregon, focusing on the state’s craft beers while taking in its scenic bikeways.
This tour starts in Portland, paradise for beer lovers, and then heads east along the historic Columbia River highway/bikeway. We’ll visit at least 7 breweries but you’ll be in no hurry to get there as the scenery alone is worth the trip. The hotels on this tour are always a hit!
September is “Fresh Hop” season in Oregon and tours at this time will focus on visits to breweries that have special beers made within 24-hours of a local hop harvest!
- Ride between 20 and 32 miles each day, with two hilly and three flat days. This tour is suitable for beginners but some light training before the tour is recommended.
- The historic Columbia River scenic highway/bike trail is a highlight of the tour. It is consistently rated one of the most scenic roads in the US.
- Every day we will visit one or two breweries. Oregon is known for its hoppy IPAs, but there is a much wider variety of beers to explore along our route.
- 4-nights hotel, bike / bag rentals, passenger transport back to Portland, breakfast, lunch, snacks, brewery tours, and beer samples all included. Vehicle support provided for groups of at least 8. Group dinners are organized each evening, with everyone paying for his/her own meals and drinks.
- Make new friends and visit a different brewery every day as you explore the country at a speed allowing you to absorb your surroundings.
Breweries
From IPA’s to IIIPA’s, German Kolsch to Barrel-aged Sours, this tour has something for everyone’s palette.
Typical breweries we visit on most tour include:
- Breakside Brewing – This Portland brewery the best IPA’s in the world! The always have an interesting new seasonal beer to try as well.
- Zoiglhaus – This is one of the newer breweries in Portland. They primarily make German-style beers but also Northwest staples, such as IPAs. On day #2, we’ll have lunch at the brewery and a private tour.
- Edgefield – Our hotel on night #2 is also a brewery! (as well as a winery, distillery, and cidery!). We’ll have the run of the place and the opportunity to sample all that this fantastic brewery has to offer. But if this leaves you exhausted, you can end your day by relaxing in the hotel’s enormous warm soaking pool !
- Thunder Island Brewing – This brewery is located along the prettiest section of the tour, nestled up against the banks of the Columbia River. The bicycle-friendly brewpub is the main attraction on day #3. And our hotel is only 500 feet away — so go ahead and enjoy another round!
- Double Mountain– The pride and joy of Hood River. Double Mountain is the maker of world-class IPAs, sours, and Belgian-style beers — we are also convinced they make the world’s best pizza !
- pFriem– Another brewery located on the banks of the Columbia River. This family-run brewery specializes in Belgian-style beers. We’ll sample those and many of their other beers. If the weather is nice, we can hang out at the adjacent beach before getting back on the bikes.
- Other breweries change based upon availability and time of year. Places we will visit on some tours include: Gorges Brewing, Culmination Brewing, Boring Brewing, Full Sail Brewing, Walking Man, Level Beer, Montavilla Brew Works, Great Notion Brewing, Migration Brewing, Baerlic Brewing, Freebridge Brewing, and many others.
Itinerary / Stats
Locations and distances vary from tour to tour, but generally fall between these guidelines:
- Day 1 – The group meets in Portland at 11 a.m. at the Jupiter Hotel, in the lively inner southeast part of the city, where there is an abundance of breweries. Our bicycles will be waiting for us and after fitting them we’ll do a warm-up ride to have lunch at a nearby brewery. Dinner tonight is at another brewery, not far from the hotel.
- Day 2 – Today we cycle along the Springwater Corridor and Gresham/Fairview trails, which are dedicated pedestrian and cycle path, as we head out of town. We’ll stop for lunch and a tour at Zoiglhaus before continuing to the majestic Edgefield property in Troutdale. This gem of a hotel is almost always fully booked during the spring/summer and after a night here you will understand why. Enjoy beers brewed on-site at the hotel brewery while you wander around the property. Or maybe you’d rather play a round of golf, relax in the soaking pool, or watch a movie in the hotel’s own theatre.
- Day 3 – We start our journey on the historic Columbia River highway. There is one big climb today (about 900 feet) but it is well worth the effort, as it takes us to the top of the Gorge and epic views of the river. We’ll have a picnic lunch at one of the many waterfalls along the highway and then set off for Cascade Locks, our home for the night. Thunder Island Brewing is just a few minutes walk from the hotel! We’ll spend some time here tonight enjoy the river views and beers.
- Day 4 – Today after a short ride we are shuttled via passenger van to the town of Mosier. We’ll continue on the dedicated bicycle trail with awe-inspiring views towards the town of Hood River, 10 miles away. In town we’ll have lunch and a brewery tour. We stay the night here, so take your time exploring this charming mountain / river town. If you’re having dinner tonight at the Double Mountain brewery, we highly recommend the pizza!
- Day 5 – This morning we are shuttled back to Portland, where we will do one last scenic ride, and one last brewery tour before the tour ends in Northeast Portland. Looking for more? Let our guides help you plan the rest of your trip, there is so much to see, do, and drink in Portland!
Markers show start/end + overnight hotel and B&B locations…
Photos from this tour
