Oregon - Top Bike Climbs

Photos clockwise from top left:  Oregon state capitol (Salem); Bear Camp - Oregon #1 climb;

Border sign; Crater Lake (middle); Mt. Bachelor.

Oregon has many scenic, remote and challenging road bike climbs.  Some of the most scenic and difficult are listed below:

THE HARDEST BIKE CLIMB IN OREGON

BEAR CAMP WEST

Cycling Bear Camp West

Ride 16.5 miles gaining 4,624’ at 5.3% average grade.

Climb start

They don’t leave much doubt about the remote and risky nature of these climbs!

THE MOST SCENIC BIKE CLIMB IN OREGON

CRATER LAKE

It doesn’t get much more scenic than Crater Lake.  People come from all over the country to view the lake and its surroundings and the best way to see the beauty of this area is by bike. We have charted 10 routes to the lake or around it, and these can be found via our search bar at the top of any page.

THE MOST POPULAR BIKE CLIMB IN OREGON

MT. HOOD

PJAMM Cycling has over 100,000 pages viewed per month, and our most popular Oregon page is Mt. Hood (followed closely by McKenzie Pass from the West).

"A contender for the most difficult climb in Oregon, the ascent of Mount Hood begins by heading east on Route 26 over a moderate and gradually increasing grade. The road can carry some traffic over its four lanes, ok, a lot of traffic many days. You will pass through several small communities along the way as well as the grade gradually increases. Eventually the road squeezes down to a true two lanes, enters the woods and takes on a more mountainous feel although traffic can remain. At mile 9.7 (just past Government Camp) turn left toward the Timberline Lodge and ski area over a classic stretch of road bike climbing. This final section is steeper and scenic through thick trees for the most part and you get a break from the high speed traffic..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, p. 204.)

Cycling Mt. Hood.

McKenzie Pass.

"The west side of McKenzie Pass in central Oregon is...one of the most scenic climbs in the United States. It is a long and varied ascent that begins in thick woods and ends among open lava fields near the top. The lower section is steeper and through tight switchbacks in places and very dark woods. The upper section is more straight and shallow but open with views..." (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike), 2nd Edition, p. 207.)

THE BEST ROAD BIKE CLIMBING AREA IN OREGON

CENTRAL OREGON 

Mt. Bachelor from the Bend side.

Central Oregon is the area of the state with the greatest concentration of road bike climbs, many of which are extremely scenic and enjoyable. Some of the most popular climbs in the area, in addition to Mt. Bachelor are:

AUFDERHEIDE SCENIC BYWAY NORTH

Ride along Cougar Reservoir much of the climb.

THREE CREEK LAKE ROAD

Ride in site of Three Sisters Volcanic Peaks for a good part of the climb.