Longmont_Tom

What is the ride like using 26 from Seaside to Portland? Elevation profile? Thinking of going that way rather than 30.

bobbycorno

Elevation profile's not to bad, but it's narrow and heavy traffic. I'd highly recommend 202 from Astoria instead. 6 from Tillamook is also better than 26, but not as nice as 202.

SP
Bend, OR

Longmont_Tom

Will consider the 202 route.

What do you think of 30 from Astoria to the bridge to Longview (433) then picking my way long frontage roads near I-5 (al la google maps "avoid highways") as I am actually going to an address in the middle of Vancouver WA?

Shifty

Take 202 from Astoria to Veronia, there is a new rails to trails paved path from Veronia to Banks. Ride from banks to Hillsboro where you can put your bike on the MAX light rail to the Portland Airport. Get off the MAX at a stop or two before the airport terminal and get on the I-205 bike path over the Columbia River into Vancouver WA. This is a VERY enjoyable route.

I would avoid highway 30 as I would avoid 26, both are no fun and dangerous.

Jeff Wills

That's possible- although 30 near Astoria is pretty narrow and winds around. I'd agree that 202 inland from Astoria is a better route. Then pick up 47 at Pittsburg follow it to Scapoose, then 30 to Longview bridge. Side roads paralleling I-5 are detailed in Michael Wolfe's blog: https://escapevelocipede.blogspot.com...120-miles.html . However, Highway 30 from the Longview Bridge to Portland is a well-worn bicycle route. The STP follows this stretch every year.

I live in Vancouver. Wave as you go by.

adventurepdx

I heartily recommend the Astoria-Portland route via 202/47/Banks-Vernonia Trail. Decent scenery, light traffic, camping options, though not a lot of services. If you want to get further south on the coast, Route 6 isn't bad either, but can get some serious traffic on weekends and holidays (note to self: never ride it on the Fourth of July weekend again). Links to these routes can be found through the PBOT (Portland Bureau of Transportation) website:
https://www.portlandonline.com/transp...36638&a=301633

I've ridden the Kelso-Longview to Vancouver route that Jeff mentions above and it's a decent route with the one glaring exception of the hill between Kalama and Woodland. Never want to ride over that hill again!

Longmont_Tom

I will be riding mid week, non-holiday (June 8) so perhaps route 6 makes sense as it doesn't matter to me where along the coast I start from as this is just day one of a coast-to-coast. Thanks for the idea. Also I like the idea of riding MAX in from Hillsboro if that makes sense from route 6. What is the profile like for route 6?

Shifty

All routes cross the Coast Range, here's the profile for 6 https://www.portlandonline.com/transp...316551&c=36638

Enjoy your visit to the PNW!

KRhea

Take Shifty's advice on the route as I ride this frequently, however, do not get off the light rail where he suggested. Instead, take the light rail all the way out to the Expo Center Max stop. From there ride across the I-5 bridge on the bike path into Vancouver.


KRhea

Shifty

^^ Yes, what KRhea said. Maybe depending on where in Vancouver, but I-5 mostly better. ^^