Leaf-Peeping By Bike – 7 Oregon Scenic Bikeways Made For Fall

Fall is a sweet time to spin through Oregon’s colors and experience crisp air, quieter roads, and maples and cottonwoods going gold without summer crowds.

Here are seven Scenic Bikeways that pair easy and low-stress miles with peak foliage in October and early November.

1) Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway (Cottage Grove)

• Distance: ~36-mile loop; Row River Trail is ~17 miles of paved and car-free path (ride any out-and-back distance).
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Historic bridges + Dorena Lake reflections under a canopy of changing leaves; the rail-trail is gentle and mostly flat.
• Skill Level: Beginner on the trail; the full loop adds light traffic and one short, very steep hill (>8% grade).
•  Bonus Tip: Start at Mosby Creek Trailhead if you want the entire ride to be off-street.

2) Tualatin Valley Scenic Bikeway (Banks–Vernonia Segment)

• Distance: 21 miles paved rail-trail (easy to ride 6–12 miles out-and-back from either end).
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Long “leaf-tunnel” corridors, wetlands, trestles, and no car traffic on the trail.
• Skill Level: Beginner (family-friendly, off-street).
• Bonus Tip: Expect two short and steeper spots where the route crosses highways. They have signs, but are worth a heads-up with new riders. 

3) Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway (Central Oregon)

• Distance: ~36–37 miles one-way on low-traffic rural roads.
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Big-sky views, cottonwoods along canals and the Deschutes, and a dramatic finish at Smith Rock State Park with a nearly 6-mile uninterrupted downhill if you start in Sisters.
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate (length + open-country riding).
• Bonus Tip: If you park at Smith Rock for a shuttle setup, a day-use parking permit is required. Walking or biking in doesn’t require a vehicle permit.

4) Sherar’s Falls Scenic Bikeway (Maupin)

• Distance: 33-mile loop through high-desert canyon country.
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Basalt walls glow in low sun while ribbons of cottonwood and willow trace the Deschutes River. Look for traditional fishing platforms at the namesake falls.
• Skill Level: Intermediate (moderate climbing and exposure).
• Bonus Tip: Use the official map/cue sheet and plan a scenic break at White River Falls State Park.

5) Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway (Prineville)

• Distance: 37-mile out-and-back on low-traffic roads.
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Quiet canyon riding, golden riverbank cottonwoods, and classic rimrock views along Highway 27.
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate (gentle early miles, and moderate overall).
• Bonus Tip: Shorten the ride by turning around at Palisades Campground or Chimney Rock, which are both scenic and popular turnaround points.

6) Twin Bridges Scenic Bikeway (Bend)

• Distance: 36-mile loop beginning/ending at Drake Park.
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Golden riparian color with Cascade views; easy Bend logistics before/after the ride.
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate (rolling roads with bike-lane stretches).
• Bonus Tip: For a shorter sampler, ride from Drake Park toward Shevlin Park and loop back into town.

7) Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, Champoeg to Salem Segment

• Distance: ~33 miles one-way (Champoeg State Heritage Area to downtown Salem).
• Why It’s Great In Fall: Flat-to-gentle riding through farms, vineyards, and small towns with prime mid-October valley color.
• Skill Level: Beginner–Intermediate (length is the main factor).
• Bonus Tip: Not up for an out-and-back? Use Amtrak for a one-way link on longer itineraries. However, bike spaces are limited, so reserve ahead.

When To See Fall Foliage:

Across much of Oregon, peak color runs mid- to late October. Central Oregon and the Willamette Valley often pop around mid-October, with some areas lingering into early November. Higher elevations tend to change a bit earlier. Call local visitor centers for week-by-week conditions.

Tips For A Smooth And Fall-Ready Ride:

• Bring real lights. Oregon law requires a white front light visible from 500 ft and a rear red light or reflector visible up to 600 ft during limited-visibility conditions, such as dusk, fog, or rain. Autumn days are short, so pack lights even for afternoon spins.
  
• Check TripCheck. Storms can drop branches or trigger work zones. ODOT TripCheck shows statewide cameras, incidents, and closures.
  
• Mind fees/permits. Some trailheads/parks charge vehicle day-use parking. As of 2025, it’s $10 per day for Oregon residents and $12 per day for non-residents at fee parks. Walking or biking in doesn’t require a vehicle permit. Annual permits are also available.
  
• Dress and ride for conditions. Wet leaves = slick corners. Brake earlier and keep lines wide on bridges/trestles. Wear moisture-wicking layers and bring a waterproof outer layer to stay comfortable.
  
• Share the woods during hunting season. Fall big-game seasons overlap with prime foliage. Wear bright colors and stick to signed routes, especially in forest/plateau country. Check the current seasons if you’ll be in mixed-use areas.