3 Mountain Bike Trails for Beginners in Portland, OR

3 Mountain Bike Trails for Beginners in Portland, OR

Written by Nick
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Published on January 21, 2015
Mountain Biking Feature

Bike riding in Oregon can be an extraordinarily exhilarating experience. There are many mountain bike trails for beginners, and just about every one of them presents a fun challenge that will test you in some way. Portland, Oregon’s mountain bike trails for beginners are a blast. Whether you are trying to become a better rider or to have fun outdoors, you will have no problem with finding the trail that suits your experience and cycling style, even if you have a mountain bike for beginners, right within the city. Here are just three such trails to get your start.

1. Leif Erikson Drive

Biker on trail
Photo from Carl Winterbourne/Unsplash

This out-and-back trail, approximately 22.6 miles, is covered with both dirt and gravel. It traverses Forest Park and offers incredible views of the city. Although various sections of the trail have insufficient signage, it is safe for bikers of all ages and easy to navigate from start to finish. Bikers and hikers alike utilize Leif Erikson Drive all year long. It takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete this trail in its entirety.

2. Powell Butte

Biker on trail
Photo from Tom Conway/Unsplash

This fun trail does not disappoint in the least or take long to finish. As a single track traversing the city, it offers plenty of nice sights and opportunities to meet fellow bikers. Powell Butte, in and of itself, is undemanding, but there is no doubt that it is challenging enough to give you good exercise. Going uphill is just as enjoyable as going downhill.

3. Marine Drive Multi-Use Path

Solo bike leaning on trail
Photo from Jaime Dantas/Unsplash

A one-of-a-kind trail to say the least, Marine Drive Multi-use Path is ideal for novice bike riders who want to improve upon their level of endurance. This paved path, approximately 7.6 miles, is fairly easy. What makes it unforgettable is the fact that it is the perfect vantage point for gazing upon the majestic Mount Hood. All year long, bikers and hikers alike spend time roaming this trail and taking advantage of everything it offers. At a steady pace, it can be finished in less than one hour.

Featured Image from Tim Foster/Unsplash

Nick

Nick