Bicyclists Travel Salem Willamette Valley by The Grand Hotel in Salem in Salem, OR

It's easy to see why cycling through Oregon's Mid-Willamette Valley has grown in popularity through the years. Our state has actively embraced touring bicyclists since 2010 when Cycle Oregon and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department co-created the only Scenic Bikeways program in the nation. Wherever you go, our region is brimming with one-of-a-kind natural attractions, a rich history, culture, and charm waiting to be discovered by bike! Not only can you set your own rhythm, you have the freedom to tailor your vacation to exactly what you want to explore. It's no wonder bicyclists love to visit our region! When Travel Oregon created the first statewide Bike Friendly Business program in the country geared towards travelers, the Grand Hotel in Salem was quick to jump aboard. With so many biking experiences for cyclists of all levels to choose from, we wanted to make make our centrally located hotel as comfortable and welcoming for bicyclists as possible. Being a designated 'Bike Friendly Hotel' through Travel Oregon's Bike Friendly Business program means that we've demonstrated our commitment to serving visitors who ride bikes and to providing specific amenities they may need. Visiting bicyclists can access secure and dry overnight bike parking in addition to many other bike-friendly amenities like free bike storage and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet to fuel up for your ride. Being Bike Friendly also means we offer restrooms, water, information and events for bicycle travelers. Cyclists love staying here because we're conveniently located next to a multitude of cycling routes that range from easy casual to an invigorating challenge. Guests of the Grand Hotel in Salem have access to guided bike tours like The Bike Concierge and tours through Oregon's Wine Country along with some of the best self-guided rides in the state of Oregon. Mountain bikers love the thrills, twists and turns at Black Rock Mountain Bike Area near Falls City. If you want to bike past beautiful vineyards and taste world-class wine, be sure to join Eola Hills Wine Cellar's popular Bike Oregon Wine Country rides. Road cyclists also love the unique 6 Bridges Loop, which brings you to six different historic covered bridges on the 57-mile trek, starting and ending in nearby Stayton. Here are some other bicycle routes worth exploring: Historic Downtown Route -Travel Salem's Historic Downtown Biking Route is certainly a good start! Hit local must-see landmarks such as Salem's Historic Grand Theatre, Salem Multicultural Institute, Reed Opera House, and of course our Riverfront Park. This is a truly excellent way to experience Salem first hand. Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway Ride- RideOregonRide.com summed up this bikeway perfectly: 'Cycle alongside fields of Oregon's world-famous hops, past views of vineyards and through quaint towns. Stop for tastings at wineries and pick up supplies at coffee shops and brewpubs. The northern point of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway is Champoeg State Park, where settlers gathered in the 1850s to hold what turned out to be a very close vote that led to the creation of the state of Oregon.' Champoeg State Heritage Area - 'One of the things I really appreciate is how well it's laid out. Even when it gets busy in the summer, the layout is spaced so the trail feels very peaceful. It never feels crammed.' - Austin Wallace, The Statesman Journal River views and riparian forest! Oregon's oldest store! Western Bluebirds! This historic state park offers everything a stop on a bike trail could offer. This 8-mile out-and-back trip is a must-visit location for any bikers looking to explore Salem on two wheels. Willamette Mission State Park- This 1,680-acre, 4-mile trail offers bikers stunning views of lakes, river beaches, orchards, and other stunning Willamette Valley natural wonders. You may even catch a glimpse of a horse or two on the horse trails! Salem Ale & Cider Trail- It's your vacation, who is to say you can't engage in a different biking trail than the norm? For connoisseurs of both ale and cider, this Ale & Cider trail allows visitors to travel down different distilleries and breweries. Pair this with the Travel Salem / Salem Brewery Association passport and you can get special offers from the different stops. For a full list of the breweries, please visit Travel Salem. Minto-Brown Island Park- Minto-Brown Island Park is a family favorite for parents taking their kids to enjoy a day out. 7 miles of flat, easy trails mean everyone can have a good time while enjoying Willamette River views. Riders have the opportunity to explore the new Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge as they make the ride from Salem to Minto-Brown Island Park! Silver Falls State Park-Known for its scenic waterfall hikes, Silver Falls State Park offers lush forest biking trails. Oregon's largest state park offers a day of adventure for hikers and bikers of all levels, as well as breath-taking views to sit down and enjoy while eating a picnic lunch, Better yet, an additional four miles of trail will be added to Silver Falls' Catamount Trail. This trail is the state park's only mountain-bike optimized trail. Riverfront to Wallace Marine parks-Last but certainly not least is Riverfront Park to Wallace Marine Park. Ride along the Willamette River as you see the famous Riverfront Carousel, the Eco Earth Globe, the Union Street Railroad Bridge, and Star Complex. Of course, both Riverfront and Wallace Marine Parks offer natural beauty and countless locations to stop for a picnic lunch or even take a boat ride. These are just a handful of the places you can explore throughout Salem on two wheels. Now you just have to get your biking vacation planned! Always remember to wear a helmet, ride single file, use hand signals and cycle defensively at all times. We look forward to seeing you, and your bicycle, soon! For details on the Bike Friendly Business Program, go to Industry.TravelOregon.com/BFB. For more information on the Scenic Bikeways program, go to RideOregonRide.com.