Visit Portland for your next mountain biking trip

Portland

Oregon

City meets mountain trails! Discover 230 miles where urban life blends with lush forest riding.

Sandy and the major city of Portland are combined in this overview. Sandy acts as an entry point to outdoor activities in the Mount Hood area, while Portland provides a lively urban environment. Portland is notable for its arts, culture, craft beer scene, and proximity to the Columbia River Gorge. The region offers chances for hiking, kayaking, and skiing on Mount Hood.

The area has a mild, marine climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time for mountain biking is generally spring through fall, when the trails are drier. Be prepared for occasional rain, even in the summer, and dress accordingly. Trail conditions can vary, so it's advisable to check local resources before heading out.

Featured MTB Trails

The Sandy and Portland area offers 230 miles of a variety of mountain biking trails, ranging from purpose-built flow trails to challenging, technical rides in the surrounding forests. Sandy Ridge is a popular trail system known for its well-designed, flowy trails.

  • Sandy Ridge Trail System (Sandy): This is a world-class, purpose-built system managed by the BLM, located about 45 minutes to an hour east of Portland. It's renowned for its incredible flow trails, berms, jumps, and technical sections designed specifically for mountain biking. Popular trails include Flow Motion, Hide and Seek, Follow the Leader, Two Turntables and a Microwave, and Communication Breakdown. Caters well to intermediate and advanced riders.

  • Timberline to Town / PCT Trails (Mount Hood area, near Sandy/Government Camp): This is a classic high-alpine descent from Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood down towards Rhododendron or Government Camp, often utilizing sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (where bikes are allowed) and other connecting trails. It's a long, scenic, and challenging ride.

  • Gateway Green (Portland): An urban bike park offering trails and features for various skill levels, from beginner tracks to jump lines and skills areas. Great for in-city access.

  • Powell Butte Nature Park (Portland): Offers a network of multi-use trails with some dedicated singletrack, providing good views and accessible riding within city limits.

  • Stub Stewart State Park (Buxton, approx. 45 mins west of Portland): Features a growing network of bike-specific trails with flowy descents and climbs.
  • IMBA Ride Center: The closest designated IMBA Ride Center is Oakridge (Gold-Level), which is about a 2.5-3 hour drive south. The Cold Creek Trail System/Yacolt Burn (WA), near Battle Ground, is another significant riding area within reasonable driving distance

More mountain biking towns in Oregon