Hood River - Camp Baldwin 200

 

Description This brevet begins in the Columbia River National Scenic Area in the Douglas Fir forests east of the Cascade Crest. The brevet wanders east from The Dalles near the historic Oregon Trail leading to the foot hills of the high desert in central Oregon. The brevet turns west at Dufer and climbs back into Ponderosa Pine forests on the way to the summit of The Dalles Watershed. Descending on the foothills of Mt. Hood, the brevet climbs to the Cooper Spur Ski resort and descends to Parkdale before winding along the West Fork of Hood River returning to Hood River.

The route follows US 30, the Columbia River Highway from Hood River to The Dalles. This section is an easy ride with gentle slopes and great views of the Columbia River. Five miles of the route follow the Mark O. Hatfield Trail and is closed to motor vehicles. The winds are usually from the west so this section of the ride has a good possibility of tail winds. The route follows US 30 through the Dalles to the third control on the East side of The Dalles.

The ride winds along quiet country roads, canyons, wheat farms and orchards east of The Dalles. The route follows US 197 for one mile before returning to the quiet side on Boyd Loop road.

There are several places to stop in Dufer where you can fuel and take on water. Kramer's market is to the right at the stop sign on Main Street. The Passtime Tavern is to the left on the way to Dufer Valley Road. The Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Make sure you have plenty of water for the next section from Dufer to Cooper Spur. The Dufer Valley Road becomes Forest Service Road 44. The road climbs to the summit of The Dalles Watershed and then descends to Oregon Highway 35. The road from Cooper Spur to Parkdale avoids the heavier traffic on OR 35. It is a good downhill run from Cooper Spur to Parkdale. Parkdale has the last services before Hood River.

The Route follows Dee Highway from Parkdale to Tucker Road just South of Hood River. The route then turns and follows Portland Drive to Oak Grove, skipping heavy city traffic leading into Hood River. Country Club road will take you to the Columbia River Highway, US 30. This becomes Oak Street, the main street through downtown Hood River. The road curves left as it leaves downtown Hood River. The cross traffic from State Avenue stops while the traffic on Oak Street does not stop. Drivers not familiar with this intersection sometimes stop at the left turn causing local traffic to honk and snort.

There are only a couple more turns before the route ends at the Hood River Marina Parking Lot. Traffic can be heavy to and from the Toll Bridge during peak peak hours, mid-days and evenings.

Host Susan France
Date Sunday July 13
Start Time 7:00 AM, Registration Time 6:30AM - 7:00AM
Start Location Hood River Marina
Address 600 E Marina Way, Hood River, OR
Entry Fee $10
Cuesheet Here
Ride With GPS (Unofficial)
Riders & Results Results
Additional Info

Rider Expectations: Here

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