Best Motorcycle Rides in Portland, Oregon, You Need to Try Out

May 6, 2025

Portland, also known as The City of Roses, has a reputation for being one of the most rider-friendly cities in the Pacific Northwest. The roads in and around the area are well-paved, easy to follow, and surrounded by views that make each ride feel worthwhile. You don’t have to go far to find quiet stretches, forested highways, or places to stop and take it all in. Portland motorcycle rides give you access to all kinds of landscapes without needing to leave the region. In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the top routes near Portland that are worth planning around.

1. Henry Hagg Lake Loop

Start: Gaston, OR → Henry Hagg Lake

End: Gaston, OR

Approximate Miles: 23 miles

The Henry Hagg Lake Loop is a great way to start exploring outside the city without committing to a full-day ride. Just about an hour from Portland, this loop begins in Gaston and circles the lake using SW Scoggins Valley Road and SW West Shore Drive. It’s a smooth route with steady pavement and light traffic, making it an easy pick when you want something simple and scenic.

As you ride around the lake, you’ll catch plenty of water views and tree-lined stretches. There are a few spots along the way where you can pull over, relax, and enjoy the quiet surroundings. It’s a shorter loop, but still offers enough to make the ride feel worthwhile.

2. Mount Hood Scenic Byway

Start: Portland, OR

End: Portland, OR

Approximate Miles: 161 miles

If you’re looking for a full-day ride that really shows off what Oregon has to offer, the Mount Hood Scenic Byway is a route worth planning around. This loop starts and ends in Portland, taking you out along the Columbia River Gorge and looping back past Mount Hood, giving you a steady mix of river views, mountain scenery, and quiet stretches of highway in between.

You’ll follow I-84 east out of the city, riding close to the Oregon-Washington border and alongside the Columbia River for a good portion of the trip. The stretch through Hood River is a nice spot to stop for a quick bite or to walk around before heading south on OR-35. From there, the ride begins to shift, bringing you closer to Mount Hood with tree-lined roads and higher elevation. Once you reach Government Camp, the route turns west along US-26 and leads you back toward Portland.

At just over 160 miles, this ride is a solid choice when you want to spend a few hours on the road and still end up where you started. With plenty of places to stop and take in the views, it’s one of the more rewarding motorcycle roads in Portland if you’ve got the time for it.

3. Willamette and Mololla River Drive

Start: Portland, OR

End: Molalla, OR

Approximate Miles: 33 miles

After a longer loop like Mount Hood, this next route keeps things a little shorter without cutting back on scenery. The ride from Portland to Molalla follows a stretch of OR-99E and winds past several quiet waterways, giving you a peaceful ride through the outer parts of the metro area and into more open space as you head south.

You’ll leave Portland using SE McLoughlin Boulevard and begin riding alongside the Willamette River before reaching areas like Kellogg Creek and the Clackamas River. As the road continues, it takes you past Sevcik Pond and across Milk Creek, both of which add to the natural backdrop of the ride. The traffic usually thins out the farther you go, and once you get near Molalla, the route opens up with a few long, easy stretches that make the ride feel steady and relaxing. 

At just over 30 miles, this one’s manageable on a tight schedule but still offers plenty to look at along the way. It’s a good pick if you’re heading out for a ride with no real rush and want a change of pace from the city.

4. Skyline Blvd Loop

Start: Portland, OR → NW Skyline Blvd

End: Portland, OR

Approximate Miles: 31 miles

The Skyline Blvd Loop gives you a quick way to step away from the busier parts of Portland and enjoy some time on the road without needing to plan around a full day. This route starts in the city and heads west on US-30 before turning up NW Newberry Road, which brings you to Skyline Boulevard. The ride along Skyline is calm and steady, with views of the valley and surrounding hills as you follow the road along the ridge.

From there, you’ll connect through Cornelius Pass, make your way down toward Rock Creek, and head back into Portland along US-26. The route stays close to town but still gives you enough variety to keep things interesting, especially if you're looking for something a little quieter without heading too far out.

5. Portland Viewpoint Ride

Start: Portland, OR → Carlton, OR and Beaverton, OR

End: Portland, OR

Approximate Miles: 71 miles

If you’re in the mood for a ride that gives you a few chances to stop and take in the view, this route is worth checking out. Starting in Portland, this loop heads southwest through Tigard and Carlton before swinging back toward Beaverton and eventually returning to the city. It’s a steady ride through a quieter part of the region with several scenic stops along the way.

Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is one of the main highlights, offering wide views of the Willamette Valley on clear days. A little farther along, Mountain View Champions Park makes for another nice stop, especially if you want to get off the bike for a bit and walk around. If you’re passing through earlier in the day, the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is also a peaceful place to take a break. With a little bit of elevation, a few rolling stretches, and a handful of pull-off spots, this ride stays relaxed from start to finish.

6. Silver Falls Scenic Route

Start: Portland, OR → Silverton, OR

End: Silver Falls State Park

Approximate Miles: 54 miles

This next route takes you from Portland to one of Oregon’s most well-known natural spots: Silver Falls State Park. It’s about an hour outside the city and makes for a good ride if you’re looking to stretch things out a bit while still keeping your destination in mind. The route passes through Silverton and follows OR-214 for the final leg, with a few small towns and open areas along the way.

Once you reach the park, there’s plenty to see. Silver Falls is known for its trails, picnic areas, and waterfalls, including South Falls, which is one of the tallest in the state. It’s a nice place to stop for a while and walk around before heading back or continuing on. Compared to some of the other rides around Portland, this one gives you a clearer goal at the end and is a good pick if you want a ride that leads somewhere memorable.

Motorcycle Rentals in Portland with Riders Share

If you're looking to explore some of the best motorcycle rides in Portland, having the right bike makes all the difference. At Riders Share, we offer the largest selection of motorcycle rentals in the area, so it’s easy to find a ride that fits your plans. Whether you're in town for the weekend or just want to try something new, our listings make it simple to browse and book. With options across different styles and price points, you're never stuck settling for something that doesn't feel right. Start your next ride off right with a motorcycle rental from Riders Share and see more of what Portland has to offer!

End of the Ride

There’s a lot to take in once you start exploring the motorcycle roads in Portland. Each route gives you a different way to experience the city and the areas around it, from quiet stretches through the trees to open roads with plenty of places to stop along the way. These rides aren’t just about the views—they’re a chance to get out, clear your head, and enjoy the ride for what it is. When you’re ready to plan your next day out, these local roads are a good place to start.