Scenic Rides
Whether on bike, motorcycle or in your car
Scenic Rides
10-100 MILE RIDES FROM THE BALCH HOTEL
Experience the open, mostly car-less roads, wide expansive views, and incredible weather of Central Oregon! Whether you're up for a short or long ride, we've got the routes for you.
BICYCLE
Experience the open, mostly car-less roads, wide expansive views, and incredible weather of Central Oregon! Whether you're up for a short or long ride, we've got the routes for you.
Deschutes River State Recreation Area
89601 Biggs Rufus Hwy
(541) 739-2322
The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded, overnight oasis for campers. The sparkle-laden, swift, green rush of the Deschutes converges with the Columbia here, and there's no better place for family outing activities like hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting, world-class steelhead and trout fishing, and equestrian trail riding.
Here is a nice ride from the hotel:
MOTORCYCLE
Condon Loop
Starting at the Hotel you venture to Condon via Tygh Valley, Maupin, Shaniko, Antelope, and Fossil. Return via Wasco, Biggs Junction and The Dalles.
Cove Palisades
This loop will take you from Dufur up over Flag Point Lookout, over to Highway 35 and down into Hood River. From Hood River you'll be on the old highway (HWY 30) as much as possible and will return back to Dufur on some nice back roads (all paved).
Troutlake Loop
A sporty ride in both Oregon and Washington. You'll see big forests, big canyons, and lots of curves.
MOTORCYCLE
Historic Route 30 Highway
Take in the Gorge at a slower pace on the original highway. Head West from The Dalles towards Mosier and be sure to stop for panoramic views at the Rowena Crest Lookout. Watch for other opportunities to hop on Highway 30 as you continue to travel towards Portland. An excellent choice on a hot day as you wind into the trees and alongside waterfalls. Be mindful of bicyclists and the occasional hiker along the way.
High Desert Rivers
Follow this route to explore some of the rivers, canyons and ghost towns in Oregon's High Desert Region.
Ghost Town Tour
If it is just ghost towns you are looking for this tour takes you through many of the areas best examples. Highlights include Friend, Shaniko and Antelope.
Barlow Road and Timberline Lodge Loop
This route takes you along the route of the pioneers on the Barlow Road. There are many opportunities to see the original wagon ruts as the route climbs into the Cascade Mountains. A stop at Timberline is a must when in the area and our route takes you back through Dufur Valley although you could continue down Highway 35
15 Mile Creek History Tour
This route takes you through the rolling hills between Dufur and The Dalles Roughly retracing the rail line with iconic buildings on the way.
