Cycling and Mountain Biking
Whether you like exploring quiet country roads or blasting down a mountain trail, Albany and Linn County is a great place to travel on two wheels.
Road Cycling
Oregon's first-in-the-nation Scenic Bikeways program established a network of specially designated scenic bike routes around the state. The first of these bikeways, the Willamette Scenic Bikeway, runs right through Albany. Use Albany as your home base for day trip, or if you're an ambitious cyclist or want a multi-day ride, plan to cycle the entire 132-mile route.
Other popular cycling routes around Albany include the 30-mile Covered Bridges Tour, which takes you through five historic covered bridges in the countryside surrounding the small town of Scio. Here is a printable map of routes in Albany and the Mid-Valley. Popular cycling events in the Albany area each year include the Strawberry Century in June that is hosted by the Santiam Spokes Bicycle Club and the Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour in August.
Mountain Biking
If the thrill of mountain biking is more your speed, the hills surrounding Albany offer plenty of opportunities to ride. Just 14 miles west of Albany, the McDonald-Dunn Forest, owned and managed by Oregon State University, features an extensive network of forested trails popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and runners. To the west, Marys Peak stands as the highest point in the Coast Range. Reaching the 4,097-foot summit rewards riders with panoramic views stretching to the Pacific Ocean. Bicycles are permitted on the East Ridge, North Ridge, and Tie trails leading up the mountain.
To the east, the Cascade foothills offer even more options, with trails and former logging roads winding through dense forest. The Willamette National Forest maintains a detailed list of mountain biking routes, including those in the South Santiam Travel Corridor, just a short drive from Albany, and the McKenzie Travel Corridor, located farther east in Linn County. These trails are among the region’s best known and offer a variety of terrain for every skill level.
OREGON'S COVERED BRIDGES
Take a ride through Linn County’s quiet countryside, where scenic roads lead you across some of Oregon’s most charming covered bridges. Captured by travel and cycling journalist Dan Shryrock, this video showcases the peaceful beauty of the Willamette Valley from the seat of a bicycle. As you pedal past open fields, tree-lined lanes, and through historic wooden bridges, you’ll get a sense of the relaxed pace and rural character that make this part of Oregon so special.
This video is produced by Dan Shryrock. Find more of his work on YouTube at @Bike_Writer_PNW, on Instagram at @dan_shryock_bike_writer, or visit his website at DanShryock.com.
Cycling Resources
Cycling clubs like the Santiam Spokes and Mid-Valley Bike Club can give you expert local advice on the best places to bicycle around Albany. If you are looking for an E-bike, Northwest Electric Bikes has bikes for sale as well as E-bike service, assembly, and retrofit. Pacific Northwest Mobile Bicycle Repair tune-up packages ranging from basic to full bike overhauls. They do not have a storefront, but you can book there services online.
The closest place to rent a bicycle is Peak Sports in Corvallis.
