Ranier to Astoria

This ride can be done either direction. Since I want to use it as a catalyst to other coastal rides, I will start from Ranier. Catch the Columbia County rider at Union station in Portland. They have a bike rack to accommodate 2 bicycles, but I've seen them allow additional bike on the bus if space allows

The bus drops you at the Ranier transit center. Cross highway 30 on S 1st street, and take a right onto W C street. At Old Ranier rosd, turn left. The climb here is strenuous

Old Ranier road intersects with highway 30 at Alton. Turn left and stay on highway 30 for less than a mille before turning right onto Beaver falls road. Beaver falls road follos the river down until it intersetcts with the Quincy Mayger road. Turn left here to stay on Beaver Falls road until it turns left into NW 5th street in Clatskanie. Take a right on N Nehalem street, and you will once again be at highway 30. Turn right (west) and follow it to Astoria

Just a couple miles out of Clatskanie, you can take a left onto Colvin road to get off of highway 30 again for a couple miles before it rejoins 30. There's even a second Colvin road that does this again. Take a break at the pie shop in Westport to refuel for the upcoming climb

Just our of Westport, you can parallel highway 30 by following Taylorville road to the left. It's the last break you get before returning to 30 and beginning the second grueling climb of the trip. A few ups and downs and you reach the sign for Eagle Sanctuary. You can take this bypass to see if you can spot any bald eagles. Once the bypass returns to highway 30, it's only a few short miles to Astoria

To return to Portland from Astoria, you can take either the Amtrak Point Bus or the Columbia County rider. The Point bus is more comfortable, has Wifi and AC, but it costs more, and you have to pay $5 for your bike

If possible spend a night or two in Astoria, a town that a miniature version of San Francisco, including a dock piled with barking sea lions. There are several rides that can be done from here