Spring is a beautiful time of year in the Willamette Valley, and The Independence Hotel makes a perfect home base for exploring the Valley on two wheels. Sure, you might get a little rain, but in Oregon we’ve learned to appreciate petrichor (that’s the unique, earthy smell associated with rain), the green buds, scatter of wildflowers and brisk air. Spring signals that its time to get outdoors and its when we begin filling our calendars with outdoor adventures for longer days and so many gloriously sunny days.
Independence is at the center of cycling culture in Oregon. Less crowded than the cities of Portland and Seattle, the wide-open country roads and low elevation that surround Polk County make adventuring easy and accessible. The City of Independence has kicked off Bike Indy for road, gravel, and mountain bike routes of various difficulties and distances, making it easy for you to plot your perfect ride. While on Bike Indy, check out The Bike Indy Pass, and make the most of your time in Independence by accessing special deals just for bikers. Independence loves you, so claim your perks!
Get to know the Willamette Scenic Bikeway, the first national Scenic Bikeway in the united states, this epic trail stretches 134 miles, meandering through vineyards, hop-fields, beautiful country roads and charming rural towns. Do a through ride and stay-over at the Independence Hotel, or stay at the Hotel and make day trips to explore the route.
Get the route info sent directly to your phone, maps and more info at Ride With GPS.
Did you know Oregon has the only Scenic Bikeways program in the nation? This unique program features routes suggested by local proponents, so you know you are getting the best of the best when you ride an Oregon Scenic Bikeway. These routes have been officially reviewed, ridden and adopted and each one provides inspiration for planning a two-wheeled vacation in Oregon.
Polk Peddlars Bike Club offers a socially distant way to spend time with other cycling enthusiasts, and you don’t have to be a member to join in (although you are certainly welcome to sign up). Polk Peddlars aims towards casual rides, so you’ll have plenty of time to sightsee and bask in the natural magnificence of wine country. Have a need for speed? No problem! Go at whatever pace fits you best, and meet up with other Bike Peddlars along the way.
If you prefer to stay within your quarantine group, Western Valley Cycling, a Ride with GPS ambassador provides numerous routes within Polk County, bringing together into one source the best trails of Independence, Monmouth, and other surrounding cities. Visit historical landmarks, natural wonders, and of course there’s always time to stop for some fresh, local Pacific Northwest cuisine and world-famous wine. Western Valley Cycling offers neighborhood options, paved road trips, gravel paths, and mountain biking adventures, so whatever level you’re craving, it’s waiting here for you.
If you find yourself wondering whether or not you even want a pre-planned route, you still have two options. Either download Ride with GPS and create your own path, or be spontaneous. Get on your bike and just ride! The Independence Riverview Park (right next the hotel) offers multiple paths for you to explore on your own timeline, especially nice if you have some peddling kiddos with you. Bike next to the river, through dense tree cover, and watch the sky above you turn pink at sunset, all the while knowing The Independence Hotel is close by. No matter what you pick, there’s no wrong option because they all mean spending time outdoors and in the stunning landscapes of Oregon wine country.
At The Independence Hotel, you can bring your bike into your room, rather than locking it up on a bike rack, or leaving it on the car. We have outdoor wash stations and an in-door 24-hour bike work-room with tools (and heat) to work on your bike.
