Great Runs Summer Road Trip: Oregon

Oregon Coast

Spent the first four days on the Oregon coast, near Depoe Bay — the world’s smallest harbor! This is the Haystack at Cape Kiwanda. SEE THE ROUTES.

Haystack Beach

For a unique workout, runners can run up and down the sand dune at Haystack Beach. SEE THE ROUTES.

Cape Kiwanda Beach

The author running on beach at Cape Kiwanda.

Beverly Beach

Gorgeous early morning run on Beverly Beach, near Devil's Punchbowl. Perfect beach running. SEE THE ROUTES

Yaquina Head

Yaquina Head. Paved surface with great water views. SEE THE ROUTES.

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Cape Lookout

Cape Lookout State Park had beautiful hiking and running routes. SEE THE ROUTES.

Cherries

Local cherries were a treat! Also, apricots, which are a totally different ballgame when eaten at the source.

Cape Perpetua

We found great coastal views on this hike at Cape Perpetua.

Corvallis Valley

From the coast, we drove inland to spend two days in the southern Willamette Valley. Rented bikes in Corvallis, for a ride past farms and vineyards.

Pre's Trail

A pilgrimage to Pre's Trail in Eugene, celebrating the legacy of Olympian and Oregon track legend Steve Prefontaine. There were lots of runners... SEE THE ROUTES.

Hayward Field

A disappointment: Also in Eugene, 'Track Town USA': We wanted to run the track at legendary Hayward Field, site of the U.S. Olympic Trials two weeks earlier. But this newly renovated facility on the campus of the University of Oregon is closed to the public. SEE THE ROUTES.

Bend

Spent the next four nights in Bend. Just outside Bend is Smith Rock State Park. We hiked the gorgeous but steep Misery Ridge. An easy trail run is along the River Trail. SEE THE ROUTES.

Smith Rock

The author's wife at Smith Rock. We had a wonderful sunset picnic dinner.

Deschutes River

The Deschutes River Trail is one of the running highlights in central Bend. SEE THE ROUTES.

Old Mill Rapids

The Old Mill area along the Deschutes River Trail. Great parks and views of paddlers in the only rapids I've ever seen in a city's downtown.

Lava Lands

Highly recommend the Lava Lands Visitor Center, about 15 minutes from Bend. For runners, there's the 5-mile paved Sun-Lava multi-use trail. SEE THE ROUTES.

Lava Lands

Combine the Sun-Lava multi-use trail with Trail of the Molten Land, a paved path meandering across a basalt lava flow to a viewpoint. SEE THE ROUTES.

Lava Lands 3

The Lava Lands routes can also be combined with a 1.5 mile ascent up Lava Butte for views of the Cascades and the Newberry Caldera.

John Day Fossil Beds

Drove east to Mitchell to see the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: home to one of the largest collections of fossils in the world. Gorgeous sunset run in the Painted Hills.

Sheeps Rock

Sheep's Rock, a section of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Cardo Unit

Breakfast at the Cardo Unit of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Oregon Scenic Bikeway

A gorgeous run just outside Mitchell, OR, part of the 'Oregon Scenic Bikeway.'

Timberline

Spent two nights at the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. Hiked about 10 miles of the 39-mile Timberline Trail. Beautiful wildflowers!

Vineyard Bike Ride

Vineyard bike ride through the northern Willamette Valley. Mid-way stop for lunch and a wine tasting. 98 degrees, wine, height of day...safe to say no PRs set on this bike ride!

Pizza

Carbs were on order on the last night in McMinville, which is located in the Willamette Valley about an hour south of Portland.

Joe Dancer

Early morning run at Joe Dancer Park in McMinville, before heading to the airport

Trip Stats

A Few Trip Stats

Miles Run: 31
Miles Hiked: 83
Miles Walked: 14
Miles Biked: 81
Total Elevation Gain: 22,000 feet
Total Steps: 375,831

Great Runs Summer Road Trip: Oregon

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