Smith River, An Oregon Adventure

An incredible adventure ride that was part of the Cycle Oregon route some years ago!  Make sure you have support on this one because after you leave the quaint small towns of Yoncalla and Drain, Oregon, you’ll see very little civilization until you near the end of this century!

Just outside Drain, a steep climb through timber country along the first few miles of Upper Smith River Road will challenge some riders.  But once that hill is conquered, you’ll have a long, leisurely, rolling ride into Reedsport and Winchester Bay with some great river views and often shaded roadway.  The road is paved for almost the whole length, but some areas have potholes to watch out for.  Just as you begin to approach the end of the remote part of the ride, you will come to a country grocery and pub on the south side of the road.  Could be a good place to stop and refresh.  Once in Reedsport and Winchester Bay, you find many great restaurants and pubs for food and refreshment.  And check out the wonderful Umpqua Lighthouse at Winchester Bay, Oregon.

Remember!  This is an adventure ride.  Watch out for possible truck traffic.  And bring adequate supplies.

To get to the start of this ride, heading North on I-5 take Exit 150, or heading South on Oregon I-5 take Exit 154, and follow the signs to Yoncalla, about 5 miles away.  Yoncalla offers some services:  a grocery, a coffee stand, and a restaurant.  So does the town of Drain to the north.