Kris K.
Yelp
Tour Booked: Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Tour Guide/Driver: Bruce
Me and my wife recently moved to Hillsboro and this was our first Hiking trip around Portland area, absolutely great start with Pedal Bike Tours.
We arrived at the shop by 8:30 am which was bit early as they open around 8:45 am, grabbed coffee next block and shop was open by the time we came back. Walked into the store, were greeted with smile by two friendly staff and was asked to read and sign the waiver form. One of them was a pregnant lady (Anna I think) who introduced herself to us, gave us helmet and assigned each of us a bike after adjusting the seats height, she was absolutely friendly and courteous.
There were total of 10 people who booked and 2 tour guides but space in the van was only for 11 people so one of the tour guide (think it was Anna) who dropped because "Customers" come first so she gave up her seat to other tour guide (Bruce) to accommodate all 10 customers, it's very unusual to see that kind of above and beyond customer service.
Drive from Pedal store to the first point was about 45 minutes which was beautiful once we got off the freeway, Bruce was very knowledgeable and gave brief history of Portland and spots around the area.
Spots visited:
1) View Point: About 20 mins stop and great views of Columbia river, biked from this spot to Vista point (less than 10 mins bike ride for 2 miles down hill). This was my first ever bike ride after 22 years so it was bit pain in my bum:) but totally worth that ride in the fresh and cool breeze.
2) Vista Point: This is historic spot right on the edge of the mountain, build way back in 1938 I believe, absolutely stunning views from top, perfect picture spot, cafe/restrooms downstairs, viewing place from upstairs. We took another 5 mile down hill bike ride from here to Latourell Falls (Guy W. Talbot state park).
3) Latourell Falls (Guy W. Talbot state park): Great spot for hike uphill and beautiful water falls. Bruce gave us good information about the area, falls, took a quick restroom break with snacks before hike. While he watched the bikes, we took the hike, total hike is 1.8 miles (0.8 miles up hill and 0.8 miles down hill). It's a good hike for beginners yet edge and slippery spots along the way, nice views, thick forest and you will come across lot of people with toddlers, kids and dogs as well. People hike at their own pace and no one rushing from behind.
4) Sheppard's Dell state Natural area: Biked from Talbot state park to this spot, quick stop and views.
5) Bridal Veil Falls Viewpoint: Bike ride from Sheppard's dell area to here, another quick stop, nice views to the Columbia river, unique thing about this town is just a post office that exists now.
6) Last Stop: Multnomah Falls: Absolutely beautiful and gorgeous spot next to freeway. We parked and walked under the bridge to reach the falls area, total height of falls is 629 ft, 4th largest falls in USA and always has water flowing year long.
Overall this trip was totally worth every penny, Bruce was great tour guide, very experienced driver as well, very calm, friendly and knowledgeable person. Based on some reviews of this tour, I believe every tour guide is different, some will mostly drive you while others will let you bike from one spot to another like we did. Most of us were at the same pace for bike ride but even in the case when some were behind, rest of the people were very patient and friendly which always helps.
I highly recommend anyone visiting Portland to take this trip. Take the morning tour schedule at 9 am which will help to cut through the traffic, less tourists at the above spots, nice sunlight for viewing and hikes as well.
Tip is not necessary but after taking the tour, you will feel like tipping the tour guide.