Vernonia Adventure
 by
Sean Coker
Looking for some nice Northwest twisties and good food with
proximity to Portland? This route follows a relatively obscure
route into northwest Oregons logging country. Expect light traffic
on this evergreen ride, although mid-day mid-week rides are
preferable.
We start in Stumptown (Portland) and head northbound on US30. Just past Littleton, head west on NW Newberry Rd. The road runs
30-40 mph turns for three miles before reaching Skyline Boulevard where
we continue northbound for 17 miles. Corners range from 25-40 mph
but bicyclists and joggers congest the roadway in addition to speed
traps - hence the mid-day, mid-week recommended assault.
The author with several blue bikes parked
outside the Blue House Cafe. But don't worry, all colors of
bikes are accepted at the Blue House. (photo by TM)
Blind corners and rippled pavement hamper speeds, yet the dynamic
holds interest even at legal speeds. Skyline Boulevard dead-ends and
we carve eastbound on Rocky Point Road, toward US30. Three miles of
downhill, shaded road lay before us. Errant drivers often splash
gravel onto the road. ODOT gets to it when there's time.
We head northbound on US30 toward Scappoose, where gas is
available. Just north of town, we head westbound on the
Scappoose-Vernonia Highway. We follow Scappoose Creek upstream past
immobile homes clustered along the creeks bank, while pine and
birch trees create a canopy of shadows.
Past the Chapman grange, traffic peters out. Mild corners give way
to tight, uphill chicanes. The road traces alongside a small hills
irregular shape. Following the hill, long constant-radius turns mark
the way. Ripples in the pavement upset riders more than suspension. Trees fade to clear cuts and the sky opens up to whatever the
weather is offering.
Passing Scappania Park, long, flat corners lay ahead and are
strung together, allowing for strong acceleration. At the junction
with SR47/SR202, either head westbound a half mile for some
delicious Mediterranean food at Blue House or head eastbound toward
Mist.
Vernonia was named after the daughter of an original settler,
Ozias Cherrington, although the I in Vernonia was a typo that
stuck. Gas is available in Vernonia and Clatskanie. SR47 splits east
at the town of Mist, and for the next 11 miles, we ride atop some of
the best road in the state.
A tight, double-apex right-hander quickly appears. Between
mileposts 8 and 11, the road runs like a doe fleeing a perceived
threat. Back-to-back-to-back 25 mph turns melt around outcroppings
of rock while the road gets pinched between river and rock. We
follow until reaching Clatskanie and US30. Hurried riders can choose
between taking US30 southbound back to Portland or riding the route
in reverse.
Technical corners and challenging conditions can be discouraging
especially when paired with gravel, ripples and erosion. But when
obstacles become the challenge, then even bitterness can taste sweet. The sweetest treats are often found on a road named after two towns
going nowhere.
Get out your
Benchmark Atlas for Oregon and note these route directions from
Portland, Oregon
- NB Hwy 30
- WB NW Newberry Rd
- NB Skyline Blvd
- EB Rocky Point
- NB Hwy 30
- WB Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy
- ** Blue House (Yum)
- NB SR47/SR202
- NB SR47 to Clatskanie
- SB US30 to Portland or do route in reverse
- 165 miles and 3.5 hours
Blue House
62467 N. Highway 47
Vernonia, OR 97064
503-429-4350
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