There are few ways to guarantee a good time than a Portland bike ride. First, you’ll find plenty of people riding bikes and (mostly) compentant motorists. Plus, the Rose City makes for a killer backdrop – especially from a two-wheeled perch.
That said, there are certain neighborhoods in Portland that should not be missed. Specifically, we’re talking about the Northeast corner of the Rose City. For example, you’ll find plenty of boutiques and à la mode dining options in the Boise and the Alberta Arts District. Quiet communities combined with a handful of bustling, walkable thoroughfares – what’s not to love?
The resulting melange is endearingly characteristic of the Rose City. As a result, you’ll also find plenty of bike-friendly streets to keep your ride as care-free as possible.
To help you play all of the hits, Spinlister is here to outline a Portland bike ride that’s all about the Northeast District. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the city, and plenty of opportunities to kick back.
PORTLAND BIKE RIDE: UNIVERSITY PARK
You won’t find a much better road to start off you ride than N Willamette Blvd in University Park. No, it’s not just because the street features wide bike lanes. The real treat here is the semicircular loop around the Columbia Distributing port. This might seem like an odd thing to get excited about – until you see the views.
Elevated some 130 feet (40 m) above the river, this lookout offers a great view of downtown Portland. Plus, you’ll see Mount Hood towering in the distance.
PORTLAND BIKE RIDE: OVERLOOK
As can rightly be deduced from its name, the Overlook quarter boasts some pretty impressive views. Specifically, it all starts to pop on Overlook Blvd (conveniently located in Overlook Park).
In addition, this NE Portland neighborhood is also home to some impressive cycling infrastructure. Just take a look at the bridges over N Going Street and I-5. They mix forward-thinking urban design and a cool feature to ride on any adventure.
PORTLAND BIKE RIDE: BOISE
What was once a neighborhood rife with urban decay in the 1980’s is now one of the hottest markets in Portland. Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than Mississippi Avenue, which houses over 40 small businesses in a span of 5 blocks.
If Mississippi is the standard bearer, Williams Ave is taking all the right cues, constituting not only one of Portland’s most celebrated dining destinations but one of it’s most utilized cycling corridors as well. Park yourself outside at a bar/cafe during evening rush hour and you’ll see what we mean.
PORTLAND BIKE RIDE: ALBERTA
If you’re looking for the epicenter of east side art in Portland, consider it found. Alberta has made a name for itself with its monthly “Last Thursday” street fair, but the pulse of the neighborhood is palpable just about every day of the year.
To get your bearings straight, simply locate Alberta Ave and start perusing. No matter where you stroll (or ride) between 10th and 31st Aves you’ll pass restaurants, cafes, bookstores, art galleries, you name it – all with that distinctive air of unconventionality that’s come to define this part of NE Portland.
It’s hard to find a more fitting place to end your ride than that.
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