Day 3 – June 6 – Oswego Lake (Portland) to Ainsworth State Park – 60 Miles

Day 3 Oswego Lake (Portland) to Ainsworth State Park

60 Miles

Our day began by plotting a course back to the designated Lewis and Clark Trail, east toward the Columbia River Gorge. First we had to go up, around and over Portland.  Just before arriving at the church last evening we descended a very steep grade. No one admittedly wanted to tackle that first thing in the morning. Instead we took a more circuitous route circling to the east then back over less steep grades.  In all it was farther and took us a good portion of the day before we were heading east along the Columbia River.

The first portion of the trail, east of Portland follows a paved bike path past the Portland airport. This was the nicest portion of the ride today as it was straight, level and aided by a tailwind.  The route east of the airport moves between bike path and roadway a good portion of the way to Troutdale. From Troutdale, east Historic US 30 predominates.  The heavy traffic follows parallel I-84.

There were some substantial climbs as we entered the Columbia River Gorge and it was upgrade much of the way to the scenic overlook where we could view “Vista House” and the spectacle of the gorge.  The remainder of the route to Ainsworth State Park included a steep descent from Vista House then rather flat running for the remaining several miles.

It was late when we arrived at the State Park and we quickly set up camp and each made do for the evening meal.  Joe and myself opted for a couple dehydrated meals prepared over our small camp stove.  In all the day went well considering the frustrating start.