Day 1 – Saturday, July 17

“Bridges and a Boat” (Mileage options: 27/41/50/73/87/100)

Today’s routes not only showcase the varied beauty of the Willamette Valley, but also several artful ways to cross streams. After taking a modern bridge over the Willamette at Independence, follow the river through the flora of blueberry fields and hazelnut orchards and the fauna of the Ankeny Wildlife Refuge.

The longest loops then take in as many as four historic covered bridges before passing through Jefferson, which boasts its own beautiful span. On the way home, all the longer routes converge on the Buena Vista Ferry for a truly old-school crossing before spinning back to Monmouth. An even shorter ride option will give families a great feel for the local landscape.