Originally Posted by
adventurepdx
And you can always loop, going out one side and coming back the other. Just note the issues with bridges: Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks-Stevenson) is narrow and has a steel grate deck, and the Hood River Bridge is off-limits to bikes, though it isn't hard to hitch across with a bike. I've done it a few times.
I lead a "loop" ride every July, heading up the Washington side on SR-14
or Washougal River Road and SR-14, crossing on the Bridge of the Gods and then returning on the Old Gorge Highway. We start and finish at the south end of the I-205 bridge. It works out to be about 82 miles. I don't know how early I would attempt this, but it wouldn't be too bad right now. (If only I were in *cough* shape.) As above- the Bridge of the Gods is metal grate and can be very slick when wet. It's rideable when dry.
The nice thing about this route is that it catches the westerly wind on SR-14, but you're pretty sheltered on the Oregon side if you go up to Crown Point and down into Troutdale. (Check ODOT- they are working on the road up to Crown Point right now.) The last couple miles on Marine Drive into the headwind will wear down your soul.
Here's my web page about the ride:
http://www.ohpv.org/events/bog/BoG.htm