Naturally, scores of road riding routes have been developed in recent years, many pairing scenic views with bike-friendly infrastructure—like charming ferries, hotels equipped with maintenance stations, B&Bs outfitted with bike storage, and more. And that’s to say nothing of the many wineries, brewpubs, and regionally minded restaurants that serve hungry riders.

So whether you’re looking for a leisurely day trip through the best of the Mid-Willamette Valley or are putting together a multi-day adventure, here’s your ultimate guide to road cycling around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley.

In all, the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway (WVSB) runs 134 miles north to south through its namesake valley—passing countless vineyards, farms, and communities while largely paralleling the Willamette River. Among dedicated cyclists, there are few more scenic routes in all of Oregon. Hearty riders make a (very long) day of it, while the rest of us break the trip up over two or three days—making time to visit tasting rooms and enjoy the region’s hospitality along the way.

In the Salem region, cyclists will find plenty to love along the WVSB route that runs through the city. If you find yourself cycling some (or all) of the scenic bikeway soon, here’s how to make the most of your time.

Where to stay along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway: You’ll find a wide range of bike-friendly overnight stays in the Mid-Willamette Valley. The Independence Hotel, for instance, offers a variety of amenities specifically for cyclists—such as in-room bike storage, an indoor workroom, and an outdoor maintenance and cleaning station.

Where to eat and drink along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway: The scenic bikeway passes through downtown Salem—so you’re never far from your next favorite meal or refreshing beverage. In downtown proper, stop by Epilogue Kitchen and Cocktails for an ever-changing menu of locally sourced, internationally inspired fare—like crab cakes, pierogi, or burrata; as the name implies, the creative cocktail selection is outstanding. Nearby Taproot Lounge & Café dishes refreshing salads alongside a light, yet filling dinner menu (featuring the likes of cauliflower tacos and hearty pulled pork sandwiches). And in Independence, just across the river from the scenic bikeway, Gilgamesh Brewing: The River pairs expertly crafted ales and lagers with locally sourced pub grub in a friendly, relaxed setting.

The Stayton Covered Bridges Loop showcases a little of everything that makes the mid-Willamette Valley so magical. While pedaling the 57-mile route, you'll cycle through six covered bridges, enjoy the small-town charm of Stayton and Scio, and get an up-close look at the region's lush farmland.

Where to stay along the Stayton Covered Bridges Loop: Start or end your journey with a trip—and a meal—at the historic Gardner House Café and Bed and Breakfast. The acclaimed B&B sits in a house that dates back to 1898—and has been providing overnight stays and locally sourced meals since 1976. Today, visitors can enjoy a night or two in the B&B's cottage, nosh on a variety of classic breakfast and lunch dishes, and even make a reservation for high tea.

Where to eat and drink along the Stayton Covered Bridges Loop: You'll find plenty of eateries around Stayton—including the popular Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, serving fresh Mexican fare with homemade salsas, and the bustling Covered Bridge Cafe (which dishes hearty breakfast and lunch classics). And if you’re looking for some liquid refreshment and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, be sure to stop at Snow Peak Brewing, Stayton’s first official brewery.

You’ll find plenty to love about cycling in Polk County—with the appropriately named Miles of Smiles Route topping the list. The out-and-back trip begins in Salem before heading southwest through the likes of Monmouth and Independence—and ending at the charmingly vintage Buena Vista Ferry.

Along the way, you'll cross historic bridges, spy osprey, and bald eagles soaring overhead, and see decades-old homesteads along the region's backroads. Rolling hillsides and just one short stretch of sustained climbing make this a fun route for experienced cyclists.

Expect to pedal 28 miles if you have two vehicles and can shuttle back to the start of the ride—or 56 miles if you're up for an epic, day-long adventure.

Where to stay along the Miles of Smiles Route: Since you're starting (and presumably ending) your adventure in Oregon’s capital city, treat yourself to a night at The Grand Hotel in Salem. The historic hotel boasts oversized rooms for convenient, in-room storage at the southern edge of downtown. MaMere's Guest House, meanwhile, is a historic bed-and-breakfast in Monmouth—which sits along the route; in addition to locally sourced breakfast, the B&B offers overnight bike storage for a secure stay.

Where to eat and drink along the Miles of Smiles Route: You're heading through the heart of wine country in the mid-Willamette Valley, so stop into Eola Hills Wine Cellars, which hosts a cozy tasting room along the route. If you're looking for a meal, you'll find a few filling eateries in Monmouth; the always bustling Yeasty Beasty uses organic, stone-ground flours in its creative pizzas, and Grain Station Brew Works serves classic pub fare alongside house-made beers.

There's no surprise about what the Hops, Crops, and Winery Stops Ride offers in Polk County. The 24-mile, largely flat ride begins in Monmouth before heading east through Independence and turning south into the heart of Mid-Willamette Valley farmland. A trip in late summer or early fall rewards riders with views of wine grapes at peak ripeness, hop bines ready to be picked, bustling hazelnut orchards, and more.

Wildlife sightings, meanwhile, are common—and might include deer, bald eagles, great blue herons, and more. For a short detour, consider a trip across the Willamette River on the historic Buena Vista Ferry.

Where to stay along the Hops, Crops, and Winery Stops Ride: Your best bet for overnight stays along the route come in Independence. If you’re comfortable with roughing it, the Bicycle Boater Campground in Independence's Riverview Park sits along the Willamette River—just a block from downtown—and offers solar showers, a bike repair station, drinking water, and Wi-Fi—all for just $10 per night.

Where to eat and drink along the Hops, Crops, and Winery Stops Ride: Stop into Elysium Botanicals (Formerly Redgate Vineyard) for a sweeping tasting room that affords views of the surrounding vineyards; Redgate routinely hosts live music from local artists for added fun. And in Independence, you can fuel up for your ride with breads, pastries, sandwiches, coffee, and more at Ovenbird Bakery—or celebrate your ride over hearty sandwiches, mac-and-cheese dishes, creative cocktails, and local beers at Brew Coffee and Taphouse.