Just west of Hood River is a network of old gravel and dirt roads that local mountain bikers love.

Post Canyon Road

Post Canyon Road starts out as a typical paved rural road, with houses scattered along each side. Shortly past its start at Country Club Road, the pavement ends and the fat-tire fun begins. Several side roads branch off from Post Canyon Road into the Cascade foothills.

You can ride for a long time without seeing any buildings, but you will undoubtedly encounter some clear-cuts and other logged areas, so don’t expect pristine forests. Also, be warned: The road is used by groups of motorbikers at times, so stay alert.

To get there, take Exit 62 off I-84, turn right at the top of the ramp, then make an immediate right onto Country Club Road. Follow this road about 1 mile as it bends to the south, then turn right into the well-signed Post Canyon.

Surveyor’s Ridge Trail

Surveyor’s Ridge Trail (Trail 688) traverses the ridgeline on the east side of the upper Hood River Valley for 17 miles. It offers some great Mount Hood and valley views and is especially fun for mountain bikers. The trailhead is off Forest Service Road 17, which intersects Route 35 about 11 miles south of Hood River just past the big lumber mill to the left of the highway.

Rentals

Stop by Discover Bicycles (116 Oak St., 541/386-4820, www.discoverbicycles.com) for advice on mountain bike trails and bike rentals (from $30 per day).