1. Keizer-Windsor Island Road

Roll by fields of flowers, hazelnut trees, and hops on this ride from Keizer Rapids Park. It’s easy with or without an electric-assist bicycle.

The ride starts at Keizer Rapids Park on Keizer’s west side and quickly turns north on Windsor Island Road, part of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. This is an “out-and-back” route. The map shows a 14-mile round trip, but you can decide how far to go and turn around at your own halfway point.

Food and Drink: Be sure to carry water and something to eat. There are no services on this ride, but Keizer has many restaurant choices once the outing is complete including The View Restaurant & Lounge at McNary Golf Course and Mommy & Maddi’s – a local gem that serves up breakfast and brunch dishes all day long.

View this route on Ride with GPS here.

2. Minto Brown to Riverdale Road

There’s a peaceful road not far from downtown Salem that only a few local cyclists ride. It’s easy to reach and it provides a few small hills to take advantage of an e-bike’s extra power.

The 17-mile out-and-back ride starts in Salem’s Riverfront Park, passes through Minto-Brown Regional Park, and continues until it reaches River Road South. Riverdale Road, only 100 yards farther along, is a quiet alternative to the main street’s fast-moving traffic. The pavement is a little rough in places, but vehicles are few and far between.

This map suggests a turnaround once you reach the Sawmill Road intersection, but Riverdale continues for another mile if you’re ready for much steeper hills.

Cautions: Make careful turns on and off River Road. Watch out for dogs on long leashes and small children when in the parks.

Food and Drink: Lively Station, at River and Riverdale roads, provides a good stop with a lovely outdoor seating area. Lots of terrific restaurants in downtown Salem await your return as well. Enjoy delicious and healthy bowls at Venti’s Cafe or dive into hearty sandwiches and other fare at Taproot Lounge & Café.

View this route on Ride with GPS here.

3. Independence-Buena Vista Ferry Loop

The City of Independence is a popular place to start and end a Willamette Valley bike tour, so what could be better than an entertaining 25-mile trip perfectly designed for e-bike riders?

Start in downtown Independence, known to local cyclists as “Bike Indy Oregon.” Park in Riverview City Park and pedal south past Polk County farm fields for 10 miles to the hamlet of Buena Vista. Walk the bikes onto the Buena Vista Ferry ($1-per-bike fee) and cross the river into Marion County.

Travel beside the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge along another portion of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, passing Ankeny Winery, and engage the e-bike assist motor up and down a few small hills. With the hills in your rearview mirror, zip by more farmland before crossing the Independence Bridge and turning to Bike Indy.

Concerned about riding with bridge traffic? You can walk across using the sidewalk.

Food and Drink: Downtown Independence is a good place to relax and celebrate your adventure. Main Street is dotted with restaurants, a pastry shop, and great spots to find hot coffee or a cold beer. Check out Brew Coffee & Taphouse, Gilgamesh Brewing – the River or Territory Restaurant.

View this route on Ride with GPS here.

Dan Shryock is a Salem-based author and travel writer who specializes in cycle tourism.