Dusting off my bike felt like rediscovering an old friend. Living in a vibrant cycling community, it was almost shameful how long my bike had been neglected, tires flat and all. However, watching my eight-year-old daughter confidently ride her bike last summer sparked a change. It was time for me to get back in the saddle and explore the local Bike Trails.
To shake off the rust, we attended a fantastic free family bike safety clinic – just another perk of living in Eugene! After some essential maintenance – pumping tires, helmet adjustments – and practicing hand signals and navigating a skills course, we felt ready for a real adventure. The spring weather was perfect, and with bikes already loaded in the car, excuses vanished. Our destination? The Row River Trail in Cottage Grove, a renowned bike trail promising scenic beauty and family-friendly fun.
The Row River Trail, also celebrated as the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, stretches over 35.5 miles (57.13 km), offering a largely paved and gentle path ideal for families. A significant portion winds alongside the picturesque Dorena Reservoir. My daughter aimed to conquer eight miles, mirroring her upcoming school bike trip distance, while I simply craved sunshine, fresh air, and a gentle reawakening for my cycling muscles.
Cottage Grove is conveniently located just twenty minutes south of Eugene via Interstate 5. We chose the Mosby Creek Trailhead for parking, not the official start, but a practical entry point with restrooms and easy access to the paved bike trail. Within minutes, we found ourselves crossing a historic “Rails-to-Trails” railroad bridge, famously featured in the movie “Stand By Me,” adding a touch of cinematic history to our ride.
Row River Trail by Taj Morgan
Spring was in full bloom along the bike trail. Cherry blossom petals danced around us like soft snow. Delicate white butterflies, resembling drifting petals, fluttered above vibrant wildflowers. Birdsong filled the air, and horses grazed peacefully by the fence lines of sprawling green pastures dotted with classic red barns. The scenery was undeniably picturesque, a perfect backdrop for our family bike trail adventure.
Our pace was decidedly child-led, delightfully slow, allowing us to soak in every detail – including the smaller inhabitants of this beautiful trail. We paused for a mini-rescue mission, carefully relocating a plump green worm from the paved path to the safety of damp grass, away from potential bike tires. Mission accomplished, we continued our leisurely ride.
This section of the bike trail was shared mostly with walkers. The path meandered through farmland, pleasantly removed from roads and buildings. Its flat, smooth surface, interspersed with patches of dappled sunlight, made for easy cycling. Well-marked road crossings provided opportunities to reinforce our bike safety drills.
Spring blossoms along the Row River Trail by Taj Morgan
As we approached Dorena Reservoir, the bike trail terrain subtly changed. Gentle inclines and bumps from tree roots, clearly marked with yellow paint, added a bit of fun. My daughter enthusiastically dubbed them “speed bumps,” making sure to ride over each one with gusto.
The trail became shadier, lined with towering trees, dipping below Row River Road and nestled between the road and the reservoir. Gradually, the trees thinned, revealing breathtaking views of the shimmering water. Benches and picnic tables strategically placed along the bike trail beckoned us to pause, admire the scenery, and read the informative signs.
Shady Row River Trail by Taj Morgan
The walkers we’d seen earlier were now replaced by occasional cyclists, though the bike trail remained remarkably uncrowded compared to other paths I’ve experienced. Then, we encountered a humorous traffic sign featuring Sasquatch, warning us to “avoid eye contact.” While I chuckled, my daughter was slightly more apprehensive, casting nervous glances around for the next half mile!
Dorena Reservoir by Taj Morgan
Reaching Harms Park, I suggested turning back, considering it our first ride of the season. But my daughter, thoroughly enjoying herself, resisted. The delightful weather and captivating bike trail scenery spurred us onward. She promised no complaints, no bike-pushing for me later.
Sasquatch Warning on the Row River Trail by Taj Morgan
She even declared her intention to cycle around the entire lake! While I admired her ambition, a full lake circuit wasn’t feasible for us that day. Beyond mileage, the route on the far side of Dorena Reservoir transitions to roads, which we weren’t yet prepared for. Continuing to Culp Creek would also introduce steeper inclines. I explained the importance of building up to longer rides, and how our limited water and impromptu planning made such a long ride unwise.
We compromised on Smith Creek Bridge, marking 7.5 miles into our ride. Returning to the car from there would bring our total to a satisfying 15-mile bike trail adventure, doubling our initial goal. (Parent tip: plan your route in advance! Beautiful trails can tempt you further than is practical, and remember, every mile out is a mile back with a potentially tired child.)
Dorena Reservoir Shoreline by Taj Morgan
On our return journey, we took time to explore the lake’s edge. The gentle lapping of water against the rocky shore created a serene atmosphere. Driftwood pieces lay scattered along the beach, and distant blue hills met the clear sky. Birds swooped along the shoreline as the sun warmed our faces. We savored the tranquility – and she thoroughly soaked her sneakers. But learning to cycle includes navigating damp shoes, right?
Back on the bike trail, my daughter kept her promise – no complaints. However, my seat was starting to feel less forgiving, and my legs and arms hinted at fatigue. She felt it too, and our pace slowed further. I discovered it’s surprisingly harder to cycle slowly than quickly! Still, we happily completed our ride, loading our bikes with a sense of accomplishment after our first spring cycling day. Our adventure lasted just over three hours.
Cycling Mom & Child by Taj Morgan
Overall, the Row River bike trail exceeded my expectations. Perfect for novice family cyclists, well-maintained, uncrowded, breathtakingly beautiful, and offering varied scenery. Having rediscovered this gem, I doubt my bike will gather dust again this year.
