The Banks – Vernonia State Trail is an old rail bed turned into a recreational trail which has become quite popular. It is one of the longer rail-trails in the area and runs 22 miles from it’s beginning in Banks to the end at Vernonia Lake.
My chosen ride for the day was a 1984 Raleigh Tourer, a bike that I have been riding more lately. It is a really versatile bike and doesn’t care much if the road is smooth pavement or a dirt track. It cruises either type of surface well, and is sporty enough to keep up a brisk pace.
This is a great trail to ride even when it is a little warmer out as it has been lately. The combination of a morning start along with the shady nature of the trail means that you can get a cool ride in even on a hot day!
Midweek rides on the BVT often mean that you will have the trail virtually to yourself, as I experienced on this day. Weekends are usually another story however and the popularity of the route is evident.
Most of the route is flat or a gentle climb, but the trail does have a couple of 11% grades in the middle at the “Top Hill” trailhead. these are not too long in length but are enough to get your heart rate up a bit.
Although the do a pretty good job in maintaining this trail, I have noticed more rough pavement and potholes on my recent rides here. The trail was built in sections over the years with some parts being much older than others. I suspect that in the near future they will need to do some significant repairs.
In the past I have usually stopped in Vernonia at the market and then returned the way I came. The trail continues for about another mile to Lake Vernonia and loops around the lake, which a very pretty spot.
Vernonia itself is also quite a charming small town, tucked away in the coast range.
At the Buxton trailhead is a pretty impressive old curving trestle bridge which is a remnant of the old rail line. It has been restored and resurfaced and makes for an interesting highlight on the trail.
My outbound ride was almost solitary and I encountered few other riders on the route. On my return ride the traffic did start to pick up a bit and I came across many more outbound riders. Like any busy bike path that gets crowded with inexperienced or distracted riders this can be dangerous. The long gentile grades allow you to ride at a good speed for extended sections. I did not encounter any dangerous moments but the potential is there if you are not watchful.
Here is a link to the Oregon State Parks info on the Banks – Vernonia Trail. Enjoy!
June 26, 2021 at 10:26 pm
Looks like a hybrid bike with semi-fat tires. 38 or 42mm? Nice area.
June 27, 2021 at 11:44 am
Hey Richard,
No it’s not a hybrid, just a basic tourer. I put 35c tires on it which is as big as it will go beacuse of brake clearance. You probably need a bike with cantilever brakes to go any bigger. Here is a link to the bike when I got it.
June 26, 2021 at 10:12 pm
That’s a good looking bike!
I think I rode this stretch on my Oregon 600K brevet years ago.
June 27, 2021 at 11:39 am
Thanks Bob. It’s just a lower tier touring bike but it is fun to ride.
ORR has used the BVT on quite a few of their events. It’s a fun section to ride.