From Portland, OR, take US Highway 26 eastbound for about 56 miles, over Mt. Hood, past Government Camp.  Turn north onto State Highway 35 to Hood River.  At 15.1 miles, just past Sherwood Campground, turn left into the gravel parking area and trailhead alongside the highway.

The trailhead parking area was pretty easy to find, as there were already several cars there when we arrived.  After unpacking the bikes, we noticed that the sign at the trailhead did not read "East Fork Trail".  It read something else.  After brief confusion, we followed other bikers down the trail and a short distance into the woods was a sign which indicated which trail to go to.   

We walked our bikes over the narrow footbridge over the river  and turned immediately left (upriver) and began climbing.  The trail continued to climb, following several switchbacks, but they weren't too difficult, though we did have to hike-a-bike a few times.  The trail was in good shape, mostly wide singletrack, and the rumors of fallen trees across the trail seemed to be removed.  The trail followed the river most of the way, and provided some nice lunch spots.  (It is recommended NOT to eat Egg McMuffins as energy food).  

After several good climbs, and a few downhills, we reached a riverside area that was all sand.  We hiked it for a while, and biked it for a while, but seeing no real end to the sand, we turned around.  The trail actually ends at Robinhood Campground, which we could see up ahead, so we figured there wasn't really a point in continuing through the sand.  

The return trip, of course, was a lot more fun, as there were lots of short ups and downs (mostly downs!) and not much traffic coming up the trail.  The return was fast and furious, and the scenery, though without vistas, was peaceful and enjoyable.  Although a little short, this was a really nice ride, and I'm sure we'll ride it again, perhaps in conjunction with a hike or another ride on Mt. Hood.