Washington/Oregon/NoCal must ride roads?

[Beardo]

Wife and I are taking off Saturday for a trip out west. Will be going through Creston, Nelson, Kaslo, New Denver, Nakusp, Fauquier, Vernon, Kelowna, then probably cross into the States at Osoyoos. After msb recommenced that route last year and blew my mind, I gotta take the wife on it this year.

I’ve never been west of Idaho in the Northern US. Any recommendations on must-ride roads, we may go all the way to the coast and go down a bit into Northern California or might just explore Oregon, Washington, Idaho for a few days. Would like to stick to the mountains and away from the 35+ (95+) temps if we can. We’ve never been to the coast, temps appear to be cooler there, but this Prairie Canuck is pretty lacking on my knowledge of that area and the weather.

Would like to stick to secondary hiways and away from the Interstates, crazy traffic, tourist traps, RV convoys and big cities(anything with more than 100,000 is big for me  ) .

Just doing some Youtube’ing, Hiway 410 in Washington looks pretty nice. 199 Crescent City to Grants Pass?

Any recommendations?

[..]

Pacific Coast Hwy might be  bit trafficky but the scenery is amazing.

[msb]

TONS of great riding in northern ID through Eastern to Central WA. From Osoyoos /Orville border crossing, if going West, take 97 down to 20 and do the Upper Cascade through Winthrop to #9 for sure. That is a must ride. If continuing West and South, do not... I repeat... DO NOT go anywhere near #5... getting stuck on there anywhere will wreck your whole trip... depressing as he**. PCH is great but I bet there'll be lots of traffic this time of year.
If you want to stay more East once you hit the States, again take 20 East through Republic, Kettle Falls, up to Tiger and then down along Pend Oreille River... beautiful riding with minimal traffic and lots of cool little towns. Then you can head West if you like... Grand Coulee, Soap Lake, etc is pretty good riding, and a real change in scenery. Meandering rides are the best... many of the back roads we've found in ID and WA were found by chatting up the locals in the small cafes and gas stations (you like people, right?)     Ahh, the anticipation of heading out on a long ride... we just got home a few days ago and I miss it already... have fun

[Disco]

California 36 was part of what may be my favorite day of riding ever.  From Chester, west to Eureka.  Forests, lakes, high desert, redwoods, and hundreds of miles of curves.

Lots of great riding in that area.

[The emperor has no clothes]

It has been a long time since I've ridden in Washington or Oregon. My only advice for that would be to not go over the mountains into the metropolis area. NorCal has more great riding than can be laid out here. If you are able to get there (it's a long ways for you) Disco is right, CA 36 is great. Platina Road connects up with it. Definitely do that also. Ave of the Giants is pretty cool also. If you are to work your way that direction, I would head over to 101 once you get well south of Tacoma.

[sheets]

Many northern California roads are celebrated as motorcycle nirvana. If temps are an issue, be aware they climb dramatically (June-July-Aug) once you get about 20 miles inland from the coast. Can be 60* F. on the coast . . .  thirty minutes later can break triple digits. Daily temps are a crap shoot. One day a blissful 75-80` F - the next day 105` (or higher).

Oregon Coast - much of the view of the ocean from the road is obscured by hills, trees and in some cases houses and buildings. The best section for coastline view is from Port Orford - south

Grants Pass, Oregon - is inland and can be quite warm. 199 - along the wild and scenic Smith River - to the coast is beautiful and the temps will gradually get cooler as you head towards Crescent City.    

Calif. - Once you get south of Brookings, Oregon, there is not much, if any view of the coastline. A short albeit beautiful section from up high on the bluffs south of Crescent City for about five miles. Once you hit the beach at the base of the hill the road (101) goes inland again (near Trees of Mystery). With the exception of 1 mile along the beach just south of Orick, there is no view of the coast.

If you want to see miles and miles and miles of coastline, you need to work your way south on 101 and connect to Hwy 01 at the hamlet of Leggett. Gas up in town of Garberville.

From Hwy 01 - my preference for jumping off point is Hwy 128 east to Boonville.

As stated - inland temps 15/20 miles inland are dramatically different than temps on the coast. Can be a cool foggy zipped-up 62* (F) ride on the coast turning to baking to blistering heat once you leave the coastal range and hit the inland climate zone.

Cali 36 - is a secondary two-lane road between the coast and I-5. Its a renowned motorcycle road. Can be busy with motorcycles (sport bikes) and busy with folks driving big 4WD grow-dozer rigs who live in the hills farming Weed. East of I-5 is beautiful as well.

Cali 299 - is primary two-lane road between coast and I-5. Quite scenic in its own right (but with much more traffic), much of it along the Trinity River. Coast to Redding = 140 miles and 3 1/2 hours seat time.

Cali 96 - is secondary two-lane road connecting from 299 in Willow Creek going north-east to connect to I-5 in Yreka. Willow Creek to Yreka = 160 miles and 4 hours seat time. Gas up in Willow Creek

Cali 03 - secondary two-lane road between Yreka - Weaverville - Hayfork - Jct with 36. Beautiful twisty two-lane - remote rural area. Inland temps.

Hope this helps your with a game plan.

( I live in Willow Creek - off Hwy 96)

sheets  

[Beardo]

Thanks guys, awesome stuff.  Keep it coming!

Would love to see come of them giant trees there in Northern Cali...just don’t know if I wanna ride...or would survive...in that heat.  I’ve ridden through SD a few times when it was over 100...me no likey.

[DirtyDan]

California 299

One of the best I’ve ever seen

Dan

[Beardo]

So Osoyoos-hiway 20, down to 410, down 97 to 3, 299, up to Crescent City, 199, then meander our way home. Or something like that. 

[msb]

So Osoyoos-hiway 20, down to 410, down 97 to 3, 299, up to Crescent City, 199, then meander our way home. Or something like that. 

Yes!! "Meander" is the key word here....there's lots of options once you get down across that border crossing. Just be prepared to change your plans on a whim at any point along those routes.The "meander" route is highly underrated...the best route at times is no planned route at all. That's the best and my favourite part of solo (with or without the much better half) touring....can just go whichever way you feel when you get up each morning. I bet you just can't wait to get some of that outside tread  burnt off of those Saskatchewan prairie tires

[Beardo]

So Osoyoos-hiway 20, down to 410, down 97 to 3, 299, up to Crescent City, 199, then meander our way home. Or something like that. 

Yes!! "Meander" is the key word here....there's lots of options once you get down across that border crossing. Just be prepared to change your plans on a whim at any point along those routes.The "meander" route is highly underrated...the best route at times is no planned route at all. That's the best and my favourite part of solo (with or without the much better half) touring....can just go whichever way you feel when you get up each morning. I bet you just can't wait to get some of that outside tread  burnt off of those Saskatchewan prairie tires

Yeah, we don’t usually plan at all, usually just have a few spots in mind and wing it...pun intended .  Just wanted a bit of feedback from the members down there since they’d point me in the direction of a few of those spots. 

And yeah, the new tires still have some pretty wide chicken strips on them. They gotta go.

[sheets]

If you're blasting down 97, depending on your allotted time for options;

You might consider a minor detour in Oregon - Rte 138 west to the back way into Crater Lake Nat'l Park. Spend an hour or two at the main view area with cafe and souvenir shop. A spectacular view one never gets tired of looking at. Worth the price of admission. Take the "other" way out to connect to Rte 62 - and head down the mountain to Medford. We lodge at the Edgewater Inn in Shady Cove (try to get a ground floor room that opens to the river - Bike parked right outside your door). Good restaurants within walking distance (Mac's Diner - a `50s &`60s era theme).

Since you mentioned Hwy 3 . . .

I-5 south from Medford is scenic and beautiful as far as Interstate travel is concerned. Kinda busy for eight or ten miles adjacent to Medford, but traffic soon clears and thins out to a comfortable ride surrounded with beautiful scenery as you transit south to Yreka - the jumping off point to catch Hwy 3 to Weaverville. Hwy 3 won't disappoint. Several miles of scenic rural hwy in great condition. You will climb and cross over Scott mountain. The south slope is quite steep and twisty for about ten miles. Is good pavement and beautiful sights coming down the mountain - no shoulders or guardrail so mishaps are very unforgiving. A hundred miles between Yreka and Weaverville.  Weaverville is a good size small town - about 3000 population. Gas and cafes and variety of stores and such. About 100 miles to the coast to pick up 101.

As you head north on 101, soon after passing through the small hamlet of Orick you will see the beginning of "freeway". At that point there is an exit to the old road that goes through the Park. Take Newton B. Drury Parkway - and go through the Redwoods for 8-9 miles before you get back on the freeway to continue north. Take your time In Prairie Creek State Park and walk in the woods for a bit. The old road parallels the freeway, so you can't stray off course.

maybe stop and visit the Trees of Mystery in Klamath. Just north of there you will be on the ocean - then start climbing the grade along the bluffs as you head for Crescent City. A nice ride through big trees.

Something to consider.

[Beardo]

That’s great stuff sheets, so very helpful. Will definitely be using your advice. Appreciate it. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

If you find yourself near Eureka, Samoa Cookhouse is a must.

[Beardo]

If you find yourself near Eureka, Samoa Cookhouse is a must.

Thanks. But I just checked their website. Their gravy is white. Gravy is brown. 

[Red Diamond]

If you’re heading to the coast and exploring Oregon, do a little Interstate and ride I84 thru the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the waterfalls, great.

[The emperor has no clothes]

If you find yourself near Eureka, Samoa Cookhouse is a must.

Thanks. But I just checked their website. Their gravy is white. Gravy is brown. 

Ah, yes. I forgot about the strange Canadian gravy peccadillos. 

[Deerslayer]

being from the great state of Washington.. (this place is motorcycle heaven, tons of great roads) just stay away from seattle metro.

if it were my ride, I  would cross the BC border at Boundary (NE corner of Washington) it's a small 1 man border crossing. this follows the Columbia river to kettle falls.  turn west on to hwy 20. you will be treated to the best roads Washington has to offer.

you will cruise over 3 mountain passes, Sherman pass , Wauconda pass &  the Great American Alps 'North Cascades Hwy'... once your done with this section, there will be no chicken strips left on your tires if you did it right.
 keep going on hwy 20 to Whidbey island (bridge)  then cross the ferry to Hwy 101.

 follow 101 along the north coast, then follow 101 down the coast road south to Long beach.

none of this has "heavy traffic"

then follow the Colombia River to hwy 97 & cruise south down central Oregon & take in Creator Lake.

more later

[0leman]

If you make it to southern OR, do definitely make it to Crater Lake.  As mentioned it is a great place to sit and look at (do so several times a year including winter time).  Or ride the loop road.   Plan on taking several hours there, maybe a half day.

As another place to visit, is Lassen National Park in CA.  It is on Hwy 89 which connect to Hwy 44.  Road over the Park is a slow one but fun.  Lots of places to stop and see.  One, is a area of bubbling hot water/mud that is equal to anything seen in Yellowstone National Park.


There are a lot of fun Motorcycle roads going over the Cascades in this part of OR.  Hwy 66 is one of them.  Lots of curves coming out of Ashland, OR to Keno Or.   Plus lots of great views.    Hwy 138 is another going from Roseburg to Hwy 97. 

I just got back from the coast, around the Waldport area.  The traffic for most part was not bad, seen it worse.  Lots of bikes.   As far as not seeing the water, lots of place to pull off and view the seas.  Many view points. Places to walk on the beach or view tidal pools to see little creators.   We even got to watch a wale feeding not more than a 300 yards  away.  Awesome. 

[Beardo]

being from the great state of Washington.. (this place is motorcycle heaven, tons of great roads) just stay away from seattle metro.

if it were my ride, I  would cross the BC border at Boundary (NE corner of Washington) it's a small 1 man border crossing. this follows the Columbia river to kettle falls.  turn west on to hwy 20. you will be treated to the best roads Washington has to offer.

you will cruise over 3 mountain passes, Sherman pass , Wauconda pass &  the Great American Alps 'North Cascades Hwy'... once your done with this section, there will be no chicken strips left on your tires if you did it right.
 keep going on hwy 20 to Whidbey island (bridge)  then cross the ferry to Hwy 101.

 follow 101 along the north coast, then follow 101 down the coast road south to Long beach.

none of this has "heavy traffic"

then follow the Colombia River to hwy 97 & cruise south down central Oregon & take in Creator Lake.

more later

Route changed. Thanks! 

[Deerslayer]

being from the great state of Washington.. (this place is motorcycle heaven, tons of great roads) just stay away from seattle metro.

if it were my ride, I  would cross the BC border at Boundary (NE corner of Washington) it's a small 1 man border crossing. this follows the Columbia river to kettle falls.  turn west on to hwy 20. you will be treated to the best roads Washington has to offer.

you will cruise over 3 mountain passes, Sherman pass , Wauconda pass &  the Great American Alps 'North Cascades Hwy'... once your done with this section, there will be no chicken strips left on your tires if you did it right.
 keep going on hwy 20 to Whidbey island (bridge)  then cross the ferry to Hwy 101.

 follow 101 along the north coast, then follow 101 down the coast road south to Long beach.

none of this has "heavy traffic"

then follow the Colombia River to hwy 97 & cruise south down central Oregon & take in Creator Lake.

more later

Route changed. Thanks! 

When cruising along the Columbia River over to hwy 97 & down to Creator Lake ... stay on the Washington side of the river..its low use twisty 2 lane road.. the Oregon side is an interstate freeway.
When you reach hwy 97... take a short 5 mile detour. Turn North on 97 & climb up the grade. There is  cluster of high speed twisties as you climb to the sky. The very 1st Washington paved road will be on your right. (Closed now but it would be a fun ride).
Now pay attention. There might be a cop sitting on the very crest of the hill (never anywhere else). its very apparent as you near the top of the hill ‘slow down’.
Gas up in Oregon if you can & you won’t have to pay our very high stupid gas taxes.

Make sure you report back with details of your trip.

‘Slayer

[Beardo]

Great stuff. Thanks again.

If anyone ever needs any advice on travelling though Saskatchewan, I’ll return the favour. 

[Deerslayer]

Great stuff. Thanks again.

If anyone ever needs any advice on travelling though Saskatchewan, I’ll return the favour. 

While on hwy 97 on your way to creator lake.. if you have time stop in Bend at the ‘High Desert Museum”.
 They have an assortment of old time working machines & equipment. They even have a working saw mill, a working bakery amongst other things that is staffed by volunteers who work the equipment.
A little farther south on 97, There is a state park with a large lava flow area just off the hwy that is worth the stop.

Now ... I want to go!   

[msb]

If anyone ever needs any advice on travelling though Saskatchewan, I’ll return the favour. 

"Point your bike in a straight line either East or West, set cruise control to 120 kph, close your eyes and have a nice long  nap" 

[Beardo]

If anyone ever needs any advice on travelling though Saskatchewan, I’ll return the favour. 

"Point your bike in a straight line either East or West, set cruise control to 120 kph, close your eyes and have a nice long  nap" 

“Don’t.”

[The Walrus]

Great stuff. Thanks again.

If anyone ever needs any advice on travelling though Saskatchewan, I’ll return the favour. 

While on hwy 97 on your way to creator lake.. if you have time stop in Bend at the ‘High Desert Museum”.
 They have an assortment of old time working machines & equipment. They even have a working saw mill, a working bakery amongst other things that is staffed by volunteers who work the equipment.
A little farther south on 97, There is a state park with a large lava flow area just off the hwy that is worth the stop.

Now ... I want to go!   

If you take this route be sure to also stop and see Stonehenge. Just North of Biggs, OR on Hwy 14. it's an easy blip over from Biggs/Goldendale.  It is a WWI memorial but recreates Stonehenge.

[Beardo]

being from the great state of Washington.. (this place is motorcycle heaven, tons of great roads) just stay away from seattle metro.

if it were my ride, I  would cross the BC border at Boundary (NE corner of Washington) it's a small 1 man border crossing. this follows the Columbia river to kettle falls.  turn west on to hwy 20. you will be treated to the best roads Washington has to offer.

you will cruise over 3 mountain passes, Sherman pass , Wauconda pass &  the Great American Alps 'North Cascades Hwy'... once your done with this section, there will be no chicken strips left on your tires if you did it right.
 keep going on hwy 20 to Whidbey island (bridge)  then cross the ferry to Hwy 101.

 follow 101 along the north coast, then follow 101 down the coast road south to Long beach.

none of this has "heavy traffic"

then follow the Colombia River to hwy 97 & cruise south down central Oregon & take in Creator Lake.

more later

Having a great ride so far...although we hit a thunderstorm between Kettle Falls and Republic...no big deal usually, but it turned into snow. About 3” on the road. Luckily there were tracks from a truck to follow. Was a little hairy but all part of the fun  . Wasn’t much we could do but keep going through it, couldn’t get out of the tracks  . Wife was surprisingly calm...til we stopped at Republic...then it was “Holy SH!T!”

Cut the day short, in Okanagan for the night. Didn’t want to risk another mountain pass today lol. Motels look pretty spotty on the next stretch and didn’t want to get caught.

[Deerslayer]

holy... crap
3" of slimy roads hail /snow is no fun.

too bad that is one of my favorite roads. that area of the state gets 300 sunny days a year & typically 85-90* this time of year.
 
good plan to stop. no need to push your luck.
you are about to ride my all-time very favorite road "north cascades hwy"

from my front door to Winthrop is 150 miles of awesomeness. gas up & turn around then do it again.
 sea level to 5,000' of some of the best high speed twisties I've seen.

.. Slayer

[Beardo]

holy... crap
3" of slimy roads hail /snow is no fun.

too bad that is one of my favorite roads. that area of the state gets 300 sunny days a year & typically 85-90* this time of year.
 
good plan to stop. no need to push your luck.
you are about to ride my all-time very favorite road "north cascades hwy"

from my front door to Winthrop is 150 miles of awesomeness. gas up & turn around then do it again.
 sea level to 5,000' of some of the best high speed twisties I've seen.

.. Slayer

Yeah...I guess it was likely small hail...looked like snow. Lol

This was taken after the worst of it and the wife got the nerve to pull out her phone...




Caught up to 2 guys from Alberta on FJRs who have done this route before, then we ended up at the same motel here. One is heading home today, the other asked if he could join us for the ride to the coast, we said sure. He was shocked that we stayed on their 6 with a fully loaded Wing 2-up...especially when he saw our Saskatchewan plates. He said normally SK riders can’t corner for crap  . Personally, I thought they were going kinda slow and was wanting to pass them.  

Looking forward to today. Thanks again for all the recommendations. That border crossing you recommended was great, not a single vehicle ahead of us, pulled right in.  

[0leman]

Hey, if you plan on making it down to the Crater Lake area, drop me a line to maybe hook up.  I am usually available most day except for Wednesdays. 

[Beardo]

Hey, if you plan on making it down to the Crater Lake area, drop me a line to maybe hook up.  I am usually available most day except for Wednesdays. 

Not sure if we’ll stop there on the way down or the way back...after Whidbey Island, we just know we’re going south, not sure which way. Might decide to hug the coast for a ways...us Prairie folk don’t see the ocean very often. Weather and traffic dependant.

[Savago]

All good suggestions. I would try to add a few of the high passes (Ebbets, Sonora, Monitor, Carson) in the Sierra and a ride through Yosemite National Park (there is also the Tioga Pass heading to east of the Park).

The Avenue of the Giants along the Redwoods National Park is also a highlight.

If you have enough time, the Big Sur (CA-01) is also a nice ride (but avoid the weekends as it is pretty busy).

A few videos I've recorded (watch with audio + high res + fullscreen):
a) Red Woods (and Avenue of Giants): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQjDWEUm6w4

b) Big Sur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysbJXU7qMuo

c) Carson Pass and Lake Tahoe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLQ_QiefgTw

d) High Passes (Ebbets, Monitor, Sonora, Tioga): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bucmWfc_Kog

And Oregon, make sure to include Crater Lake:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_FohNMmxQwo

[Savago]

About the CA-36: there used to exist a gas station/grocery store (The Platina Store) in its middle, approaching the fork between CA-36 and CA-03.

It is now closed, so make sure you refill before entering the CA-36!

If coming from West, either Eureka or Fortuna. If coming from east, either Red Bluff or Redding.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/t66s2jeqFyhTUTRz8
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KdqNL8n22AVKUDRb9

[gordonv]

Good work Beardo, I didn't realize you had already left, but was only planing the trip.

Hwy 20 is great through the Cascade Mtn. Over to Whitby as mentioned, then around the Olympic Peninsula. You can contact Ken Fox over in Port Angeles and the Judge (maybe). If you've time, up into the park their too.

[Beardo]

Yeah, 20 was spectacular  

Scraped several flexible parts and some not so flexible ones. FJR dude was impressed with the Wing...and my wife’s courage/trust  

Hiway 101 along Lake Crescent through Olympic National Park was pretty nice too. Fresh pavement and nice scenery.

In Aberdeen for the night. Great day.

[Oss]

when I rode out there in 2012 I stopped at Stonehenge with Bear and Allan (they live near Mt Hood)


A really cool experience as was the dells   Wonder about lolo pass as I rode it in pouring rain the whole way (except for flurries at the summit)  Next time maybe I will take it eastbound.

As to the Columbia river you WILL pass a thousand or more windmills whether on the Washington or Oregon side and be prepared as you round bends for sudden bodacious wind gusts.  You will make better time on the Oregon side but the Washington side seemed less travelled.  There are a ton of nice roads in Oregon I missed,

Multnomah (sp?) falls, the waterfall west of Portland was awesome

Would like to take three weeks or so and ride back out that way maybe in a couple of years if the stars will align for a solo ride.  Want to take 2 thru Montana and Washington next time on the way back east

I will bookmark this thread thanks everyone for the mind fodder

[Beardo]

Just a few pics:









On the ferry...

[Shasta]

Let me know if you'll be cruising through Redding in Northern California and I can show you around some great roads.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Just a few pics:









On the ferry...

very nice ! (Looks a little different than the prairie land)

[Deerslayer]

Just a few pics:







NICE..
Did you happen to see any Whales on the ferry ride?


On the ferry...