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2017 Oregon/Washington roadtrip questions

1K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Woodman 
#1 ·
In the planning stages for a spring ride. The first part of the trip is pretty much set. Ride the coast from northern CA through Oregon and Washington the top of the Olympic Peninsula. Then inland and zig-zag south through the mountains of Washington and Oregon to Klamath Falls to visit friends. We expect to camp most nights, breaking that up with motels every third night or so. Planning on about three weeks for the trip, but extending that by a few days is possible. Not our first long roadtrip, we have good gear for cold and wet when needed.

Looking for suggestions for good roads, scenic views and interesting places to visit along the way. We prefer twisty roads and want to avoid traffic and the interstates as much as possible.

Thanks in advance for ideas.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Man what a fantastic trip that is going to be.

I can't really help in answering your question, but had to post something.

Have a great time and make sure to post pictures of your journey once back home from this spring ride.

My the angle bell hanging from your sled protect you from the road demons brother.

Swomack
 
#3 ·
Motorcycleroads.us helped me with some roads and rides. Following the Columbia River Gorge on the north side is good.

The loop around Mount Saint Helens, and the ride up the east side is worth it.

Rattlesnake Grade in east Oregon is a must ride.

They were repaving the loop around Crater lake when I was there in August.

I recommend Roadrunner magazine for a source of rides and roads as well. They have a website too.

Fish and Chips in Astoria, OR at Bowpickers is a must.

Avenue of the Giants is worthy of the detour off the main road.
 
#4 ·
From the Olympic peninsula take the ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island.
Stop and check out Deception Pass as you cross over it on the bridge.
To get to Chuckanut Drive turn left/north off Hwy 20 onto Farm to Market Road through Bow/Edison then onto Hwy 11.
Have a burger at the Longhorn in Bow.
Possible sidetrip up Hwy 11/ Chuckanut Drive https://www.myscenicdrives.com/drives/washington/chuckanut-drive
Start on Hwy 20/North Cascades Hwy and ride east over the pass to Winthrop. Cool little town
From Winthrop head east on hwy 20 to #153 to Hwy 97 then north along the River to Tonasket.
Check out Shannon's Cafe in Tonasket. Look for the deck with the big tree in it on your left .
Hwy 20 east throgh Sherman Pass then south on Hwy 25 at Kettle Falls. Outstanding road ! views
Stop in Grand Coulee or camp at Banks Lake.http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/NR/rdonlyres/324587D7-1728-4C45-A0CC-B91FA0ED04EA/0/Q11.pdf
There is a great campground Two Rivers right at the confluence of the Spokane and Columbia Rivers on Hwy 25 .Just before Fort Spokane in the upper right section.
If heading to Coulee take the side road to 7 Bays and Creston. Climb the ridge above the Columbia River. very cool
Hwy 155 south out of Grand Coulee is a great ride
Then Hwy 17 south through Soap Lake to ?
Where do you want to go? Cross back over the mountains via Chinook pass to Rainier and St Helens?
 
#5 ·
Thanks Swomack, Woodman, Twowheel, sounds like some good roads. St. Helen's is in the plan, and I heard about Deception Pass years ago but haven't had a chance to ride it yet. Spent a little time on Whidbey back in my Navy days, love to see it again.
 
#8 ·
deadhawg ,
you definitely want to ride over Chinook Pass by Rainier and St Helens.
On the Oregon Coast Florence is a great town. Eat at Moes for lunch. The Zebra Bar for refreshment and a snack and coffee at Suislaw Coffe on the river.
Ten miles north of Florence is the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
Cape Arago by Coos Bay is a cool side trip. Turn left off Hwy 101 on 7 Devils Road and wind through the hills until it intersects Cape Arago Hwy in Charleston and take a left.
Gold Beach ,Oregon eat at the Porthole Restaurant on the Rogue River. When you see the bridge turn left to the docks.
Watch out for Elk from Crescent City up through Florence
 

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#7 ·
You can expect heavy fog along the Oregon coast most days in the summer. While it tends to be warm and clear inland, the marine layer is often thick in the summer months.
 
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