Seattle to Portland

[Mark]

Can anyone provide some information on great rides between Seattle and Portland?

I am planning a major ride around the west coast region and have got most of it mapped out now except for this stretch.
Mt Saint Hellens is on the list of sites to see on the way down but other than that I can't seem to find much about this region and which roads are the best to travel on. I am looking for fun back-roads rather than highways but nothing too rough.

Can anyone offer a suggestion?

[Mollygrubber]

Hi Mark!

Look for a book called Destination Highways, there is a version specifically for Washington state. These books are great, and show you good roads even the locals don't know about. Plus, they list every hotel, motel, restaurant, dealership, service centre etc. etc. etc.

Here's a link to the website, but grab a copy of the book (expensive - $50.00 Canadian), it will give you 10-15% off on certain hotels - you can make your money back

http://washington.destinationhighways.com/

Have a great trip,

Peter

[sweatmark]

During what time of year do you plan to ride? The season has influece on both condition and congestion of roads.

Also, what's your intent for the ride? Scenic, adventure, or sporting? We have good samples of each to chew on.

Finally, do you have route planned through northern California? If so, then I have strong recommendations for your consideration!

[Mark]

Sorry for the very slow reply to this post. I've not been able to get back to this for some time.

Our plans for a ride around the west coast and up from Las Vegas way to Canada etc. is still on the drawing board.
The section that runs from Seattle to Portland is still in flux but the rout from Portland down south to Sant Maria or possibly Santa Barbara is still up for discussion too. Most of this will be off the highway and close to the coast but will swing inland to catch Creater Lake and then again to Yosemite.

It will be in the months of July and August and we want to ride for the fun of riding. See what we see along the way but the trip is all about the bikes. 300km per day and about 40 days in total. Total at this stage is 10,600km. Casual twisting roads with nice vistas and not much traffic (if possible)

Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Sunbeemer]

The BMW-MOA International Rally will be held in Redmond, Oregon July 15-18 this year. Here's a link to the info: http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally10
It's bonzer!

[sweatmark]

Mark-

For Seattle to Portland, ride up to Paradise Lodge on Mt. Rainer, then down past Mt. St.Helens on forest roads to Stevenson, WA. The route is well established by local riders.

For northern California, you might consider part of the route I describe here:

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/ ... OST1293731

Once you get to wine country, you can choose to follow the coast on Hwy 1 or sample vintage.

If it was me, I'd take Hwy 1 through Big Sur, and stop for a quick peek at Laguna Seca.

Happy travels.

[Mark]

Thanks for the feedback - I'll look these up on Google Maps over the weekend.