The Pacific Northwest: Where Every Road Is a Postcard
The Pacific Northwest is a motorcycle paradise hiding in plain sight. Between the rugged Oregon coast, the volcanic peaks of the Cascades, and the rain-forest valleys of Washington State, this region packs more scenic diversity into a small area than almost anywhere else in North America. The roads are well-maintained, the curves are plentiful, and the views will stop you in your tracks — sometimes literally, because you will want to pull over every few miles for a photo.
The Oregon Coast: Highway 101
Highway 101 along the Oregon coast is one of America's great motorcycle roads. The 363-mile stretch from Astoria in the north to Brookings in the south delivers an unbroken chain of sea stacks, lighthouses, sand dunes, and fishing villages. The road itself alternates between sweeping coastal curves and forested inland sections, keeping the riding varied and engaging.
Key stops include Cannon Beach (for the iconic Haystack Rock), Cape Perpetua (for the Thor's Well blowhole), and the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor near Gold Beach — arguably the most beautiful 12 miles of coastline in the United States.
Mount Hood and the Volcanic Loop
Oregon's Mount Hood Scenic Byway is a 100-mile loop that circles the state's tallest peak through orchards, forests, and river gorges. Combined with a run through the Columbia River Gorge on the Historic Highway, this makes for a spectacular full-day ride. The curves are moderate, the elevation changes are dramatic, and Mount Hood's snow-capped summit dominates the horizon.
For a longer volcanic adventure, ride south to Crater Lake — the deepest lake in the United States, cradled in a collapsed volcano. The Rim Drive around the lake is 33 miles of mountain riding with pull-offs that reveal impossibly blue water below.
Washington's North Cascades Highway
Highway 20 — the North Cascades Highway — is a 140-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Cascade Range through some of the most rugged terrain in the Lower 48. The road climbs over Washington Pass at 5,477 feet, delivering alpine meadows, granite peaks, and glacier-fed rivers. It is only open from late spring through fall, which keeps traffic light and adds a sense of occasion to every crossing.
When to Ride the PNW
The best time to ride in the Pacific Northwest is July through September. June can still be rainy, and October brings shorter days and unpredictable weather. Summer in the PNW is famously mild — expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, low humidity, and long twilight hours that extend your riding day well past dinner.
