North Cascades Highway 20 – Washington’s Ultimate Motorcycle Ride

This is the granddaddy of motorcycle rides in Washington State.

Running from Evelyn’s Tavern in Clear Lake to Winthrop, this roughly 140-mile stretch of State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) delivers nonstop twists, elevation changes, and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pacific Northwest.

The ride climbs deep into the North Cascades, cutting through rugged mountain terrain, alpine forests, and glacial valleys. Highlights include the stunning turquoise waters of Diablo Lake, the sweeping views from Washington Pass, and long stretches of perfectly flowing pavement carved into the mountainside.

This is a true destination ride and widely considered one of the best motorcycle roads in the country.

Winthrop is a unique Old West–themed town nestled in the Methow Valley, and the perfect endpoint for this ride. Its wooden boardwalks, historic storefronts, and relaxed mountain-town vibe make it a great place to stretch your legs after the ride.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and local spots to grab a meal or a drink. In the warmer months, the town is lively with visitors, while fall and early summer offer a quieter, more laid-back experience. A perfect place to refuel, relax, and take in the eastern side of the Cascades.

Rider Notes:
This is a seasonal route, typically closed in winter due to heavy snowfall. Opening dates vary each year, so plan accordingly.

Fuel and services are limited between Sedro-Woolley and Winthrop—make sure to top off before heading into the mountains.

Weather conditions can change quickly at elevation, even in summer.

Leavenworth Run – US Highway 2 Scenic Ride

A gorgeous motorcycle ride along US Highway 2, one of Washington State’s most scenic mountain routes. This stretch takes you from the western Cascades over Stevens Pass and down into the dramatic Tumwater Canyon, where the road follows the Wenatchee River through granite cliffs, rushing water, and sweeping curves.

As you approach Leavenworth, the ride tightens up with a fun section of twisties running alongside the river—one of the most enjoyable parts of the route.

Leavenworth itself is a Bavarian-themed mountain town nestled in the Cascade Range, surrounded by peaks and packed with shops, restaurants, and year-round attractions. It’s a major destination and well worth the stop.

This route also includes an alternate option via Chumstick Highway, a quieter and more rural backroad that runs through the Chumstick Valley. It offers a different riding experience with tighter curves and fewer crowds, and makes for an excellent loop when paired with Highway 2.

Rider Notes:
Expect changing weather conditions over Stevens Pass, and limited services between Skykomish and Leavenworth. Traffic can be heavy near Leavenworth, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons.

Klickitat Canyon Loop – Remote Washington Motorcycle Ride

A stunning and very remote motorcycle ride featuring plenty of twists and turns, with incredible views of the Klickitat Canyon and Mt. Adams. This route begins just off Highway 14 on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

This is a true backcountry ride—I saw more squirrels and wildlife out here than people or cars. It’s a great motorcycle adventure for riders looking to get away from everything.

WARNING: This is a remote ride. Plan your fuel stops carefully, as services are limited. Cell phone coverage is unreliable or nonexistent in many areas—come prepared.

Lodging options are limited on the Washington side of the Gorge, but there are more choices available across the river in Oregon.

Use caution when crossing the Columbia River. The Hood River Bridge is high, narrow, heavily traveled, and features a grated steel deck with frequent winds. The bridge at The Dalles is generally a better option for casual riders.

Chuckanut Drive – Hwy 11 Scenic Coastal Ride

This is a short but sweet 17-mile motorcycle ride along Chuckanut Drive (Hwy 11) in Washington State. The route features tight curves and incredible views of the San Juan Islands as it winds along a high, twisty cliff face overlooking Puget Sound.

While this is one of the most scenic motorcycle rides in Washington, it must be handled with care.

Expect heavy tourist traffic during the summer months, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers stopping unexpectedly for photos.

Use due caution at all times.

Out to the Ocean Run – Hwy 101 Coastal Ride

A scenic 140+ mile motorcycle ride along legendary Highway 101, running through both Washington and Oregon. This coastal route delivers ocean views, sweeping curves, and a true Pacific Northwest riding experience.

Rider notes and warning pins highlight locations tied to The Goonies, along with historical points from the Lewis and Clark expedition, adding a unique layer of interest along the ride.

Expect coastal winds, fog, and seasonal traffic, especially during peak summer months.

If you make this run in late July, you may catch the Hog Wild Motorcycle Rally in Ocean Shores, Washington. Be sure to check our calendar page for exact dates.

Mount Baker Highway 542 – Washington Motorcycle Ride to Heather Meadows

The Mount Baker Highway (Hwy 542) is one of the most technical and rewarding motorcycle rides in Washington State. This 40+ mile route climbs from Deming through the Cascade foothills to Heather Meadows near Mount Baker, delivering tight curves, elevation changes, and stunning alpine scenery along the way.

Riders can expect a challenging mix of sweepers and sharp, technical corners as the road gains elevation. This is not a beginner-friendly ride—many sections feature decreasing-radius turns and limited visibility, requiring strong cornering skills and constant attention.

This map includes the full route to Heather Meadows. The final three miles to Artist Point are not included but are highly recommended when open. This section is typically closed most of the year due to heavy snowfall, with access usually available in July and August.

Rider Notes:
Fuel up in Deming before heading east, as services are limited along the route. Weather conditions can change quickly at higher elevations, and temperatures are often significantly cooler near the summit. Watch for wildlife, slower vehicles, and debris in corners.

Mount St. Helens Run – Spirit Lake Highway (Hwy 504)

This ride takes you deep into the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument along the Spirit Lake Memorial Highway (Hwy 504), one of the most unique motorcycle routes in Washington State.

Starting at Gateway Food & Fuel in Castle Rock, the route follows Hwy 504 east toward the volcano, climbing gradually through forested hills, river valleys, and a series of scenic lakes. Riders are treated to long, flowing sweepers and smooth pavement, making this an enjoyable and accessible ride with plenty of rhythm and visibility.

As you continue deeper into the monument, the landscape begins to change dramatically. The dense forest gives way to the stark, surreal terrain shaped by the 1980 eruption—offering views of Coldwater Lake, Spirit Lake, and the massive blast zone that forever altered this region.

Current Route Conditions:
Due to the 2023 South Coldwater Slide, a massive debris flow destroyed part of Hwy 504 and the Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge, cutting off vehicle access to Johnston Ridge Observatory.
The road is currently closed beyond approximately milepost 45, with access limited to the Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center area. A full reopening is not expected until at least 2026 or later.

For now, this ride ends at Coldwater Ridge, which still offers incredible views of the surrounding valley, lake, and volcanic terrain.

Rider Notes:
This is an out-and-back ride with limited services beyond Castle Rock, so fuel up before heading east. Traffic can increase during peak tourist season, especially near viewpoints and trailheads. Watch for wildlife, slower vehicles, and debris in corners.

The route follows historic and agricultural corridors like Ben Howard Road, which traces its origins back to early county road systems from the late 1800s and still parallels the Skykomish River through farmland and open valley terrain. () Along the way, riders pass through quiet stretches of Woods Creek, High Bridge Road, and Old Pipeline Road—roads that feel more like locals’ shortcuts than mapped tourist routes.

As the loop moves east toward Gold Bar and the Index area, the ride tightens up with more technical sections near Reiter Road and the surrounding forest, where narrow pavement, changing surfaces, and limited sightlines demand attention. This area sits near the gateway to the Cascade foothills and connects to routes leading toward the historic town of Index, long associated with early rail and logging access into the mountains. ()

The return leg brings you back through Snohomish on quieter rural connectors like Sexton Road and 1st Street, offering a relaxed finish through farmland and river valleys before closing the loop.

This is a ride built for riders—not tourists. Expect minimal traffic, constantly changing scenery, and a strong “locals-only” feel. However, use caution throughout: many of these roads are narrow, with limited visibility, occasional gravel, and active local traffic, cyclists, and wildlife.

Fuel and food stops are conveniently located in Monroe and Sultan, including popular local spots like Bubba’s Roadhouse, making this an easy ride to tailor into a quick loop or a relaxed half-day escape.

For those looking to get off the main highway and experience the character of the Skykomish Valley, the Sky Valley Loop delivers one of the most rewarding backroad rides in the region.

The Sunset Run is a scenic coastal ride that follows the shoreline of Puget Sound from Federal Way to Tacoma, delivering sweeping water views, coastal cliffs, and one of the most visually rewarding finishes in the region.

Beginning near Federal Way, the route picks up Highway 509 and quickly transitions into a relaxed waterfront cruise through Dash Point and along the bluffs overlooking Puget Sound. As the ride continues south, it wraps around Commencement Bay, offering a unique mix of open water, industrial waterfront, and skyline views as you approach Tacoma.

The final stretch along Ruston Way is a highlight, with a smooth, flowing road that hugs the shoreline and provides constant views of the bay, Mount Rainier on clear days, and the surrounding waterfront parks. The ride concludes at Point Defiance Park, where riders can continue into the park’s winding forest roads or stop and enjoy one of the most iconic coastal destinations in Washington.

This is not a technical ride, but a destination ride—perfect for a relaxed cruise, an evening run, or a social ride with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and take in the scenery. Expect moderate traffic, especially on weekends and during peak hours.

For riders looking for a laid-back route with unbeatable waterfront views and a strong sense of place, the Sunset Run delivers one of the best coastal experiences in the Puget Sound region.

Running the Canyon is one of Washington State’s most iconic motorcycle rides, following Highway 821 through the heart of the Yakima River Canyon between Ellensburg and Pomona. This legendary stretch of road delivers a pure riding experience, combining continuous curves, dramatic canyon walls, and uninterrupted views of the Yakima River.

From the moment you leave Ellensburg, the road drops into a narrow basalt canyon carved by ancient lava flows and the winding Yakima River. For nearly 25 miles, Highway 821 hugs the riverbank, offering a constant rhythm of sweepers, elevation changes, and tight transitions that make this one of the most engaging rides in the state.

What sets this route apart is its raw, natural feel. There are no major towns, no stoplights, and very few interruptions—just pavement, river, and canyon. The surrounding landscape is home to one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey in Washington, and it’s common to spot eagles, hawks, and other wildlife soaring overhead as you ride.

This is not a beginner route. The road demands attention, with narrow sections, limited shoulders, and blind corners throughout the canyon. However, for experienced riders, it offers one of the most rewarding and immersive motorcycle experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Running the Canyon can be ridden in under an hour, but most riders will want to take their time, stopping at pullouts along the river to take in the scenery. Whether you’re carving through the curves or cruising along the water, this ride delivers a perfect balance of technical riding and natural beauty.

For riders looking to experience one of the best motorcycle roads in Washington, Running the Canyon on Highway 821 is a must-ride.

Riding the Columbia River Gorge to Stonehenge is one of the most scenic motorcycle routes in Washington State, following SR 14 along the north side of the Columbia River from Vancouver to the iconic Maryhill Stonehenge. This unforgettable ride delivers sweeping canyon views, dramatic cliffs, and long, flowing curves as the road traces the shoreline of one of the most powerful rivers in North America.

From the moment you leave the Vancouver area, SR 14 opens into a true scenic highway experience. Riders are treated to constant views of the Columbia River Gorge, with towering rock walls, exposed ridgelines, and ever-changing light reflecting off the water. Along the way, the road cuts through a series of tunnels carved directly into the cliffs—an unmistakable highlight of the ride. For those with loud pipes, this stretch becomes an experience all its own, as the sound echoes off the rock walls and amplifies through each tunnel, turning a simple cruise into something unforgettable.

As the ride continues east, the landscape transforms into a more rugged and open high-desert canyon, with wider vistas and fewer crowds. The final approach to Maryhill delivers one of the most memorable finishes of any ride in the Pacific Northwest, as the Stonehenge Memorial appears overlooking the Columbia River from high above the Gorge.

This ride is ideal for intermediate riders looking for a longer, relaxed route with stunning scenery and a true sense of scale. While not overly technical, SR 14 demands attention in sections with wind exposure, changing road conditions, and occasional traffic, especially during peak travel months.

One of the best features of this route is its flexibility. Riders can extend the experience by connecting directly into the Klickitat Loop, creating a larger, full-day ride that combines the Columbia River Gorge with remote backroads, sweeping turns, and some of the most underrated riding in Washington.

For riders looking to experience one of the best motorcycle rides in Washington, Riding the Columbia River Gorge to Stonehenge delivers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, flowing pavement, and an unforgettable destination.