Would love some Oregon Washington road suggestions [Archive]

RTRandy

04-07-2010, 09:43 AM

My annual summer ride vacation is looking like last week in June through first part of July. The plan is to head west through New Mexico and either cut north through Colorado or continue west through Utah and Nevada. I haven't ridden northern California other than the Lassen National Park area on the NE side and my only rides in both Oregon and Washington have been on the far east side just west of Idaho.

I'm either going to come across through Reno or further north around Boise. I would love to know some favorite riding roads or places to include along the way. My thinking is I could get as far as Seattle before heading home. With more time I'd love to ride in Victoria, however taking in other back roads take up the vacation time. I'd say anything north or due west of Redding, CA to head up the norther California coast can work.

Taking highway 101 along the coast looks cool, but not sure if it's slow going or a "Must ride". The problem ( like it's a problem) is I miss other roads in the center of the states so I'm hoping to find the best balance. That's not to say I could head up the coast and then come back through other roads in center of state.

For those wanting to know why the Oregon area this year, I got some cheese the other day from Tallimook, OR and took it as a sign I need to ride there.

BobsST

04-07-2010, 10:36 AM

Hey Randy - you can check out "Things to See" and "Things to See - part two" in the Rally Forum. That may give you some Oregon ideas. I plan to do a part 3 and 4 in the future.

Polarbear

04-07-2010, 08:42 PM

The cheese plant is worth seeing. And the coast rides around there are fantastic, right around the town of Tillimook, take the coast road loop to Searles Point and so on. Its one great sidetrip.
CA Redwoods are great too in the far NW part of CA. I've done the trip all the way to Victoria several times and its all quite good, especially Olympia NP in Washington and the 2 hour ferry to Victoria,BC...Riding BC over to Waterton NP/Canada side and into Glacier NP,Montana is one loop you'll not soon forget if you have time. Randy:usa

RTRandy

04-07-2010, 10:41 PM

Real helpful guys. Thanks so far. Ridden Glacier and Waterton along with Jasper and Prince George which is part of the problem. I've ridden those areas so missed out on the far NW. The challenge will be to route myself in such a way to hit these out of the way good spots like a ride around Crater Lake or the jaunt over to Paulina and east lake ( Thanks Bob! ) while leaving time to cover more miles.

I was looking at coming over to the coast through Redding and coming out around Humboldt Bay and then riding north on 101. There is a cut to the east at Florence on Hwy 126 or continuing north to Waldport and cutting over to the east on Hwy 34. Neither gets me up as far a Tillamook, but hoping to see lots of places with limited time. Should I just continue up the whole way?

Can't find Searles Point looking at the Tillamook area so would love some clarification.

It's easy for me to find towns and their roads on my Garmin Road Trip map, but that one escaped me.

Thanks again.

Visian

04-08-2010, 04:25 AM

I'd say anything north or due west of Redding, CA to head up the norther California coast can work.

randy - you may like the Trinity Alps area... very remote, almost no traffic and excellent riding and camping.

check out CA 299 west from Redding, CA 36, CA 96, CA 3... these are all awesome roads.

and... if you're adventurous, check out CA169, Bald Hill Road, which heads west from 96 in a little town called Weitchpec. I've not ridden that road, but it looks fabulous on the map. Goes west through the Redwoods National Park and hits 101 just south of the OR border.

If you find yourself a bit south of this area, say, in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, you gotta ride Mattole through Petrolia, Capetown and up to Ferndale.

From there, US 199 heads north into OR... and goes to Cave Junction, near the Oregon Caves National Monument. This is a bizarre place with a very funky & cool lodge.

OR46... the Caves "Highway" is a great little narrow mountain road, and takes you there.

north of there are some excellent wilderness areas full of roads to explore.

hope this helps.

ian

Visian

04-08-2010, 04:27 AM

... if you go through Boise, do *not* miss the Hells Canyon National Recreation area. The road through there is 75 miles of pure twisties that will flat wear you out! :nod

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 10:40 AM

Great Stuff Ian ! Right now I was looking at taking 299 from Redding to the coast and now see 3 and 96 coming of off there. I looked at that little road coming off 96 (169) going along the river, however my map shows it ending about 20 miles from where it branches off of 96. Anyone out there whose familiar with that road might let us know if it indeed goes all the way up to 101.

I was going to head north from 299, however that loop you mentioned with Petrolia and Ferndale is about hundred miles with give or take 3 hours. Kind of an extra day when you include the hour or so to head down that way. Should I include it? The other dilemma might be to forgo 299 and take 3 and 36 just west of Redding at Douglas City. Looks like a good road, though I'd miss out on 299. Anyone have a coin?

I see 199 going to Cave Junction, but then I wouldn't be riding up the coast. I somehow think that should be a one time ride though no firm decision yet.

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 10:44 AM

... if you go through Boise, do *not* miss the Hells Canyon National Recreation area. The road through there is 75 miles of pure twisties that will flat wear you out! :nod

I've ridden Enterprise to Lewiston on Route 3 which was great, but never made it over there. I could try to include it on the way home hopefully. I know many clubs use it as a rally destination and rave about it.

Ridealot

04-08-2010, 11:19 AM

The other dilemma might be to forgo 299 and take 3 and 36 just west of Redding at Douglas City. Looks like a good road, though I'd miss out on 299. Anyone have a coin?

I would like at it just the opposite. You would be missing 36. 299 is a good road. But 36 is a GREAT road. I would go to Red Bluff and ride 36 all the way over to the coast. If that road doesn't excite you, your already dead!

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 11:25 AM

I would like at it just the opposite. You would be missing 36. 299 is a good road. But 36 is a GREAT road. I would go to Red Bluff and ride 36 all the way over to the coast. If that road doesn't excite you, your already dead!

O. . .M . . .G as we say in California. I am so on route 36! Gotta love this forum.
Done and done!

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 11:32 AM

I would like at it just the opposite. You would be missing 36. 299 is a good road. But 36 is a GREAT road. I would go to Red Bluff and ride 36 all the way over to the coast. If that road doesn't excite you, your already dead!

Should I bypass Redding and just pick up 36 at Redbluff? I'm coming west from Lassin anyway. How bad can it be?

SeabeckS

04-08-2010, 11:33 AM

And....if you do intend to go to Victoria BC, don't forget your passport, it's now required for travels to Canada....

You're going to have a great trip if you follow the suggestions above...and don't miss Hwy 36 in California...it's well worth the effort!

:dance

Bill J

franze

04-08-2010, 11:35 AM

http://elcid.smugmug.com/Other/Cali-4-corners/P1030253/673474896_VPPjV-L.jpg

On HWY 36 stop in Platina for a cheeseburger!!! Great country store and GAS.

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 11:37 AM

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 11:42 AM

On HWY 36 stop in Platina for a cheeseburger!!! Great country store and GAS.

Hopefully not to hard to find in Platina since my GPS map shows nothing there. How many general stores can there be in that place.

franze

04-08-2010, 11:56 AM

Hopefully not to hard to find in Platina since my GPS map shows nothing there. How many general stores can there be in that place.

It would be safe to say, " you can't miss it ". Places like this are the reason for someone to ride the back roads.

http://elcid.smugmug.com/Other/Cali-4-corners/P1030269/673484235_dqehC-M.jpg

http://elcid.smugmug.com/Other/Cali-4-corners/P1030268/673483722_HNEHZ-M.jpg

http://elcid.smugmug.com/Other/Cali-4-corners/P1030277/673486733_ToaHX-M.jpg

RTRandy

04-08-2010, 12:46 PM

Great! Now the image of that cheeseburger will be etched in my mind the whole way up there.

58058D

04-09-2010, 02:27 PM

It is more than Okay to bypass Redding, takeing 36 from Redbluff. Just be sure to prepare yourself for the heat. Late June and early July can easily be anywhere from mid-80's to well over 110F. Not as humid as Texas, but it is a long ride and anytime you are below about 2500 ft elevation, you will be feeling it. And then when you cross the ridge to the coast, the temps can drop as much as 40 degrees in a mile or so. Have fun!

RTRandy

04-09-2010, 03:56 PM

Good to know and somewhat surprising for northern California. My first day leaving Dallas and especially the last day coming home here in July is a bear. At least I can get out of here around dawn and make it west of Amarillo before the hottest time of day, however coming home it's all heat for a good 8 hours.

I travel with a Camelbak filled with ice water and use a Polar Wrap around my neck to help stay hydrated and cool. The Beadrider on my saddle keeps me dry and comfortable along with my vented Olympia jacket so hopefully I'm ready. Thanks for the heads up.

marchyman

04-09-2010, 05:41 PM

Late June and early July can easily be anywhere from mid-80's to well over 110F. Not as humid as Texas, but it is a long ride and anytime you are below about 2500 ft elevation, you will be feeling it. And then when you cross the ridge to the coast, the temps can drop as much as 40 degrees in a mile or so. Have fun!

:nod

And August, too.

mid August, 12:30 at the coast:
http://www.snafu.org/smbc/trips/2008/patricks-point/p-20080816-1239-4161.jpg

Two hours mostly north later, maybe 25 miles from the coast
http://www.snafu.org/smbc/trips/2008/patricks-point/p-20080816-1439-4162.jpg

30 miles north of there the temperature had dropped 30˚

pmdave

04-09-2010, 07:14 PM

See also "Seattle Area Suggestions" string, which is gradually widening to include much of Washington and Oregon.

pmdave

RTRandy

04-10-2010, 12:40 AM

Hey Dave, Great information as always coming from you.

I've marked some of your favorites in my GPS map with a special note to try and make that turn off into Mt St Helens if the weather is good. That road is NF99 which comes off of NF25. My GPS will have me continuing down to Carson and not getting fooled to get on to NF90 which runs along the Swift Reservoir. Actually looks interesting along the water heading over to Cougar and Yale lake.

Also noted is that straight road 221 from Lake Umatilla in Paterson to Prosser. It's always amazing to arrive at these roads or places after only looking at just a line on a map. Not sure what I'll see, but planning to ride it.

Route 2 looks interesting if I can make it up that far. I've ridden Route 12 (Lolo Pass) to Missoula a couple of times, but never west of Lewiston. I just need to somehow connect these routes together.

The more I learn about this area other than all the rain, I wouldn't mind living there.

Thanks!!

04RT_rider

04-10-2010, 06:49 PM

Hwy 20 at the northern part of Washington is a fantastic scenic ride. Also central Oregon anywhere in the cascades.

pmdave

04-10-2010, 09:46 PM

If you're heading westbound into SE Washington (say Lewiston-Dayton-Walla
Walla) you end up on the Oregon side of the Columbia. You can cross north at Umatilla, and continue west on WA 14. That "straight" road isn't as straight as it looks on the map, and it dumps you into the Yakima Valley. (wine country)

Yes, you could head Northwest to Yakima, then 12 west (White Pass) and on to Randle and FS 25 South. But if you haven't seen Mt. Rainier, I would suggest turning to the north on 123 for a couple of miles, and riding through Rainier National Park, then turning south at Elbe on 7 to Morton, east on 12 to Randle, and south on FS 25.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=mt+rainier&FORM=IGRE&qpvt=mt+rainier#

Note that the Washington (north) side of the Columbia is more scenic, while I-84 is the superslab. However, in the Columbia Gorge between Hood River and Gresham, there is the old scenic highway up on the side of the cliff above the superslab. Narrow and twisty (as in Model T) but a dozen or so waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/millennium2/welcome.htm

Highway 2 is a good alternative to I-90, between Spokane and Ellensburg. Getting through W Spokane is a bit of a PITA, but once your through you're in wheatfields and lava rock. If you take this route, don't miss Grand Coulee Dam, not only an impressive block of concrete, but beautiful lava cliffs on the way.

From Coulee Dam, you can either head west on 174 via Bridgeport, Brewster, Pateros, and 153 to Twisp, picking up 20 to Winthrop, and west over the spectacular North Cascades highway. (be sure to gas up before heading uphill)

Or, from Coulee Dam, you can head southwest on 155 to Coulee City, and west on 2 to Wenatchee. At the west end of the Dryfalls Dam, be sure to take the side trip just a couple of miles south on 17 to Dry Falls.

http://www.experiencewa.com/attraction.aspx?id=178

From Wenatchee, you can go west on 2 via Leavenworth (pseudo-Bavarian mountain town) and over Stevens Pass to the Everett area, or hang a left onto 97, south to Ellensburg, and the Yakima Canyon (Avoid the superslab I-82) to Yakima. And, from Yakima ("yak-im-ah") you can head west over White Pass (remember?) or south on 97 to Goldendale and Maryhill, and south over the bridge to Oregon.

http://www.legendsofamerica.com/WA-Stonehenge.html

pmdave

oregonsage

04-12-2010, 12:08 AM

It is being implied, but not said that Hwy 101 itself through Oregon is not the greatest route, especially the northern half. During the summer it is often a motorhome/sightseeing parade on the highway and several of the towns are bumper to bumper for miles. I would get off of 101 and head inland at Reedsport, then just past Drain head north via Lorane to Veneta to Cheshire to Philomath to Dallas and then take your choice of roads through wine country and the NE corner towards Astoria to cross into WA. 101 in WA seems to be a much more pleasant experience IMHO.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=reedsport,+OR&daddr=OR-38+E%2FUmpqua+Hwy+to:Territorial+Rd+to:Territorial +Rd+to:Bellfountain+Rd+to:Bellfountain+Rd+to:SW+Fa irview+Ave%2FOR-223+N+to:OR-47+N%2FTualatin+Valley+Hwy+to:Nehalem+Hwy+N%2FOR-47+N+to:45.989329,-123.557739+to:astoria,+or&hl=en&geocode=FUPYmgId9m6a-ClHbmWsucPDVDGIuOS1k5y3Bw%3BFZI6mgIdSC2m-A%3BFT7bnQIdAoGn-A%3BFeBWowIdJrim-A%3BFWJWpAId2Kel-A%3BFUxapwIdbASm-A%3BFXQtrAIdBJql-A%3BFYwztgId7lGp-A%3BFWowvQIdop6o-A%3B%3BFWzFwAIdK3ye-CmL-5UJRHuTVDG_ihuh8XLd9w&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=9&sz=9&via=1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9&sll=45.85176,-123.338013&sspn=0.948869,1.766052&ie=UTF8&z=9

Something like this.

RTRandy

04-12-2010, 09:32 AM

Hey LonniJ, Welcome to the forum and thanks for the great info. That was actually going to be my next question. 101 looks like a great road running along the coast, but if it has tons of traffic, it's probably not worth the effort. Right now it's looking like coming in from the Reno area and taking Hwy 36 due west to Ferndale on the coast. It's the portion going north in question.

I just took a stab on the map and chose 101 all the way north from Ferndale,CA taking me past Coos Bay and then heading inland at Florence on Hwy 126.
I'm wondering if it's the same issue in northern California. Would I be better off cutting up into Oregon on 199 through the Redwood forest into Grants pass?

I don't mind riding along the ocean in traffic averaging 25mph. The issue is I've got limited days on this vacation trip and riding a hundred miles in four hours can kill a day.

PMDAVE

Great info! I've marked all the routes and thanks to you I'm planning to get a picture of Monmouth Falls, Dry Falls, and the Grand Coulee Dam. I'm also going to try not to miss out on a ride through Mt Rainier since I'll be so close. These are all places I would have missed without the help of the forum community. I plan to post a view of my final route on a map when finished with the planning.

Great stuff. Thanks !!

franze

04-12-2010, 10:56 PM

Hi Randy,

If you are flexible on where you enter CA and are running north from Vegas area, I suggest NV 266 off 95,. It becomes CA 168 and will take you into CA just north of Death Valley and into Big Pine. 395 N will take you along the east side of the Sierras. I rode this (Lido Pass) last summer on my way home from Monument Valley as it is supposed to be a good place to see wild mustangs. I didn't see any but the riding was fabulous. There's nothing out there, no towns, no factories, no traffic, no service and no gas :thumb

If you do come through Reno, make sure you include Virginia City on your route. This is the town made famous during the beginning of Bonanza when the map started burning. A great town, last time I was there two cowboys were getting their horses re-shoed on Main Street .

Paul

pmdave

04-15-2010, 10:50 PM

It's not so much that 101 (and 1) up the coast isn't worth the visit, it's that the trip along the coast is so spectacular that it draws lots of tourists in the summer.
But, you can pick and choose some sections, and take some in, and not fight the motorhomes all the way. I'll offer my opinions, and let the locals disagree.

California: Between Morro Bay and Monterey: 1 twists and turns along the coast, very scenic and unforgettable. 101 between San Luis Obispo and Salinas is forgettable.

Between Monterrey and San Francisco: 1 is scenic, but more industrial. 101 is heavy traffic and sluburbia. My advice: find 9 from from just east of Santa Cruz (1) north into the skyline , then 35 north, 92 west to 1, and 1 north all the way to the Golden Gate bridge. 1 north of SF is pretty, but the south end is a bit busy. I'd suggest 101 to Greenbrae, then turn off toward San Anselmo, and toward the coast and Pt. Reys Station. These are the roads the Sunday bikers have their fun with the cops. Or, make a transit to Asti, then get your twisty kicks on 128, cutting back to 101 at Leggett.

IMHO, 101 north from SF all the way to Willits is like any other urban/suburban superslab. Multi lanes, heavy traffic, not much to look at. From Leggett north, you get into the Redwood forests, and traffic thins out.

If you're coming from the east, 20 around Clear Lake is not bad. Just lots of slow villages.

Eureka is worth a visit, especially the old town and it's mansions. If you happen to be in Eureka at dinner time, take the ride out onto the spit and have dinner at the Samoa Cookhouse (call and make sure they are still in business and open)

http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/cacoast/California_Coast.htm

If you've had your fill of twisty coastal roads by the time you approach the Oregon border, you can head northeast towards Grants Pass, and take the I-5 superslab north. Lots of hills make this more interesting, and you'll make good time.

But if you still have a hankering for more coast, the central Oregon coast is very scenic. If you stop at only every third spectacular beach or overlook, you could easily spend two days riding 101 to Astoria. My favorite section is between Florence and Lincoln City. There are maybe 50 beaches and viewpoints, and not a bad one in the bunch. Much better than the southern section past Coose Bay/North Bend--unless you like logging trucks and lumber mills.

When I'm heading from Lincoln City north, I usually take 18 via McMinnville. Remember, that's the location of Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. But the ride between Lincoln City and Astoria is not bad--some great sections of cliffs high over the Pacific Ocean. And of course, you MUST stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. (well, OK, and ice creamery)

http://www.traveloregon.com/Explore-Oregon/Oregon-Coast.aspx

The Washington Coast calls, too, but if you need to beat your feet, you can hang a right at Tillamook or Mohler, and follow the back roads (say 103, 202, 47) and cross the Columbia River to Longview--and I-5.

If it's boiling hot, note that you can cool down by heading either to the coast, or uphill. For instance, if it's hot in Reno, just head over the passes on 89/70 up in them gold-laced hills. From Chico you can take either 70 or 32, and go through Lassen Park, then 44 and 89 back toward I-5. And if it's hot in Medford, head uphill toward Crater Lake.

I haven't touched on the high Sierra passes, national parks, etc. It's hard to go wrong in that country. The most interesting motorcycle ride is the old Gold Rush road, now highway 49. You'll swear there's a bike ahead you can't catch--until you realize it's your own tail light.

http://california-travel.suite101.com/article.cfm/discover_californias_gold_country_on_hwy_49

pmdave

SeabeckS

04-16-2010, 12:41 AM

As always, Mr Hough gives VERY good route advice...the only thing I might add is that the Evergreen Air & Space Museum in McMinnville has much more than just the Spruce Goose for aircraft aficianados. One of the best air museums in the country IMHO and well worth a few hours of appreciation if you're in the neighborhood.

And the California routing is perfecto mundo, when we lived in Nevada I spent a lot of time on Hwy 1 and environs with riders in my family. Also, I MUCH prefer that route into Oregon from Crescent City to Grant's Pass. Not nearly as much traffic as the Coast Highway...:whistle

I'm starting to turn green with envy over your trip plans! :dance

Cheers, Bill J

RTRandy

04-26-2010, 11:08 PM

SeabeckS

04-27-2010, 12:44 AM

Okay. I'm trying to use all this great advice so now rethinking my entrance into California thanks to you Californians. Let's back up a ways so you can see the route logic and hopefully I can fine tune what I have so far.

The point of this is to ride up 395 which I've never ridden. Let's start at Torrey, UT which is along the way. From Torrey going to hit Ceder City on 36 to 375 to Tonopah.
I'm choosing this since riding further south to Las Vegas and taking 168 north of Death Valley looks like taking too much time away.

So here's the question: Route 6 from Tonopah hits 120 at Benton, NV. Shortly after there is a road called Benton Crossing going past a Lake Crowley south of Mommoth Lake or you can continue on 120 which comes into 395 just south of Lee Vining.

Any one way better than the other ?

Oh and one other question: When I get up near Lake Tahoe should I cut over on 207 to the south part to ride up the east side , or continue up to Carson and cut over on Hwy 50? I'm sure it's slow going along the lake, but looks good on the map.

And PM Dave, thanks for the suggestions in Eureka. Looks like I'll spending the night there as well.

Randy,

I'd suggest 120 as the better route, as my memory serves (danger Will Robinson!) the roads through Benton Crossing are MOSTLY not paved. And you would only miss a few miles of 395 by taking the more direct route to Lee Vining.

I'd also highly recommend 207 into the Tahoe Basin. It's a much nicer ride than HWY 50. If you can spare the time a really excellent detour route is to take CA 89 west from 395 just south of Topaz lake and the Nevada border, go through Markleeville to Woodfords, and hang a right on CA88. This takes you into Nevada, and just a couple miles south of Minden (my prior residence for 15 years) you find the junction of 207. FYI, that route CA88 is ranked number ONE in N. Calif. motorcycle roads in the Destination Highways book.

At Tahoe, 207 intersects US 50 just a bit north of the Casino area at the south end of the lake. Turning north you can either follow 50 back to Carson City, or take NV28 to Incline Village, then 431 over the top of Mt Rose summit and back to 395 just south of Reno. As someone else recommended, a trip through Virginia City can be fun, to do this I'd just go down through Carson and take US 50 west. The road from Carson to VC isn't that much fun, but if you take the alternate "Truck Route" near Silver City there will be a little less traffic. After leaving VC headed towards Reno, the road called Geiger Grade is a bit nicer piece of pavement, with a couple of nice overlooks as you drop down the hill towards the Truckee Meadows and Reno.

Can't recommend highly enough CA89/88 thru Markleeville, not a lot of traffic, and some nice bendy road too. If you're looking for a different sort of dining experience, try one of the Basque style family dinner places in Gardnerville (The J-T, or the Overland). And if you go to one of these places, and like a interesting sort of pre-dinner cocktail, ask for a Picon Punch...you may be pleasantly surprised. If you don't stop in Gardnerville, but perhaps spend a night in Reno, try Louie's Basque Corner on 4th Street a couple of blocks east of Virginia St. (the main drag). (MMMmmm, my mouth is watering just thinkin' about it! LOL)

One other thing I'd mention, traveling across that Cedar City/Tonopah/Lee Vining stretch....don't pass up too many gas stations...they are few and FAR between!

You're gonna have a great time!:dance

Cheers! Bill

(Feel free to PM if you'd like more feedback)

OfficerImpersonator

04-27-2010, 05:23 PM

When in Washington State, you cannot not ride U.S. Forest Service Road 25 between Randle and Cougar and U.S. Forest Service Road 99 which leaves FS 25 for Windy Ridge on Mt. St. Helens.

You'll be riding on and around three Cascade Volcanoes - Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. The roads are virtually un-patrolled by law enforcement. And they roads are CURVY!!!

There are myriad ways to incorporate FS 25 and FS 99 in to larger rides as they all eventually connect to I-5, I-90, I-84, U.S. 12 and other major roadways via other spectacular routes.

The top section of my web page on riding details the trip I did last summer with a couple of friends. http://www.dvandkq.net/Motorrad.htm

Zoom in on the highway in the center of the map (also listed as State Route 131) to see for yourself the location and the nature of the roads in this area: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=randle,+wa&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.576045,114.169922&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Randle,+Washington&ll=46.274834,-121.970215&spn=0.710016,1.783905&z=10

SeabeckS

04-27-2010, 06:54 PM

+1 (heck, make that +10!) to what O.I. says here. Only caveat is to make sure and check with USFS current road info. You can get very committed to the route before suddenly finding a "ROAD CLOSED AHEAD" sign. The detour can be quite long...........

Don't ask me how I know that...okay? LOL

But seriously nice territory back in them thar hills. :lurk

Cheers! Bill J

RTRandy

04-28-2010, 09:54 AM

When in Washington State, you cannot not ride U.S. Forest Service Road 25 between Randle and Cougar and U.S. Forest Service Road 99 which leaves FS 25 for Windy Ridge on Mt. St. Helens.

+1 (heck, make that +10!) to what O.I. says here. Only caveat is to make sure and check with USFS current road info. You can get very committed to the route before suddenly finding a "ROAD CLOSED AHEAD" sign. The detour can be quite long...........

Cheers! Bill J

It's locked and loaded in my GPS and in my mind for sure after PMDave suggested how great these were. Good to know about the possible closings though not sure why they'd be closed during the first part of July. I'll check for sure before we head down them. Great stuff! Thanks to all the help here on the forum the route is taking shape leading me to places I would have never known to ride. It's looking like departing Dallas on the first of July so my good riding friend can join me. How cool is that!

RTRandy

04-28-2010, 10:06 AM

Randy,

I'd suggest 120 as the better route, as my memory serves (danger Will Robinson!) the roads through Benton Crossing are MOSTLY not paved. And you would only miss a few miles of 395 by taking the more direct route to Lee Vining.

I'd also highly recommend 207 into the Tahoe Basin. It's a much nicer ride than HWY 50. If you can spare the time a really excellent detour route is to take CA 89 west from 395 just south of Topaz lake and the Nevada border, go through Markleeville to Woodfords, and hang a right on CA88. This takes you into Nevada, and just a couple miles south of Minden (my prior residence for 15 years) you find the junction of 207. FYI, that route CA88 is ranked number ONE in N. Calif. motorcycle roads in the Destination Highways book.

Cheers! Bill

(Feel free to PM if you'd like more feedback)

I changed the route based on your good information to take 120 near Benton Crossing as well as cutting over on 89 to take 88 before getting on 207 on the east side of Tahoe. From there it's looking like heading up the west side of Lake Tahoe and taking 89 all the way up to 36 just south of Lassen. I've ridden through Lassen a few years ago and loved it, however I want to get to all the new places so skipping it this trip. I'll take 36 all the way to the coast. Thanks!

SeabeckS

04-28-2010, 10:50 AM

If your not doing the trip over Lassen have you considered any of the other passes to get into the upper Sacramento Valley? Hwy 70 Feather River route is nice but can get really trafficed up....with a lot CHP's around as well.

I've made multiple trips over all the Sierra passes, and my personal fave is Yuba Pass. Road intersects CA89 at Sattley, about 20 north of Truckee and goes through Downieville leading to Nevada City. I'd have to get out a map and study it, but also used to cut off the last few mile of that route to avoid Nevada City, some nice quiet two lane roads can take you to Oroville, which is about an hour south of CA36 at Red Bluff. CA49 thru D-ville is VERY nice piece of pavement, and at least in the old days, wasn't as heavily RV'd as some of the other Sierra splendiferous roads....

I'm just sayin'...(Or just insane?) :dance

As an aside...my most memorable ride was doing all the Sierra passes in the course of a few days. Riding my Duc 900SS/SP, and accompanied by my b-in-law on his VFR, we started near Red Bluff, went up to Lassen then crisscrossed our way south to Yosemite. Had perfect weather the whole time...and wonder of wonders had zero encounters with the black and whites. Sigh....

Cheers, Bill J

SeabeckS

04-28-2010, 10:59 AM

Just noticed on the GPS map route you've posted that you'll be passing by my neck of the woods near Bremerton. If you're at all interested in local brew pubs I can't say enough good words about Silver City brewhouse in Silverdale, just off Hwy 3. They've won much recognition in national industry competition, and have a very good selection of excellent food dishes on their menu. :thumb

If you're passing through around lunch or dinner (or in between!) it's highly recommended! Personally I don't drink and ride, but a short beer with some delicious food seems acceptable most days.

Ciao! Bill J

rinty

04-29-2010, 07:40 PM

Hey Randy:

Don't forget about doing a little side trip through your favourite Kananaskis Country, on your way back! :thumb

RTRandy

04-29-2010, 08:45 PM

Hey Randy:

Don't forget about doing a little side trip through your favourite Kananaskis Country, on your way back! :thumb

I don't know Rinty, last time I took your route advice I ended up on some pretty plain ol roads.:stick

OfficerImpersonator

04-29-2010, 11:25 PM

SeabeckS

04-30-2010, 12:11 AM

I wonder if your "closed road" situation had anything to do with the "new bridge" we encountered on FS 25 when we did the trip at the end of last summer :)

Probably! I'd been thinking about running this route for awhile, and had gotten in the habit of checking the USFS road report on a semi-regular basis. Then one morning when the sun was shining as it so rarely does, I just hopped on the S and gassed it. No signs posted at all until about 2 miles SOUTH of Randle. That's what I get for trying to be spontaneous. :laugh

So, another lesson learned, check ALL aspects of the flight plan before departure. Still had a good ride, just wandered back home through some other country I'd not traversed, Raymond, Willapa Bay, etc.

Been to the "backside" of St. Helens several times, but for some reason have never ridden all the way through to Carson. Oh well, summer's almost here!

Thinking of a Southern Utah journey in the early fall, and if nothing else, will do a four corners ride of Washington... Getting a severe case of trip envy reading Randy's trip routing!

Cheers! Bill J

Bob_M

04-30-2010, 10:23 AM

oregonsage

05-01-2010, 10:38 AM

In the NE corner of the state there is a FANTASTIC road from Enterprise to Clarkston WA. Hwy 3 runs down into Hells Canyon and back up.

In the SW corner of the state there is a doozy of a road that runs from Happy Camp California to O'Brian Oregon. It is called Indian Creek Rd in Calif, and Waldo Rd in Oregon.

In the NW corner of the state, up by Portland, there are some twisty bits between Scapoose and Astoria. The Scapoose Vernonia Rd goes to Hwy 47 and on to Hwy 202.

In the SE corner of the state, for the GSrs the Steens Loop is a special place where some raw geology is on display from the recently departed glaciers (in goloigic time. Go east from Frenchglen up to 9000 ft and take in the view.

Mid summer you can continue from Enterprise to Joseph and then down the Hells Canyon towards Oxbox. Excellent barely 2 lane road.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=enterprise+or&daddr=N+Ma in+St+to:44.918139,-116.959076+to:Baker,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FVYmtQIdw3cC-Sl5ZXsmifmjVDE7KDNk5Tzy6Q%3BFVQYtAIdoDYD-Q%3B%3BFV9EqwIdW_b5-CkZ7PhSN-mkVDE_z-0F3Ss7Kg&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=4 5.065762,-117.096405&sspn=0.434537,0.869293&ie=UTF8&ll=45.06 5762,-117.096405&spn=0.434537,0.869293&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=enterprise+or&daddr=N+ Main+St+to:44.918139,-116.959076+to:Baker,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FVYmtQIdw3cC-Sl5ZXsmifmjVDE7KDNk5Tzy6Q%3BFVQYtAIdoDYD-Q%3B%3BFV9EqwIdW_b5-CkZ7PhSN-mkVDE_z-0F3Ss7Kg&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=4 5.065762,-117.096405&sspn=0.434537,0.869293&ie=UTF8&ll=45.06 5762,-117.096405&spn=0.434537,0.869293" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>

rinty

05-02-2010, 10:31 AM

That's a fantastic road.

dtgates

05-28-2010, 08:26 PM

QUOTE=oregonsage;577621]Mid summer you can continue from Enterprise to Joseph and then down the Hells Canyon towards Oxbox. Excellent barely 2 lane road.

<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=enterprise+or&daddr=N+Ma in+St+to:44.918139,-116.959076+to:Baker,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FVYmtQIdw3cC-Sl5ZXsmifmjVDE7KDNk5Tzy6Q%3BFVQYtAIdoDYD-Q%3B%3BFV9EqwIdW_b5-CkZ7PhSN-mkVDE_z-0F3Ss7Kg&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=4 5.065762,-117.096405&sspn=0.434537,0.869293&ie=UTF8&ll=45.06 5762,-117.096405&spn=0.434537,0.869293&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=enterprise+or&daddr=N+ Main+St+to:44.918139,-116.959076+to:Baker,+OR&hl=en&geocode=FVYmtQIdw3cC-Sl5ZXsmifmjVDE7KDNk5Tzy6Q%3BFVQYtAIdoDYD-Q%3B%3BFV9EqwIdW_b5-CkZ7PhSN-mkVDE_z-0F3Ss7Kg&mra=dpe&mrcr=0&mrsp=2&sz=10&via=1,2&sll=4 5.065762,-117.096405&sspn=0.434537,0.869293&ie=UTF8&ll=45.06 5762,-117.096405&spn=0.434537,0.869293" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>[/QUOTE]
Continue North on Hwy 3 to SE Washington and you'll find this plus lots more. This is from the Oregon side looking North. At the bottom of the canyon, stop at Boggens for a slice of pie!
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j23/goducks32/PNW%20Sport%20Touring%20SB%202010/PNW-STSpringBreak2010059.jpg

RTRandy

06-11-2010, 10:14 AM

]Mid summer you can continue from Enterprise to Joseph and then down the Hells Canyon towards Oxbox. Excellent barely 2 lane road.

Continue North on Hwy 3 to SE Washington and you'll find this plus lots more. This is from the Oregon side looking North. At the bottom of the canyon, stop at Boggens for a slice of pie!

I rode Route 3 heading north out of Enterprise about 5 years ago along with Route 12, Lolo Pass, that same day to Missoula. Truly outstanding roads and thanks to the forum for sending me that way at the time. I indeed stopped at Boggens and while I didn't get the pie ( I think I had breakfast), I did manage to get a t-shirt with the snake on the back.

I'm planning on trying Hell's Canyon for the first time as I head for home. I'd be starting in Enterprise and either following it to Baker, Oregon to hop on 84 to Boise or there is a Hwy 71 near Oxford that heads for Cambridge where I can pick up 95 south. Do I miss an important part of that ride by cutting off below Cambridge? The section from Cambridge going through the town of Halfway looks like I might be missing something.

Anything I need to know about Hell's canyon? Such as unpaved roads or weather? On the map the road looks very narrow with not much out there in the way of gas or food.

I'm now three weeks away from starting this trip and really psyched!

pmdave

06-11-2010, 12:18 PM

The Hells Canyon area between Oregon and Idaho is very unique, very remote, and well worth exploring--if you have the proper tools.

Years ago, after the last MOA rally in Missoula, I spent a couple of days in the area, riding from Council NW to the edge of the canyon, and descending down the Kleinschmidt grade to the river. I was driving an airhead/Ural sidecar rig, but this is doable on a GS. The road between Council and the canyon is mostly gravel, but usually in good condition.

As it happens, there is a power line road on the Oregon side, just about opposite the bottom of the Kleinschmidt. I ascended the power line road, to intersect wtih the road to Joseph. At the time there had been some serious washouts in the area, and the center of this road had a deep trench--which fortunately I could straddle with the hack.

I camped overnight at a nice grassy campground just at the bottom of the Kleinschmidt. I wish I had taken the time to ride to the end of the road at the Hells Canyon Dam.

If you choose to avoid the really steep unpaved roads, at least ride 71 to Cambridge, 95 to New Meadows, and either continue north on 95, or head east and south to McCall. All ot the highways in the Idaho mountains are scenic and remote, including 21, 75, and 93.

I suggest getting a detailed map of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest-HQ at PO Box 907, Baker City OR 97814 tel (503) 523-6391.

Yes, do spend a few days in this area.

pmdave

pmdave

06-11-2010, 01:14 PM

Hells Canyon is very different from others such as the Grand Canyon, although it is just as deep. The walls of the canyon curve away as they go up, so you can't see the bottom from a view at the "top" and you can't see the "top" from a view at the bottom. You just see the curvature of the cliffs, and from what you can see they don't seem that tall (or deep).

Even at Imnaha you can't really see much of the canyon. You have to ride the dirt out to Hat Point to get the impressive view. And the road from Joseph to the Oxbow Dam is scenic, but you still don't get spectacular views into the canyon, even though you know you're close. To see the canyon, you just have to take a road into it, and gradually it exposes itself to you.

Note that there is access to the canyon from Clarkston/Lewiston via jet boat. Following the RA rally in Boise a few years ago, several of us overnighted in Clarkston and rode the "mail boat" upriver as far as power boats are allowed. It was very scenic, but an all day ride that I found exhausting. I think they go up the Snake something like 85 miles, not as far as the dam, but well into the canyon.

pmdave

Visian

06-12-2010, 06:06 AM

Years ago, after the last MOA rally in Missoula, I spent a couple of days in the area, riding from Council NW to the edge of the canyon, and descending down the Kleinschmidt grade to the river. I was driving an airhead/Ural sidecar rig, but this is doable on a GS. The road between Council and the canyon is mostly gravel, but usually in good condition.

dave - this is part of my planned route to the rally, with a few days camping in HC on the Oregon side.

are you talking about the Council-Cuprum road above? is that as nice a ride as it looks?

ian

pmdave

06-12-2010, 12:01 PM

Yep, that's the road. Apparently, Cuprum was a mining town high up in the hills on the east side of Hells Canyon. The Kleinschmidt grade was a wagon road clinging to the edge of the canyon walls, and the road is still there. Cuprum, on the other hand, has shrunk to a few scattered buildings hiding in the trees, with crudely painted signs warning you not to tresspass. You would be wise to not ignore the warnings. I suspect that the residents of Cuprum are there to get away from civilization, and they don't smile at wandering visitors.

The Council-Cuprum road is relatively good, about half gravel as I recall. As you get close to the edge of the canyon there is a fork, the right going to Cuprum, and I believe on to some other spectacular roads favored by quad riders. To the left is the Kleinschmidt Grade. On my dualsport sidecar rig I didn't find it to be especially challenging, but it is steep, with impressive dropoffs.

At the bottom of the Kleinschmidt is a very nice grassy campground (BLM or something to do with the reservoir) with clean bathrooms. The campground is favored by the motorhome/quad/skiboat crowds, who come up from Boise for the weekend. No one camps on the ground, so there is unlimited space for your tent.

Of course, you'll want to carry your own food and water with you.

This is the Payette National Forest on the Idaho side, and Hells Canyon Wilderness Area on the Oregon side.

There is a bridge at Copperfield just north of the Oxbow Dam. Copperfield has facilities including gas and food.

On the Oregon side just opposite the bottom of the Kleinschmidt, there is a power line going uphill, and an access road. I learned about this from some quad riders. It's not on the map, but there is a dotted line showing the power line. I crossed to the west side of the canyon, fueled up at Copperfield, and rode north on the gravel road along the reservoir. Sure enough, there was the power line road. I had been warned that it was so steep the quad riders had to have someone sitting on the front hood to hold the wheels down. Sure enough, when I tried to stop to take a picture, the outfit started chugging backwards downhill under compression. I had to stop at the switchbacks, or find a rut to help hold the rig in place.

The road was severely rutted in the center from the previous floods, but I could straddle the "ditch" with the outfit.

The power line road eventually leveled out at the top and intersected what I think is the Wild River Road, then a junction with other roads leading to the Joeph-Imnaha road. As I recall the signs were relatively clear, but I would suggest running a GPS. There is a road north to Imnaha (I think FS 727) but at the time it was closed do to washouts. Instead, there were detours, including some new sections coated with "Alaska pea gravel" (fist-sized loose rocks)

All in all, this was a memorable adventure, and I've always wanted to go back and do more exploring (with the sidecar rig) but I'm getting a little too creaky to make that happen. My advice: don't put these things off until you're too old and creaky to do them.

Somewhere I have some photos, and I'll post a few when I stumble on them.

pmdave

pmdave

06-12-2010, 10:13 PM

This is about halfway out of the canyon on the power line access road, where I found a reasonably level spot to park the rig.

But where's the canyon, you're probably wondering. The canyon is actually just beyond those trees on the left, and drops down maybe another 1,500 - 2,000 ft. It's difficult to grasp that there is a canyon there, which explains how Chief Joseph was able to get a band of women, children, old men, and horses through here right under the noses of the US Army.

Behind me, the road continues on up, eventually reaching the same elevation as those mountains in the background

GrafikFeat

06-12-2010, 10:44 PM

I wonder if your "closed road" situation had anything to do with the "new bridge" we encountered on FS 25 when we did the trip at the end of last summer :)

This new bridge?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_popper/3920236250/" title="Washout. by GrafikFeat, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2621/3920236250_51b2384b31_b.jpg" width="1024" height="687" alt="Washout." /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_popper/3919452913/" title="Crossing One at a Time. by GrafikFeat, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3919452913_bccf894cbf_b.jpg" width="1024" height="687" alt="Crossing One at a Time." /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_popper/3920236850/" title="Crossing. by GrafikFeat, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/3920236850_b7f096a5eb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="687" alt="Crossing." /></a>

RTRandy

06-13-2010, 09:37 AM

pmdave

06-13-2010, 01:03 PM

My old paper map shows the road from east of Joseph south to 86 as "39" and paved. 86 east from Baker City is paved, and 71 south is paved.

Your proposed "pink" route takes you through some interesting country, but when you're riding through the trees the view doesn't change much.

However, I wonder why you would ride close to Hells Canyon but not into it? The canyon is the most interesting part of this area. At least ride down to Copperfield and north along the reservoir to Hells Canyon Dam. And, given a choice between 86 back toward Baker City and the superslab on to Boise, or 71 south through Hells Canyon and on to Boise, I'd do the canyon, crossing to Idaho at Brownlee Dam.

There are lots of unpaved forest roads in the area, but the reason for gravel sections on "paved" roads is storm damage. A flash flood can wipe out a bridge or fill a valley, requiring an unpaved detour to connect the dots. It's a lot like riding to Alaska.

If the thought of riding an RT on gravel makes you sweat, my suggestion is to not mention to your RT that it isn't a GS, and keep plodding along.

pmdave

RTRandy

06-13-2010, 04:33 PM

Heck, I've come all that way so yes I want to see the best part of Hell's Canyon for sure. I just misunderstood thinking the whole attraction was the road going through the area.

So now I'm heading through Oxbow and then 71 for sure. I see the bridge at Copperfield. Still trying to figure out where the dam is, but I see the road 454 going up to Kleinschimidt and will take it. Hope the east side road is the way to go.

I'm ok on dirt roads, I was thinking more in terms of logs and large rocks. Glad we got this clarified. I was just going to breeze through the area not realizing what was there.

If you've ever ridden to the north side of the Grand Canyon, you have no sense that there's a canyon even after you've made it to the parking lot so I can only imagine how this will work.

I'm so grateful to be able to get the right insight for this trip. Thanks !

pmdave

06-13-2010, 06:28 PM

Please make a point of stopping for photos once in a while. I remember all those spectacular views, but I only managed to bring home a few photos.

The Hells Canyon Dam is north a few miles, and I wish I had taken the time to ride up and back. It's a paved road right along the reservoir.

The Kleinschmidt grade starts right across the road from the BLM campground.

If you prefer to avoid the dirt, you can return south to the Oxbow, ride south on 71 to Brownlee Dam, and cross to Idaho. In any case I'd recommend riding north on 95, then south on 55--a very scenic ride.

And, if you're headed east from there, consider riding through the Sawtooth Rec area on 21.

If you haven't seen Craters of the Moon National Monument, that's just southeast.

I suggest the mountain route because the superslab 84 across southern Idaho is IMHO boring, boring, boring. Not to mention hot and boring.

pmdave

Bob_M

06-13-2010, 06:53 PM

Just back from a recnon run to Hwy 25 (east side of Mt. St. Helens) in south west Washington. The road is gated closed and the pass is still snow bound.

SeabeckS

06-13-2010, 11:12 PM

Just back from a recnon run to Hwy 25 (east side of Mt. St. Helens) in south west Washington. The road is gated closed and the pass is still snow bound.

Thanks for the update on FSR25....still planning on that for this summer, though probably not until August at the earliest...! Kind of an "unusual" weather year here in the great Everwet State. ;)

Cheers! Bill J

RTRandy

06-14-2010, 09:57 AM

In any case I'd recommend riding north on 95, then south on 55--a very scenic ride.

And, if you're headed east from there, consider riding through the Sawtooth Rec area on 21.

If you haven't seen Craters of the Moon National Monument, that's just southeast.

I suggest the mountain route because the superslab 84 across southern Idaho is IMHO boring, boring, boring. Not to mention hot and boring.

pmdave

You forgot to mention really really boring.

The year before last, after coming from Glacier and Koocanusa lake in Montana, we rode Lolo Pass and picked up 95 over to McCall Lake. We then headed south and picked up 24 east through Garden Valley to Loman on 21. From there we rode to Stanley, spent the night in Ketchem, and then cut across 20 to Blackfoot. Don't have to convince me.

The reason for the slab was a friend invited me to stay at his place in Aspen on the way home. I was figuring I could bypass some of the roads I've ridden and try to get over to Provo. From there it improves at least.

Taking pictures is one of the main goals for sure and I always say the best photos are the ones you saw, but didn't have time to stop and get the camera out. It's one of the reasons I ride with a jacket that has chest pockets to easily get to my camera. At a club breakfast a month ago I spotted a guy who carried his camera hanging from a lanyard around his neck. Might be worth exploring to get off quick pics and still make time.

Just back from a recnon run to Hwy 25 (east side of Mt. St. Helens) in south west Washington. The road is gated closed and the pass is still snow bound.

Thanks. Hopefully it's open by the second week in July.

beemerron

06-20-2010, 09:44 PM

I'm getting a little confused. Being on an RT I tend to stay on paved roads or certainly hard packed roads for sure. Since I only get one shot through here on this trip the plan is to leave Enterprise and pick up what appears to be Nf 39 out of Joseph and then ride it through what I see as "Hell's Canyon recreation area" . From there it comes out to 86. At 86 I can either go west to Halfway and Baker City or go east to Oxford and pick up 71 to ride along the river. Either way I'll need to end up near Boise since I'm going to slab it from there all the way to Colorado.

So here are the questions:

Is nf39 paved? ( It hardly shows on Google maps)

Is one way east or west on 86 better for good road and scenery? Right now the highlighted pink route is the plan so far.

I just returned from a weekend in Enterprise.

We camped at the Log House Campground www.loghouservpark.com. The hosts, Brian and Margaret are both riders and extremely hospitable. This would make a great layover point for anyone riding to the National through Lewiston. There is a ton of DS riding around Enterprise. As someone said around the campfire, "You can't make a wrong turn".

Regarding Wallowa Mtn. Loop (nfs39). It is closed this season. I heard that there is a bypass, Hess Rd.. I don't think Hess is paved. All three times I've been there to ride it, it has been closed.

RTRandy

06-20-2010, 10:22 PM

I just returned from a weekend in Enterprise.

We camped at the Log House Campground www.loghouservpark.com. The hosts, Brian and Margaret are both riders and extremely hospitable. This would make a great layover point for anyone riding to the National through Lewiston. There is a ton of DS riding around Enterprise. As someone said around the campfire, "You can't make a wrong turn".

Regarding Wallowa Mtn. Loop (nfs39). It is closed this season. I heard that there is a bypass, Hess Rd.. I don't think Hess is paved. All three times I've been there to ride it, it has been closed.

So if you're in Enterprise-Joseph, any idea what the trick is for getting to Hell's Canyon on paved roads? I may have to rethink my route plan through that area since Nf 39 looked like the most direct route. Thanks for the heads up.

Sirby

06-26-2010, 12:45 AM

When you pass through Tillamook, it is Cape Meares not Searles. Great loop out to the lighthouse viewpoint and south along the coast a bit then back into Tillamook and STRAIGHT east through town on OR hwy 6 and up the Wilson River canyon . AWESOME sweepers up a gnarly woodsy canyon to the highway 26 that connects Portland OR to the coast. Before you get to 26 though you should watch for the cutoff to TIMBER and take it north to cross 26 and continue to Vernonia, then 202 to 47 and MIST and north to Clatskanie on the Columbia River. By then you will be wore out from the twisties. Head west on 30 to WESTPORT where you hop a small ferry across the river to Skomokawa and take 4 west to NAselle and take the road south to the Astoria bridge via megler and follow 101 north along Willipa bay. Awesome twisties there. Its all good.
-Sirby:brad

pmdave

06-26-2010, 03:53 PM

So if you're in Enterprise-Joseph, any idea what the trick is for getting to Hell's Canyon on paved roads? I may have to rethink my route plan through that area since Nf 39 looked like the most direct route. Thanks for the heads up.

May I suggest that you rethink your riding tactics rather than the route? In wild, scenic areas such as Eagle Cap Wilderness, some roads will be paved; others will be under construction, damaged, or bypassed by detours. If you want to experience such areas, you should assume that even in the best of conditions you will encounter some dirt and gravel.

An RT will do gravel with a bit of skill. If gravel makes you nervous, may I suggest you learn to ride it rather than try to avoid it? And, since the primary difference between street and dual sport is the tires, you might think about changing tires to something like Bridgestone TW42. If you just take it easy and favor the footpegs, an RT will handle reasonable gravel roads without much drama.

The best way to determine the condition of roads in remote areas is to contact the responsible agency directly by telephone, close to the time you intend to be there. Then you can make a go-no go decision. The number I have for the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area is 503 426-4978. The ranger station is at Enterprise.

The only way to get south from Joseph with minimal risk of an unpaved road is to retrace your steps to LaGrande, and take the superslab south to Baker, then east. For a quieter (paved) alternative, ride 203 via Union and Medical Springs. Note the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center just east of Baker City on 86

pmdave

RTRandy

06-26-2010, 06:31 PM

Sirby,

I noted your suggested route out of Tillamook and will try and cover it for sure. That's certainly something I wouldn't have plotted on my own so once again thanks for the great suggestion. One of the issues I'm encountering is trying to cover all the suggested routes for this trip and pack them all into one 15 day trip. I'm still making adjustments.

Dave,
Thanks for the phone number on road conditions which I'll keep with me. A dirt road with gravel is fine. I just didn't want to kill a half day just to make it through an area that's ends up super slow going and takes away from seeing other areas of the trip. if the scenery and area is a "Must see", I'm there. On a long vacation it definitely wouldn't be a factor. If the RT can make it through there so can I. That route 203 at La Grande looks like a good alternative both to Riding 84 or if the need arises to cutting out NF39 out of Joseph.

RTRandy

06-26-2010, 07:53 PM

Well I hope to have the clutch out on Thursday morning between 6:30 and 7am to beat the Texas heat and the Dallas rush hour traffic. It's also looking like my dear riding companion "Doc" Hermann will be joining me this trip so I'm extra pleased. We both have the exact same bike with the only difference is his is blue and the other great thing is we have bike to bike radios. Only way to go in my opinion.

Here's the general route so far. The first four days are long ones and then we slow it down to ride as we feel.

Day 1 Dallas to north of Albuquerque

Day 2 Albuquerque taking 550 up to Farmington ( Haven't ridden that stretch before) and then west on 64 into Utah. We're either going to pick up 191 up to Blanding and then 95 to Hanksville or there is a highway 163 going near Mexican Hat and then 261 onto 95. Would love a comment from anyone who's ridden those. We're spending the night in Torrey.

Day 3 Torrey to Ely, Nevada and then pick up 6 to Tonopah for the night.

Day 4 Tonopah over to Highway 395 in California and riding it north before cutting over to west side of Lake Tahoe and spend the night in Truckee.

From here it's whatever unfolds each day, but below is the general route:

Truckee on 89 up near Prattville and then take 36 through Red Bluff stopping for that hamburger in Platina and over near Ferndale. We have the loop Ian (Visan) suggested taking in Patrolia, Mattole, and Ferndale and then through Eureka. Hope to stop at Samoa Cook House for a meal in Eureka.

From Eureka north along the coast to Cresent City and then 199 through Grants Pass on to Crater Lake.:thumb

From Crater Lake heading west (138 and 38) to the coast near Reedsport and riding the coast through Florence and so far up to Newport. From Newport east to Detroit and north on 224 to Troutdale and ride that Historic Columbia River route to see the Multnomah Falls.

From there head north on NF 25 and hopefully get to ride the road that cuts west into Mt ST Helens. Mt St Helens north to Rande. At Rande going west to Hwy 7 north and make the run through Mt Rainier.

From Mt Rainier taking 12 to Yakima and then south on 97 to ride the river and then Paterson to Prosser. Prosser through Walla Walla and down to Enterprise. Enterprise to Hells Canyon - dirt or no dirt!

This leaves out Coulee Dam and the recent suggested Tillamook to Astoria by Wilson River Canyon. From Hells Canyon it's on to home.

That's the tentative plan and we're open to make last minute tweaks.

Thanks to all who made the many great suggestions. Gotta love this forum !!! Hope I can sleep Wednesday night.

rinty

06-27-2010, 11:02 AM

Wallowa Mountain Loop...Nfr 39...is closed...Beemerron

That is really too bad; it's one of the best roads I have ever been on.

My brother and I rode it returning from the last Redmond National. He was on an old Wing, and was exhausted when we got to Joseph.:D

I see that the area Congressman is pushing for speedy repairs:

http://www.wallowa.com/Main.asp?SectionID=9&ArticleID=21659

RTRandy

06-27-2010, 11:40 AM

That is really too bad; it's one of the best roads I have ever been on.

Wow Rinty, That says a lot knowing your neck of the woods. This same situation happened some years back with the Beartooth Pass and I had to make other arrangements that year. I've since managed to ride the Beartooth several times and it sure appears they fixed it for the better. Hopefully the same thing will happen on nf-39 and it will improve for the best.

Gotta love this forum. Thanks to you this just saved me a ton of time. I only hope other riders planning routes through there to and from the rally will get this info.

rinty

06-27-2010, 01:48 PM

Wow...

Well, that sector is exotic, and remote. It has a different kind of beauty than our Rockies, or the Kootenays.

I like the area so much that, after the last Redmond National, I returned a few months later with my wife. We were driving her roadster at night, across the Umatilla Plateau on the lovely winding 395, and you could smell the pines. When the temperature dropped to 5 C, I suggested that we stop and put the top up. She said to leave it, and just turn the heater on. :thumb

Highway 39f is good asphalt, about a lane and a half wide, and the biggest challenge is swerving around the many Chipmunks that run across the road.

LSkrabut

06-28-2010, 02:05 PM

"We're either going to pick up 191 up to Blanding and then 95 to Hanksville or there is a highway 163 going near Mexican Hat and then 261 onto 95. Would love a comment from anyone who's ridden those. We're spending the night in Torrey."

Either way is a nice run. Make sure you gas up before heading towards Hanksville, not much at all out there but beautiful scenery.

If you decide to go via 163 to 261…. You will have to go up Moki Dugway…. 2.2 miles of very good dirt road up a side of a cliff. 10% grades and switchbacks. Views are outstanding, but I would stop to take them in instead of driving and looking….. it is a long way DOWN :)

If time is available, I might suggest taking a detour at Torrey and head south on Utah 12. Awesome run through Grand Staircase-Escalante. You will end up at Panguitch and head north to Utah 20 via US89. Over to I15, then north to Beaver and pick up Utah 27 and out to US 6 at Baker, back on your original route toward Ely.

This suggested route is 297 miles approx vs Torrey to US 50 near Aurora - Scipio - Delta - Baker NV – 230 miles…. 60 miles further.

No matter which way you head, plan for GAS, not much is available as far as gas stations in this area. Myself I tend to find them about every 100 to 150 miles, of course there may be some closer, but plan accordingly.

RTRandy

06-28-2010, 03:09 PM

I was wondering what that stretch of road on the map was that looked like a bowl of spaghetti. Moki Dugway. Who would have thunk it. If the weather is dry and clear I think it would be fun to take that route and get some photos. I assume the rest of the run is paved. If coming from the south are you climbing or descending or both?

I've ridden Hwy 95 from Blanding to Hanksville. Very spiritual road for sure and I've been on 12 to tour the parks, Bryce, Zion and north side of the Grand Canyon. Also had a good breakfast at a place on the Burr Trail in Boulder and rode much of the Burr Trail.

I've spent the night in Beaver before heading to Ely and Reno so familiar with some of those areas.

You're definitely right about the gas in those parts. Rule #1- If you see gas, buy it.

Thanks for the great tip.

LSkrabut

06-28-2010, 03:10 PM

"We're either going to pick up 191 up to Blanding and then 95 to Hanksville or there is a highway 163 going near Mexican Hat and then 261 onto 95. Would love a comment from anyone who's ridden those. We're spending the night in Torrey."
------------------------------

Either way is a nice run. Make sure you gas up before heading towards Hanksville, not much at all out there but beautiful scenery.

If you decide to go via 163 to 261…. You will have to go up Moki Dugway…. 2.2 miles of very good dirt road up a side of a cliff. 10% grades and switchbacks. Views are outstanding, but I would stop to take them in instead of driving and looking….. it is a long way DOWN :)

If time is available, I might suggest taking a detour at Torrey and head south on Utah 12. Awesome run through Grand Staircase-Escalante. You will end up at Panguitch and head north to Utah 20 via US89. Over to I15, then north to Beaver and pick up Utah 27 and out to US 6 at Baker, back on your original route toward Ely.

This suggested route is 297 miles approx vs Torrey to US 50 near Aurora - Scipio - Delta - Baker NV – 230 miles…. 60 miles further.

No matter which way you head, plan for GAS, not much is available as far as gas stations in this area. Myself I tend to find them about every 100 to 150 miles, of course there may be some closer, but plan accordingly.

LSkrabut

06-28-2010, 03:30 PM

Mexican hat is low, very steep climb via Moki Dugway in 3 miles to 8000. Nice run to 8500 where U meet 95 mostly straight but it is not at the same time. From 95 back to lake Powell... again great red rocks and canyons. FAST if pushed, hard not to do it slow :) Great run from Hanksville to Torrey, 45mph for the most part, but worth it.

Torrey south, great mountain run, to 9600', cool in the summer, back down to Boulder. Now be ready for the Grand Staircase. Not enough words to describe it. After Escalante, great road to Bryce and Panguitch via Red Canyon. Utah 20 is nice climb again, but short. Mostly from there out to Baker is so so of a run, nothing to really write home about.

All of these routes are good roads, but for Moki itself and that is good for a dirt road. Motorhome's take it all the time, but I wonder why, I would not.

If time is available, I would spent more in this part of Utah. back tracking, going over some parts again and again.

I myself like: great mountain or scenic drive in Utah, I normally hit a few per run.
UT 72 from Loa to I-70.
UT 25 around Fishlake to UT 72.
UT 22 from Bryce to Antimony and either 62 to Junction or up to Koosharem.
UT 31 from Huntington to Fairway.
UT 191 from Price to Duchesne
UT 191 from Vernal to Greenriver, WY
UT 35 from Duchesne to Francis

pmdave

06-28-2010, 03:51 PM

95 Between Blanding and Hanksville is drop-dead spectacular red rocks and wilderness. And of course Mexican Hat is right at the east end of Monument Valley. I don't remember any gas between Blanding and Hanksville.

I would suggest skipping Natural Bridges Nationial Monument unless you have too much extra time on your hands. To see the bridges requires hiking up and down. Instead, spend some time at the Hite overlook, a couple of miles after you cross the bridge.

Be aware that 261 north of Mexican Hat travels across the flats for a few miles and then SUDDENLY ascends up the face of a cliff, on gravel. Up on top, the pavement starts again.

I do suggest some sightseeing in the Capitol Reef area. The road into the park is paved for a number of miles, and you get some spectacular views of the reef itself.

Torry has facilities, including lodging, food, and fuel. If you are ready for the best southwestern food in the region, that would be Cafe Diablo, an obscure building on the south side of the highway at the west end of Torrey.

If you have an extra day, the loop from Torrey south on 12 to Boulder, Escalante, Tropic, etc. includes scenery from alpine forests to red rock canyons. Bryce Canyon is at the west end of 12. Here's a hot tip for visiting Bryce Canyon in a hurry: take the first viewpoint after the commercial strip, prior to the actual entrance. It's every bit as scenic as the other overlooks, and the hoodoos all look just about the same throughout the park.

89 north is through "cowboy" country, nice views and sweepers through canyons.

If you're heading west from here, I would suggest avoiding the Salt Lake City area insane traffic, and riding west on 50. Yes, it's lonely out there, and be sure to gas up and carry water.

pmdave

pmdave

06-28-2010, 08:41 PM

Just to give you some ideas, here's a shot of the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon. And this same scene goes on for miles, gaining altitude toward the south end.

pmdave

pmdave

06-28-2010, 08:43 PM

Or, maybe you're wondering what Capitol Reef looks like.

pmdave

RTRandy

06-29-2010, 11:53 AM

I myself like: great mountain or scenic drive in Utah, I normally hit a few per run.
UT 72 from Loa to I-70.
UT 25 around Fishlake to UT 72.
UT 22 from Bryce to Antimony and either 62 to Junction or up to Koosharem.
UT 31 from Huntington to Fairway.
UT 191 from Price to Duchesne
UT 191 from Vernal to Greenriver, WY
UT 35 from Duchesne to Francis

Those are some good out of the way roads to note next time I get back to Utah. I've been on 191 Vernal to Flaming Gorge numerous times and will pass through Price on my way to Aspen. Thanks for your help.

RTRandy

06-29-2010, 12:26 PM

I do suggest some sightseeing in the Capitol Reef area. The road into the park is paved for a number of miles, and you get some spectacular views of the reef itself.

Torry has facilities, including lodging, food, and fuel. If you are ready for the best southwestern food in the region, that would be Cafe Diablo, an obscure building on the south side of the highway at the west end of Torrey.

If you have an extra day, the loop from Torrey south on 12 to Boulder, Escalante, Tropic, etc. includes scenery from alpine forests to red rock canyons. Bryce Canyon is at the west end of 12. Here's a hot tip for visiting Bryce Canyon in a hurry: take the first viewpoint after the commercial strip, prior to the actual entrance. It's every bit as scenic as the other overlooks, and the hoodoos all look just about the same throughout the park.

89 north is through "cowboy" country, nice views and sweepers through canyons.

If you're heading west from here, I would suggest avoiding the Salt Lake City area insane traffic, and riding west on 50. Yes, it's lonely out there, and be sure to gas up and carry water.

pmdave

I'm spending the night in Torrey so hopefully I'll get there early enough to try Cafe Diablo. That looks awesome! It's now looking like my riding buddy is bowing out so I'll be solo this trip.

I've ridden 95 Blanding to Hanksville and don't recall gas until Hanksville. I think what I'll do when I get to 191 to head west on 163 to ride Moki Dugway, I'll stay on 191 going east a few miles and take on more fuel in the town of Bluff. I've marked a Sinclair gas station as a way point on my GPS. Better safe than sorry.

I've ridden 12 going south from Torrey and got an inside scoop from a local to turn off 12 to find the Boulder Mesa restaurant for good breakfast.

I fill my Camelbak with ice and water every morning in addition to along the way so I can stay hydrated. Ice cold water at all times. I also use a Polar Wrap around my neck. This has pellets inside that cause it to stay soaked with water for hours and the airflow over it makes it cool over my carotid arteries. To finish it all off I ride on Beadrider beads to keep me comfortable.

Here's a shot from 95. I think I saw two cars the whole way.

RTRandy

06-29-2010, 12:27 PM