503/Lewisville Hwy (north of Battle Ground) to Mt. St. Helens Nat'l Forest

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Washington

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 3 visitors

State: Washington
Date Submitted: August 1, 2009
Submitted by: Stev
Motorcycle Road Length: 93 Miles

Written Directions

503 is a fork. One can access from I-5 (E) through Woodland (WA) along the Lewis River (though you can't see the river for most of the jaunt). That is nice. Or one can access via Vancouver (WA) via Rt 500 (E) (if you use this access, be patient until just (N) of Battle Ground where it changes from 5 lane urban to 2 lane reeeeeealy nice). Both meet west of the town of Cougar. About 10miles (E) of Cougar, the road becomes NFD 90 & into Mt. St. Helens National Forest. I suggest you begin with one and end with the other. NOTE: heading (W) into Woodland in the evening will put the sun directly IN your eyes for a chunk of that route which makes watchin' fer animals crossing the road - difficult. .

Scenery

The two-lane is wooded, interspersed with farmland. Many of the turns are semi-banked & posted at 25mph. Several "crests" offer a sudden view of what is left of Mt. St. Helens. There's a one-lane, suspension bridge for vehicles over a small lake with boat access. I prefer the Vancouver/Cougar route over the Woodland/Cougar.

Road Quality

Great from the two lane begin (either end of the fork) to about 10miles beyond Cougar, WA. Beyond that, the road becomes paved NFD (National Forest Road) & the road gets even more twisty with uneven (road repair) patches. Road shoulders are little-to-non-existent most of the way. No off-camber turns noted.

Roadside Amenities

Take a camera, but expect the photo-op to flash-by before you have time to react. The shoulders are little-to-non-existent most of the way, so you will be looking to go back to "click". Believe the "next gas" signs or you WILL-BE-STRANDED. Camping (private & public) is available IF THERE ARE VACANCIES. Little available to purchase. There are a few watering holes w/food up-to just beyond Cougar; little beyond. NOTE: Parts of the town of Cougar are currently charging an additional $5fee for use of either debit or credit card for EACH purchase; no checks..

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Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .

Nickname (optional) Stev

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Reviewed by Guest on September 4, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: ZX12R
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Kawasaki
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Spectacular views. Rode through this section of roadway August 2010, kept heading North on hwy 131 to Randell, through 12 and popped out eventually on I-90 and I was very impressed. Rounding through St. Hellens was an amazing ride with non stop 25mph twists. Roadway was great, mostly clear being there were very few rocks, pebbles off the fog line. Once you get towards Cougar the road like stated above becomes challanging. Lots of drops, dips, akward off camber bends in the surface. My riding partner and I are by no means new to the motorcycle world and we both commented towards the end of that section that "very fun road, but I wouldn't recommend it for the in-experianced rider." Overall, great section of road.
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Reviewed by Guest on February 26, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Dwight
motorcycle_year: 2002
motorcycle_make: Suzuki
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: Have taken this route just to the bridge. And back again down 503 into Battleground. Also, another variation that's really fun! Going through Yacolt falls through Yacolt, then to Amboy. This section is also part of the North Clark County Scenic Drive which is an approximately 82 or 85 mile round trip to and from Battle Ground. Keep an eye out for the signs so you won't get lost. Lots of country and very good roads! On Saturdays not alot of local traffic either. Plenty of areas to pull off and enjoy the scenery too!
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Reviewed by Guest on September 7, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: LARRY
motorcycle_year: 1996
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: HAVE TRAVELED THAT SAME ROUTE IN MY CAR AND ON SCOOT AND HAVE NEVER TIRED OF IT. THE SCENERY IS BEAUTIFUL AND THE ROAD WAS MADE FOR A MOTORCYCLE, WATCH FOR WILDLIFE , I HAVE SEEN ELK, DEER AND ONCE A BLACK BEAR PLUS ALL KINDS OF SMALLER CRITTERS, KEEP THE RUBBER DOWN AND A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, LARRY
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