US Hwy 101 - Hood Canal to the North Shore | Washington Motorcycle Roads and Rides

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US Hwy 101 - Hood Canal to the North Shore

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 4 visitors

State: Washington
Date Submitted: October 1, 2006
Submitted by: Animal
Motorcycle Road Length: 65 Miles

Written Directions

Start your route in the town of Shelton, WA and simply head north on Hwy 101 all the way up to Discovery Bay, WA.

After you complete the route described above, you still have some nice options if you want to continue. Hwy 101 continues around the Olympic Peninsula in a loop, and if you've never done it, it is also a must do ride, but you'd want a couple of days for that one. Hwy 101 intersects with Hwy 20 at Discovery Bay and if you were to take Hwy 20, you would end up in Port Townsend. If you have a shopping Jones, this is the place to cure it. You can either enjoy the Canal from the opposite direction on the way home, or pop across the Hood Canal bridge to Hwy 3 and take a ferry home or get off the peninsula over the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which is Hwy 16

Scenery

In a state where water, mountains & trees always add a little flavor, this route combines all 3 to make a spectacular day trip. I've ridden a lot and on a sunny day, you can not beat this ride anywhere. Gorgeous!

Road Quality

There is very little straight road on this stretch of 101. You are following the shore of the Hood Canal, water is in sight almost constantly, and this makes for a really twisty ride. There are hills to contend with in spots, tourist attractions that will slow you down, as well as RV's in the summer, and the occasional deer or coon, so be heads up. The road is very well maintained and potholes are virtually nonexistent.

Roadside Amenities

Along the route you have several small towns where there are many eating choices. Seafood is abundant, as you might imagine. If you're an ice cream lover, don't miss the little store at Lilliwaup. There are many state campgrounds, as well as a few private ones. The biker watering hole is the Geoduck Tavern at Dosewalips. There are some spots to shop in Hoodsport, and a few Native American shops along the route, but if shopping is your thrill, I'd suggest a different route. There is a small casino just east of Hoodsport.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Washington State Parks - Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission

Nickname (optional) Animal

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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: Agree with above statements... Great road in the summer time, however there is lots of traffic and at times can be found stuck behind a dozen cars or more. Heavily patrolled during the summer months, especially around the town of Hoodsport, WA. More of a cruiser bike type road rather than a sports bike setting. Either way, enjoyable ride.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 4, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: KitsapMike
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Yamaha
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This is a great ride. I live on the Kitsap Peninsula and it does not matter which riding group you ride with, you will end up on this route. It is pleasing with gentle to hairpin curves, but don't be expecting much in the speed area, RV's use the route also. You will have excellent views of the Hood Canal with the presence of bald eagles. A positive must do ride.
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Reviewed by Guest on January 10, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: William Schwartz
motorcycle_year: 2005
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This is a nice ride. I made the ride in mid-November. There was not a lot of traffic to contend with then. If you live in the Tacoma area it is a fun ride to go up Hwy 3 to the hood canal bridge and just make a good loop down to Olympia and back to Tacoma. I recommend this ride to anyone who wants to take a 5 to 6 hour trip.
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Reviewed by Guest on June 17, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Veritas
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: I agree, this is a wonderful ride, as long as it's not raining. The only real issue is that during the summer there is lots of traffic. Due to this reason, it's not the best for a sportbike, but great for a cruiser.
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