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Mt Rainer Ramble

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 2 visitors

State: Washington
Date Submitted: December 31, 1969
Submitted by: Sly Chang
Motorcycle Road Length: 70 Miles

Written Directions

I suggest you start your drive in Elbe Washington. Its important to look for signs along this route ... they should direct you to both Paradise and Sunrise Park. You will take Rte 706 east till you get to Rte 123 which you take north. Take that till it runs into 410. Now you want to take 410 north towards Sunrise Park road. Look for Sunrise Park road which will be on your left and head west towards the route's end at beautiful Sunrise Point at the Sunrise Visitor Center.

Scenery  

The star of this show is the 14,411 ft Mt. Rainier, the highest peak in the entire Cascade mountain range. This mountain is a dormant volcano with a distinctive dome shaped peak that is completely glaciated. You will see many rivers, lakes, canyons and waterfalls often times dramatically and starkly outlined by the dark volcanic rock surfaces. Overall the road conditions are almost ideal for motorcycle enjoyment. Plenty of zigs and zags and long climbs for you to feel the power of your bike. One of the best and most exciting sections of the route will be found as you approach and pass Cayuse Pass as you close in on Sunrise (the final destination of the route). As with any mountain motorcycle traveling, special care has to be taken to avoid late spring or early fall snow conditions.



The Nisqually River running rather dry this time of year

Road Quality  

Overall the road conditions are almost ideal for motorcycle enjoyment. Plenty of zigs and zags and long climbs for you to feel the power of your bike. One of the best and most exciting sections of the route will be found as you approach and pass Cayuse Pass closing in on Sunrise, the final destination of the route. As with any mountain motorcycle traveling, special care has to be taken to avoid late spring or early fall snow conditions. Photo contributed by visitor in Jun 09 - "Awesome day @ Sunrise area on Mount Rainier."

Roadside Amenities  

The town of Elbe Washington is the home station for the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. You can ride this train along its 14-mile roundtrip journey enjoying the thrill of riding an authentic steam powered locomotive and open-air passenger cars and restored coach cars. You will travel to within 25 miles of Mt. Rainier through lush forests. You may enter Mt. Rainier National park via the main entrance, Nisqually entrance, and enjoy a museum and educational trail outline the parks history and points of interest. Further up Rte. 706 visitors can park and take a short hike to see the Narada Falls. It is here where the Paradise River takes a 168 ft dive. Further up the route you will find the most visited spot in the park Paradise. Here you will find the Jackson Visitor Center where you will learn about various mountain fauna and geology. Next on the route you will travel along a section known as Stevens Canyon Road. Along this section you will travel along canyons, see numerous lakes and waterfalls and view the pristine Reflection Lakes offering images of Mt Rainier on their mirror like surfaces. Towards the end of the run you will make your way unto the highest point accessible by motorized vehicles Sunrise point. From here you will take in the most impressive views of the looming Mt. Rainier to the west as well as other peaks among the Cascades. You can also see the largest glacier in the continental United States Emmons Glacier. The Sunrise Visitor Center will offer you more information and appreciation for the majesty of Mt. Rainier.

Additional Info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather . - Mt. Rainer Web-site - Mt. Rainer National Park - Washington State Parks - Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission - Mt. Rainer Climbing Guide - Directions to the Mt. Rainer Scenic Railroad

Nickname (optional) Sly Chang

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Reviewed by Guest on June 9, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: Scritch

motorcycle_year: 2002

motorcycle_make: Triumph

motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring

Comment: Maybe enough twisties for the Hog, but not for my Sprint. However, the turns were very civilized, pavement generally good, and provided many opportunities for a quick pass at almost legal speeds. Watch out for Hwy 7 through Spanaway, though, as traffic can drive you bats.

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Reviewed by Guest on January 5, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)

Creator: Joe

motorcycle_year: 2003

motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson

motorcycle_type: Cruiser

Comment: I rode this route from Enumclaw on the 410 and then back to tacomoa on 7. It was without a dobt one of the most memorable rides I've ever been on. The scenery was incredible and the winding rode through the national forest will give you all the twisting roads you can take.

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