Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Washington

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Have you ever asked the question:  Where are the best motorcycle rides near me in Washington (WA)? 

Whether you are simply looking for new motorcycle rides & roads in Washington to try or if you are specifically trying to find the very best motorcycle rides in Washington, learning of all your motorcycle ride options may be more difficult than you understand.  Even the most experienced motorcycle riders with years of riding in the Evergreen State can stumble on to a great motorcycle ride that they rode past a thousand times.  Or, these riders happen to talk to a fellow motorcycle rider and find out about a local/great motorcycle road in an area that they’ve never thought to check out.  So, MotorcycleRoads.com (McR) has put together this complete guide to help you solidly answer the key question: “What are my best options for Motorcycle Rides Near Me in Washington?”  

*Rankings for Washington motorcycle rides were accurate at the time this guide was published/updated in Feb of 2020 (for more information, see Note 1 at the bottom of this article).  Additionally, McR uses a proprietary algorithm to calculate motorcycle ride popularity (for more information, see see Note 2 also at at the bottom of this article). 

 

Closest US Motorcycle Riding Hotspot to Washington

First, if you are an Washington motorcycle rider that is willing to travel to wherever the best motorcycle rides are, then I need to tell you about some motorcycle riding HOTSPOTS across great country.  After 20+ years of collecting data on 1,000s of great US motorcycle rides, rider reviews and ratings of those motorcycle roads, and literally thousands of photos and videos, I have discovered that some regions of the United States are simply motorcycle riding Hotspots.  Each of these hotspots act like “magnets for motorcycling” and are depicted in the map image below.  And, if you are interested in learning more about these hotspots and the high quality motorcycle rides they offer, check out the Motorcycle Rides Near Me Guide

US motorcycle riding hotspots

Now, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to a particular motorcycle riding hotspot that is the nearest to the state of Washington.  It is located a few states away in Colorado and is a particular section in the Colorado Rocky mountains.  I'll provide you some specific information about that hotspot below but you need to realize that there are other hotspots located in different regions of the US that you may want to consider traveling to at some point in your "motorcycle riding lifetime."  

Showcase: The Colorado Rockies Motorcycle Riding Hotspot

mc riding hotspot near utah - colorado rocky mountains

Most motorcycle riders will not be surprised to find out that the Colorado Rocky mountains offer some of the most enjoyable motorcycling stretches of road in the country and the world for that matter.  The particular region of the Colorado Rockies that stands out for motorcycle rides is the Southwest corner (the Durango, CO area) and the North-central region (just west of Fort Collins, CO).  Of course, traveling from Washington to this area is going to take and investment in time & planning as Spokane, WA is approximately and 1100-mile drive to Denver and Seattle, WA will add another 200-miles or so to the trip.  But if you are a Washington motorcycle rider looking for a "target rich environment of fantastic motorcycle rides" then the Colorado Rockies is going to be one of your best possible hotspot choices!  Once in Colorado, these are particular motorcycle rides you will want to focus on:

Again, since the remaining three motorcycle riding hotspots are significantly further away than the Colorado Rocky Mountain hotspot, rather than provide you with a lengthy description of those other hotspots, instead I'll just provide you with a link to the Motorcycle Rides Near Me in the USA guide where, if you are interested in planning an epic motorcycle trip, you can find the full report on those great US hotspots of motorcycle riding.
 

 

Iconic US Motorcycle Rides

Now if you are interested in not just hotspots but the USA's hottest individual motorcycle rides that are generally considered to be the very best motorcycle roads in the entire USA, then I need to tell you about the motorcycle rides that have reached iconic status. And, fortunately for you, one of these iconic motorcycle rides is located in your state of Washington!  Overall, these are rides that all die hard motorcycling riding enthusiasts should add to his/her motorcycle riding bucket list.  The short list of these legendary motorcycle rides in the USA are as follows:

 

 
  tail of the dragon photo

The Dragon – This is a route that starts at the North Carolina and Tennessee border and goes north from there for 11-miles into Tennessee.  This motorcycle ride goes by many names such as The Dragon, the Tail of the Dragon, Deal’s Gap, and/or the Dragon’s Tail.  Call it what you want, but this is most likely the most famous motorcycle road in the entire world … yes, world.  It is known for its collection of incredible curves compressed into a short stretch of 11-miles ... 318 curves in those mere 11-miles.   

 

 
  blue ridge parkway photo

The Blue Ridge Parkway – like The Tail of the Dragon discussed above, the next iconic motorcycle ride is also world famous yet this is anything but a short ride as it covers a whopping 469-miles!  This route is covers large portions of both Virginia and North Carolina and has been enchanting both motorcycle riders and car drivers for decades.

 

 
  three sisters motorcycle ride texas

Three Sisters – the next iconic motorcycle ride takes us down way down south & “deep in the heart of Texas” with a motorcycle ride that also goes by a few different names (Ranch Roads 335, 336,337a, or “The Twisted Sisters,” or simply “The Three Sisters”) and is positioned in an area known as Texas Hill country just northwest of San Antonio, Texas.  The ride has a cult following of riders and like the other iconic rides, draws motorcycle riders in from not just the USA but all parts of the world. 

 

 
  pch motorcycle ride

Hwy 1 - Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) – Beyond a doubt, the most iconic motorcycle ride in the west is the Pacific Coast Highway and is also one of the most famous scenic drive in all of the world.  This quintessential road trip up (or down) the Washington coast became popular when it was glamorized by a variety of movies and TV shows and has only grown in popularity over time.  It offers gentle curves and breathtaking scenery as well as world class amenities along the coast and in the cities/towns that grace its path.  

 

 
  tunnel of trees motorcycle ride michigan

If you’re looking for a iconic motorcycle ride in the Midwest, The Tunnel of Trees Road is like the PCH of the Midwest and like PCH (described above), this route is also a “shore hugger.”  It offers riders great lake shore scenery off to the west with a canopy of green foliage from above.  The ride is a favorite among Midwestern motorcycle riders and is particularly captivating in the fall when the autumn colors mesmerize riders as the ride beneath a canopy of golds, oranges, and scarlet reds.  

 

 
  beartooth motorcycle ride montana wyoming

The last iconic American motorcycle ride on our list is the most extreme in many aspects as it is located in a sparsely populated area in northern Wyoming and crossing over into an equally sparsely populated area of Southern Montana and is referred to as Beartooth Pass .  The route is extreme for the fact that for the sheer mountain cliffs and switchbacks as well as the fact that it can throw snow & ice into the mix as late as July.  It not only offers riders unrivaled mountain scenery but also has the added bonus of putting riders within a short drive to the quintessential US National Park - Yellowstone.   

 

 
     

 

 

So far I have told you about Washington's nearest motorcycle riding hotspot as well as some iconic US motorcycle roads that are spread out around the USA. Yet if you are not up for a motorcycle trip of that magnitude (but if you really love motorcycle riding, then you really should plan a trip to venture out to some incredible motorcycle rides at some point) and instead you simply want to find the answer to the question: "Where are motorcycle rides near me in Washington?", then read on as I describe what have come to be known as 5 of the very best motorcycle rides in Washington State below.  Keep in mind that all of these rides have been highly ranked motorcycle rides in Washington for many years as our McR ranking algorithm (see note 2 below) doesn't let an newly added motorcycle ride jump right up to the top of the list but instead factors in the route's popularity over time by looking at a variety of different factors that indicate a motorcycle road's true overall popularity (e.g., page views for that motorcycle road, the number of motorcycle riders following that route, the number of times that route has been saved to riders' To Ride list, the number of times that motorcycle ride has been saved to a riders' Rode It list, the number of motorcycle ride photos or videos that have been uploaded to that page, etc, etc.).  But also realize that even though we use a somewhat involved rating algorithm to keep 'undeserving routes' from undeservedly rising to the top, certainly the ratings can & do change over time and so the list you see below of the best motorcycle rides in Washington was current at the time of the publication of this guide: the best motorcycle rides near me - Washington (date of last update is found towards the top of this guide below the intro section). 

At the time of this guide's publication, there were 59 Washington motorcycle roads registered on McR which puts Washington way above average for the number of registered motorcycle roads per state (for your reference, the average US state has about 35 registered motorcycle roads).  But Washington is also definitely above average when we look at the quality of its motorcycle roads as many of Washington motorcycle rides are ranked in the Top 100 Motorcycle Rides in the USA and two of its roads made the list 10 of the best motorcycle rides in the West

 

The Top-5 Best Motorcycle Rides in Washington: 

 

hwy 20 washington motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Highway 20 Washington Pass

This 87-mile Washington motorcycle route starts in the town of Marblemount. An amazing stretch of 65 miles takes you through the North Cascade National Park and climbs up 8,000 feet up. It’s a thrilling, twisty ride, but watch out for the falling rocks and deer on the roads. You can continue the route after the National Park on Route 20 to go up to Lake Chelan and return via Stevens Pass near Everett. There are over 40 waterfalls you can view from the road!

 

rattle snake pass motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Rattlesnake Pass To Wallowa Lake

This route has enough scenery throughout! It follows the Snake River to Asotin and begins to ascend to the top of Butte to offers some spectacular views of the south east. Cliff-tops showcase the northern end of Hells Canyon till the landscapes change from grasslands to wooded forests by the time you approach the Rattlesnake Pass. Here onwards, quite a few majestic peaks and ranges are seen till you get to the Grande Ronde River. You can continue on the dirt road to find camping sites or overnight accommodation at the Hells Canyon.

 

Klickitat Loop motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. The Klickitat Loop

These 40-miles of riding bliss begins in Bingen, WA on Highway 14. The author calls it one of the best rides of the region. It has got a nice balance of fast sweeping turns, long straights, tight twisties and enjoyable switchbacks. It is a ride in the open range, so watch out for cattle on the roads. The loop offers 3 gas stations and a few eateries. The best part is it isn’t loaded with traffic and cops.

 

Flowery Trail Rd motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. The Flowery Trail Rd

Widely described to be equivalent to an “amusement park roller coaster”, this Washington motorcycle ride heads west, turns around at the chain up area and heads back east to Chewelah. Make sure the roads are clear before you go as it can have snow well into May and even in September. The scenic views of the Inland Northwest Mountain road makes the diligent trip planning worth your while. Enjoy the twisty mountain roads!

 

Spirit Lake Highway motorcycle ride.jpg

  1. Spirit Lake Highway

This enchanting route goes from Castle Rock to the Spirit Lake Highway and ends at the Johnston Ridge. It has several water bodies like the Silver Lake, Spirit Lake, and Coldwater Lake among others. The views of Mt. St. Helens and the destruction it brought (can be seen from the Johnston Ridge Observatory) are worth a watch. Castle Rock offers some restaurants and there are some places you can go to near Mt. St. Helens. It’s the perfect spot for sweeper lovers!


Overall, Washington attracts millions of adventure seekers, cultural and scenic enthusiasts each year. It is perfect for a cultural retreat or just for a weekend getaway trip.  So, planning a great motorcycle trip in the state is relatively easy as you can simply put together a combination of any of its great motorcycle roads and rides listed on McR along with the many great tourist destinations & attractions that permeate the state.  For your reference, a summary of some of the best such destinations list provided below:

  • Seattle is a great place to get started. The Space Needle built for the 1962 World’s Fair at the Seattle Center is perhaps the most iconic spot. In its vicinity are a monorail, parklands, museums, restaurants and the more recent glass artworks at the Chihuly Garden and Glass. Downtown Seattle showcases its relaxed side on the waterfront.
  • The Washington State Capitol Building is something you cannot miss while here. The 287 ft structure features a five-ton Tiffany chandelier, some eye-catching sculptures and the grand white dome. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is nearby.
  • The San Juan Islands, the biggest in the state, offers delectable seafood restaurants, some galleries and the San Juan Island National Historic Park where the British and American troops fought the Pig War Border Dispute. It also has kayaking, whale watching and dining opportunities.
  • Spokane, located in eastern Washington, offers its sunnier landscape dotted with farmlands and cultural hubs. Riverfront Park, the venue for the 1974 World’s Fair, now has a Ferris wheel, a hand-carved carousel from 1909 and other rides. Mount Spokane offers skiing while visitors can also explore gardens and museums here.
  • The Museum of Glass in Tacoma is an especially noteworthy one among the others in the city. It features some exquisite pieces created by Dave Chihuly, aworld-renowned Tacoma-based artist. The Bridge of Glass connects this museum to the Washington State History Museum.
  • The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument is home to the landscape still rebounding from the explosive eruption in 1980. Visitors get to learn about the still occurring geological process and is suitable for both research and recreation. There is even an opportunity to peer into the crater from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
  • The Olympic National Park offers everything from oceans, beaches to glaciers on mountain tops. Ruby and Rialto are some iconic beaches at the western edge. The Sol Duc Hot Springs is a great place to rejuvenate at. The Hoh Rain Forest has some spectacular gigantic trees and has some hiking trails. Stop by the Marymere Falls when you’re here. The park also has campgrounds to stay the night.
  • Views from the Mount Rainier National Park are beautiful in every direction. Mount Rainier,the tallest peak of Washington is open all year long and offers seasonal recreational opportunities. Two particularly stunning areas here are the Sunrise and Paradise regions. The hiking trails lead you to meadows, waterfalls, groves and campgrounds.
  • The North Cascades National Park has a rare offering for nature lovers. One could take the Scenic Byway here to look at some fantastic views of the Washington Pass, the Ross Lake, the Methow Valley and more. Hiking in the region offers some great mountain views. The Lake Chelan National Recreational Area nearby has a deep lake with a mountain backdrop.

 

 

Interested in more motorcycle ride articles like this?

       
  Midwest's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the Midwest  
  northeast-motorcycle-ride

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the Northeast  
  South's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the South  
  West's Best Motorcycle Rides

 

The Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in the West  

 


Note 1:  All facts and figures below were gathered during early Jan 2019 and will change over time as new motorcycle roads are added to the collection. 
Note 2:  How were these popularity ratings calculated? 
A motorcycle road’s popularity can be based on a wide variety of factors.  Our analysis considered some obvious indicators of motorcycle road popularity such each roads’ “Rider Rating” scores (star ratings) and which motorcycle road description pages were visited the most.  But, the analysis dug deeper and looked at some less obvious yet valuable indicators of a motorcycle road’s popularity such as how often a given motorcycle road was added to riders’ “To Ride” lists, how often a given motorcycle road was added to riders’ “Rode it” lists and enthusiasm indicators such how often photos and/or videos were uploaded for a given road and which roads are attracting the most buzz among motorcycle roads indicated by those roads that are receiving the most number of new/recent comments.  For the sake of being consistent and as objective as possible we use a popularity algorithm that “crunches those number” and allows us to develop a ranking of the popularity of each of the motorcycle roads used as a basis for this guide.

 


Conclusion

As always, I hope to provide you with insightful & valuable motorcycle riding community information to help you get the most out of all of your motorcycling experiences.

I'm always looking for ways to make MotorcycleRoads.com better and more helpful so if you have any suggestions to improve the website, just contact me through the Feedback button you'll find near the top of every page.  And as always, if you have a favorite motorcycle road of yours that is not yet registered on MotorcycleRoads.com, please get that favorite of yours "on the map" by registering it at MotorcycleRoads.com.  Registering a motorcycle road (or event, or club, or place) is quick and easy and you'll be helping out our motorcycle riding community!!! 

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