Advice on Cascade trip?
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 203
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From: Elgin, IL
Advice on Cascade trip?
The only mountian range in the country I have left to ride is the Cascades. Only thing is I hear it rainsall the time. I aint afraid of getting soaked now and then but nothin sucks more than a trip domminated by wet weather.
Any tips on the best time of year to avoid a washout?
Anyplace out that way I just shouldn't miss?
Any tips on the best time of year to avoid a washout?
Anyplace out that way I just shouldn't miss?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,831
Likes: 15
From: Nomad
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
I'm sure the locals will chime in so wait for what they say... (I used to live in Seattle, though)
The thing about the Washington Cascades is that there are no continuous north/south roads along the range, and only really a few that cross it. They may not have the elevation of other ranges, but they are one of the most rugged in the lower 48.
Yes, you should be prepared for the rain. It is less frequent in the summer months (July and August would be the best time probably). But still would not be surprising. The god thing about the summer rain in the mountains is that the rainstorms are usually brief, but they can be chilly.
Good roads: Mt. Baker Highway, the North Cascade Highway, US 2 from Wenatchee to Everett, the drive to Mt St. Helens, and of course the drive to Paradise (in Mt. Rainier Nat. Park). Bring your fly rod. On the west side of the Cascades, you'll be so close to the coast; it'd be good to explore some of that, too.
You should definitely try to schedule a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. There is no road through the Olympic Mountains, but you can ride up to Hurricane Ridge in the park, and around to the west side to the Hoh River (the rain forest area) and the Makah Res., Kalaloch, Quinnault, etc. You could do the North Cascades, then take a ferry from any number of Puget Sound towns to the Olympic Peninsula (it's, like, 20 minutes to cross), ride around the Peninsula, then come back towards Rainier, down to St. Helens, and further south to Portland, where you can head back to the Cascades (Mt. Hood) or towards the famous Oregon coast.
But, yes, bring your wet weather gear, even in the summer.
The thing about the Washington Cascades is that there are no continuous north/south roads along the range, and only really a few that cross it. They may not have the elevation of other ranges, but they are one of the most rugged in the lower 48.
Yes, you should be prepared for the rain. It is less frequent in the summer months (July and August would be the best time probably). But still would not be surprising. The god thing about the summer rain in the mountains is that the rainstorms are usually brief, but they can be chilly.
Good roads: Mt. Baker Highway, the North Cascade Highway, US 2 from Wenatchee to Everett, the drive to Mt St. Helens, and of course the drive to Paradise (in Mt. Rainier Nat. Park). Bring your fly rod. On the west side of the Cascades, you'll be so close to the coast; it'd be good to explore some of that, too.
You should definitely try to schedule a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. There is no road through the Olympic Mountains, but you can ride up to Hurricane Ridge in the park, and around to the west side to the Hoh River (the rain forest area) and the Makah Res., Kalaloch, Quinnault, etc. You could do the North Cascades, then take a ferry from any number of Puget Sound towns to the Olympic Peninsula (it's, like, 20 minutes to cross), ride around the Peninsula, then come back towards Rainier, down to St. Helens, and further south to Portland, where you can head back to the Cascades (Mt. Hood) or towards the famous Oregon coast.
But, yes, bring your wet weather gear, even in the summer.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 757
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From:
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
Definitely bring your rain gear. The best time of year is July through September. The Oregon Cascades don't have any north-south highways there are several east west passes that are great rides. From north to south some of the things to see are Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, The Metolius River near Sisters Oregon, The High Desert Museum south of Bend, Lava Butte south of Bend, and probably the most famous, Crater Lake. The east side of the Cascades is High Desert with warm days and cool nights and not much rain during the summer. The west side is the Willamette Valley in the north which does have rain from time to time during the summer. South of Eugene the west side of the cascades is more timbered and dry like the east side. PM me if I be of anymore help. Have a great trip.
Ride Safe.
Ride Safe.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 936
Likes: 25
From: South
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
ORIGINAL: faber
I'm sure the locals will chime in so wait for what they say... (I used to live in Seattle, though)
The thing about the Washington Cascades is that there are no continuous north/south roads along the range, and only really a few that cross it. They may not have the elevation of other ranges, but they are one of the most rugged in the lower 48.
Yes, you should be prepared for the rain. It is less frequent in the summer months (July and August would be the best time probably). But still would not be surprising. The god thing about the summer rain in the mountains is that the rainstorms are usually brief, but they can be chilly.
Good roads: Mt. Baker Highway, the North Cascade Highway, US 2 from Wenatchee to Everett, the drive to Mt St. Helens, and of course the drive to Paradise (in Mt. Rainier Nat. Park). Bring your fly rod. On the west side of the Cascades, you'll be so close to the coast; it'd be good to explore some of that, too.
You should definitely try to schedule a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. There is no road through the Olympic Mountains, but you can ride up to Hurricane Ridge in the park, and around to the west side to the Hoh River (the rain forest area) and the Makah Res., Kalaloch, Quinnault, etc. You could do the North Cascades, then take a ferry from any number of Puget Sound towns to the Olympic Peninsula (it's, like, 20 minutes to cross), ride around the Peninsula, then come back towards Rainier, down to St. Helens, and further south to Portland, where you can head back to the Cascades (Mt. Hood) or towards the famous Oregon coast.
But, yes, bring your wet weather gear, even in the summer.
I'm sure the locals will chime in so wait for what they say... (I used to live in Seattle, though)
The thing about the Washington Cascades is that there are no continuous north/south roads along the range, and only really a few that cross it. They may not have the elevation of other ranges, but they are one of the most rugged in the lower 48.
Yes, you should be prepared for the rain. It is less frequent in the summer months (July and August would be the best time probably). But still would not be surprising. The god thing about the summer rain in the mountains is that the rainstorms are usually brief, but they can be chilly.
Good roads: Mt. Baker Highway, the North Cascade Highway, US 2 from Wenatchee to Everett, the drive to Mt St. Helens, and of course the drive to Paradise (in Mt. Rainier Nat. Park). Bring your fly rod. On the west side of the Cascades, you'll be so close to the coast; it'd be good to explore some of that, too.
You should definitely try to schedule a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. There is no road through the Olympic Mountains, but you can ride up to Hurricane Ridge in the park, and around to the west side to the Hoh River (the rain forest area) and the Makah Res., Kalaloch, Quinnault, etc. You could do the North Cascades, then take a ferry from any number of Puget Sound towns to the Olympic Peninsula (it's, like, 20 minutes to cross), ride around the Peninsula, then come back towards Rainier, down to St. Helens, and further south to Portland, where you can head back to the Cascades (Mt. Hood) or towards the famous Oregon coast.
But, yes, bring your wet weather gear, even in the summer.
http://www.wastatehogrally.com/ Here's a link to this years state hog rally. Wenatchee to Paulsbo is a great ride with very diverse country.
Best, Scott BTW........ Lk. Chelan st. park in the summer months is awsome for its bikinic scenery.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 711
Likes: 0
From: Bothell, WA
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
The last three years I have made the west to east trip over Highway 2 or Interstate 90 in June. All three trips we encountered rain. Our saving grace was noing that the weather was warm and dry east of the mountains. Last year, we encountered 36 degree temperatures and snow on Snoqualmie Pass. It snowed hard, but was not cold enough for the snow to stick to the roadway.Cold weather gear and rain gear are a must. July through Septmeber are the better riding months, though in the Cascades, there are no guaranteeâs. Be prepared for what ever nature can throw at you. The best Cascade trip is North Cascades Highway (Highway 20) in late July. Seattle HOG hosts an event called the Tumbleweed run every year in the town of Winthrop Washington late July. The journey over the North Cascades Highway is the highest elevation, and the most scienic in the state. The difference in climate from the west side of the mountains to the east is dramatic. It can be 90 and dryon the east side while it is 50 and raining on the west. North Cascades Highway is full of steep grades and twisties, which can be challenging for even the most experienced riders, going downhill on an 18% grade while encountering sharp turns at speed around 60 mph. Good luck and come prepared!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,378
Likes: 1
From: Boise, Idaho
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
ORIGINAL: LDrider
The only mountian range in the country I have left to ride is the Cascades. Only thing is I hear it rainsall the time. I aint afraid of getting soaked now and then but nothin sucks more than a trip domminated by wet weather.
Any tips on the best time of year to avoid a washout?
Anyplace out that way I just shouldn't miss?
The only mountian range in the country I have left to ride is the Cascades. Only thing is I hear it rainsall the time. I aint afraid of getting soaked now and then but nothin sucks more than a trip domminated by wet weather.
Any tips on the best time of year to avoid a washout?
Anyplace out that way I just shouldn't miss?
Did the trip from Boise - Bend OR - Leavenworth WA to Astoria in June last year. Ride over the Cascades was a bit wet, but was a great ride. If you have time, drop over to Leavenworth WA. Beautiful country. Leavenworth is a "German" village that the wife will really enjoy, plus the snitzel and german beer is also great.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 314
Likes: 5
From: Albany Oregon
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
depending on how long you have and how much you like to ride, I would start out going from MT over and cross Stevens pass (hwy 2) then cut back and forth east to west and back on all the passes. Be sure to stop at Leavenworth, then stop at Snoqualmie going east on I-90 then you could come back on Hwy 12 down I-5 to Hwy 14 back east and cross the Columbia river into Hood River Oregon. Continue South on Hwy 35 then west on hwy 26 back to Portland then South on I-205 to hwy 213 through Oregon City, then go through Silverton south to hwy 22. East to Bend then back track to hwy 126 back to Springfield then south on I-5 to hwy 58, east to hwy 97. South on hwy 97 to Klamath Falls then west over hwy 140 to Medford. That could take some time but if you want, PM me and we could discuss something shorter. I have spent the last 15 years and 1.3 Million miles traveling western and central Oregon and Washington. I can tell you all the sights and cool places to stop if I know exactly what you want and how long you have got.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
You can literally take a virtual tour of the area through the following links. Historic Columbia River Highwayis a must see. Itis the first highway, constructed 1913-1921,in the United Statesto be initially conceived as a scenic highway. [/align][/align]The Columbia Gorge, in my opinion, is one of the most captivating,scenic, beautiful placesin the United States.[/align][/align]
Although the following photographs (note the pics are dated as to time of year)ofthe Historic Columbia River Highway are indeed beautiful. they don't begin todescribe the awestruckfeel of the place, the flora, the fauna, the scents, the sounds, the sheer enormityofthe incredible environ that it truly is. http://*******.com/2yfps8[/align][/align]http://www.infinityinternet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/Places/historic_columbia_river_highway.html[/align][/align][/align]A plethora of sites, rich in history all, to see along the way. Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam - Cascade Navigation Locks andfish hatchery, Vista House, Beacon Rock(WA side), Bridge of theGods, traditional Indian fishiing site Celio Falls, Columbia Falls River Gorge, Or., Highway 14 tunnels on the WA side. http://*******.com/ytkaxj[/align][/align]http://www.infinityinternet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/columbia_river_gorge.html[/align]
Although the following photographs (note the pics are dated as to time of year)ofthe Historic Columbia River Highway are indeed beautiful. they don't begin todescribe the awestruckfeel of the place, the flora, the fauna, the scents, the sounds, the sheer enormityofthe incredible environ that it truly is. http://*******.com/2yfps8[/align][/align]http://www.infinityinternet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/Places/historic_columbia_river_highway.html[/align][/align][/align]A plethora of sites, rich in history all, to see along the way. Multnomah Falls, Bonneville Dam - Cascade Navigation Locks andfish hatchery, Vista House, Beacon Rock(WA side), Bridge of theGods, traditional Indian fishiing site Celio Falls, Columbia Falls River Gorge, Or., Highway 14 tunnels on the WA side. http://*******.com/ytkaxj[/align][/align]http://www.infinityinternet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/columbia_river_gorge.html[/align]
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,521
Likes: 15
From: Bremerton
RE: Advice on Cascade trip?
Lots of good rides here.North Cascade Highway is a must.HWY 101 Wa and Ore. coast is nice.August would be the Least chance of rain.Let us know when you are headin this way and how much time you have.
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