link, well cant post links so there is not link




Been looking forward to doing this loop for a while now. Wife and I leave Saturday early. Will be posting pics as I can.

 

Note the comments about a closure up there on Wadot's web site.

 

I did see that one... 24 mile detour to get around it. There is another that is not fixed on this map I just learned about between Randle and Swift reservoir.


Good looking out though and thank you.

 

Ill admit you did just freak me out some.. I seen that road cam labeled Winthrop with the snow, didn't notice the date stamp on it. Made me look.

 

If you happen to stay at a hotel/motel then please post your opinions of those as well (inquiring minds want to know!)

 

I am and will, I shoot for small clean places to stay. Prefer motels or lower level rooms so I can park bike right outside door.

 

Regarding motels in the area, a good friend recently stayed In Methow at the Methow River Lodge and Cabins..pretty sure that's the name. Said it was outstanding and the folks that run it are a kick.

 

I can recommend one significant change. Anything east of Yakima is essentially dead grass. I would 1) take the Yakima canyon route north of Selah, WA821. The canyon is a nice twisty two lane road the follows the Yakima River and rail line. It ends at I-90 in Ellensburg. 2) Rather than heading east (ugly), Ride to the west end of Ellensburg and take US 97 north. It goes through the forests not dead grass. It hooks up with US2 outside of Levenworth (cool Swiss village town), and then head east back down to Wenatchee. From Wenatchee, you can either continue north on US 97 or head east on US 2 (to WA155 up to Coulee).

I know this looks less direct but trust me (I've done this a few times), the route you are planning is fine except for anything east of the Columbia River is dead scab land.

Lastly, you might think about cutting across on WA 20, from Colville. Great ride, although I cannot comment on your route. It may be OK but the further south you go, you lose elevation and therefore trees and green. Continue on WA20 as it hooks up with US97 to Omak, and then head west again. This IS the North Cascade Hiway.

And one last thing. I cannot tell by your route whether you need or want to go to Portland. If you do, your route is fine but go on the Washington side and go through the Gorge on WA14. If not, take the old scenic hiway on the Oregon side (US30) but it is a CRAWL on the weekends. There really are no direct, fast route south from WA down to Portland except for I-5. The route you picked is going to VERY SLOW as the routes are in direct (and I think one is a US Forest road. If you do not need to see Portland and if you are dead set against freeways, find your way to Woodland WA and head east on WA533. You will go through the town of Cougar and at the fork in the road, go right and the road will go south and hook up with WA14 in the Gorge east of Stevenson. This is a popular "no freeway" route for weekend riders.

 

Thanks DBlass, am going to look at that recommendation between Glenwood and Coulee when I get home tonight.


Your way defiantly adds miles to my day but Leavenworth is on my wife's list so there is added bonus there. Puts us over 400 miles for day 1 but we have done it before.


The route white salmon to Glenwood I ride a few times a year and would not miss it, 141 is one of my favorite rides.


Colville is something I will do later when we do our Canadian trip I think. Have kids at home so 3 days is all we have right now.


Far as Portland area, I live in Beaverton so Im stuck but we leave early and I know my way around well. 14 is the only way I travel east on the bike. 30 and 84 can suck it.

 

If you have the time and inclination, a pass by Mt. Ranier is a nice ride.