In the crisp early light of a September morning in 2024, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts gathered in Carson, Washington, ready to embark on an adventure that would weave through some of the most breathtaking landscapes the Pacific Northwest had to offer. Their journey was not just about covering miles but about experiencing the soul of the region, from the rugged beauty of lava beds to the serene expanses of mountain meadows.
The first day’s ride took them into the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where the earth seemed to have been sculpted by the hands of giants, with lava beds stretching like ancient scars across the landscape. The ride was a gentle initiation into the backcountry, edning in the gorgeous Ohanapecosh Campground near Mount Rainier. Here, the group set up camp under a canopy of towering trees, and the nearby Silver Falls offered a serene backdrop for a short hike, a perfect way to unwind after the day’s journey.
Day two began with an homage to Mount Rainier National Park, where the group descended Stevens Canyon Road to the visitor center. The Grove of the Patriarchs, a short hike amidst ancient trees, provided a moment of reflection before they embarked on the scenic Highway 410, tracing the American and Naches Rivers. The day ended in Ellensburg, the memories of the day’s vistas etched into their minds, a testament to the epic beauty of Washington’s mountains.
The journey’s third day was marked by a shift to the rugged, high-elevation dirt roads of the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route (WABDR). The thrill of navigating these paths, where each turn offered new panoramas, was exhilarating. The group camped at Beebe Bridge Park, a spot that seemed to echo the freedom they felt on their bikes.
Wednesday’s ride was a highlight of the trip, starting with more dirt paths before merging onto Highway 20, acclaimed as one of America’s top rides. This stunning stretch through North Cascades National Park was not just about the journey but about the connection to the land, the occasional rain adding a raw edge to the experience. At Glacier Peak Resort, they found rest under the watchful eyes of the mountains they had just conquered.
The adventure continued with more of Highway 20’s magic before descending through lush pine forests alongside the Sauk and Stillaguamish rivers, leading to a ferry ride to Whidbey Island. Fort Casey, with its historical whispers and scenic views, provided a unique camping experience, the day’s ride having been one of the most beautiful of their lives.
But nature, ever unpredictable, greeted them with rain on Friday. Despite the downpour, they ventured through Olympic National Park, experiencing the mystical Hoh Rainforest, its ancient trees cloaked in mist. The day’s challenges made the decision to seek a hotel in Hoquiam for warmth and comfort all the more sweet. The next days ride back along the coast and the Columbia River was long and wet, with a stop for lunch in Long Beach, and eventually the end of their loop back to Carson.
This journey, spanning 1300 miles over a week, was more than a ride. It was a deep breath of freedom, an immersion into the beauty of Washington, and a testament to the bonds formed on the road. Each day brought its own tale – of conquering rough terrains, of sharing laughs under the stars, and of the silent awe inspired by nature’s grandeur. This adventure, like all great ones, reminded them of the joy of living in the moment, where the only direction that mattered was forward, on the open road.
