US Route 97 (Maryhill, WA to Toppenish, WA)

US97 is a dry side road. It wends its way up from the Columbia along the valley floors, scatterings of abandoned pastureland and hardwood pines punctuating the Eastern Cascade scenery. The views are impressive and the highway is as well-paved as it is desolate on our mid-October weekend excursion. At one fairly flat spot south… Continue reading US Route 97 (Maryhill, WA to Toppenish, WA)

Burn Road (Granite Falls, WA – Arlington, WA)

Just a little bit west of Arlington, you’ll find one of those nice roads that isn’t terribly frequented, but everybody who rides ‘knows’ about when you mention it. Burn Road is just one of those roads, as it runs north-northwest out of the Granite Falls area up into Arlington. It winds hither and yon, between… Continue reading Burn Road (Granite Falls, WA – Arlington, WA)

Oregon State Route 22, the ‘Three Rivers Highway’

I rode Oregon Route 22 out of Hebo with part of our group returning to Beaverton (outside Portland) from Beaver (along 101). Oregon 22 is a very picturesque road with lots of trees and interesting geology lining it. While most of the road was 40-50mph sweepers, some of the corners were surprisingly abrupt 90-degree right… Continue reading Oregon State Route 22, the ‘Three Rivers Highway’

Washington State Route 821 “Canyon Road”

Canyon Road is a wonderful ride, and a refreshing alternative to the four-lane high-passing-speed slab of Interstate 82. most of the curves are semi-sweepers that do not require much deceleration prior to entry, although some of the sharper curves are quite dramatic. A hazy Mount Adams off to the south-east as you ease your way… Continue reading Washington State Route 821 “Canyon Road”