For those not familiar with the geography around Mount Rainier, SR165 is the highway that provides access to the northwest corner of the Mt. Rainier area. SR165 isn’t what you expect for a state-funded highway, as the roadway is only marginally maintained (less as you go higher) and the guide rails along the road are… Continue reading Washington State Route 165
Tag: cascades
Washington State Route 542 “Mount Baker Highway”
This road is a real gem. The east-west section across the north end of Baker is a good 30 miles of tree-lined sweepers. Once you get to the northeast of Baker, SR 542 gets positively exciting with a succession of steeply-graded, challenging hairpin curves. The lower elevations of Mount Baker Highway are fairly typical of… Continue reading Washington State Route 542 “Mount Baker Highway”
Cascade Lakes Highway (aka Century Drive)
While this road is certainly no Aufderheide, it’s a fantastic road that I highly recommend. It’s scenic, from disturbingly fresh-looking lava flows and fantastic views of Mt. Bachelor to sobering views of recent forest fires and the distinct possibility of up close and personal visit with the extremely large elk in the area. Link to… Continue reading Cascade Lakes Highway (aka Century Drive)
Paulina-Eastlake Road / Newberry Crater Road
This road is fantastic. There’s very little to see on US97 while trying to get there, but the luscious pavement, generous truck turnoffs on the uphill slope, and the fabulous sightlines make this road a must-ride. While I didn’t go all the way up to the top personally, several of my friends did and reported… Continue reading Paulina-Eastlake Road / Newberry Crater Road
Crater Lake Loop
For a meager $5 admission (per person) you can visit a site of lovely twisty roads and incomparable beauty (this coming from a Seattle-ite). Crater Lake is sited in Southern Oregon, not terribly far from the California State Line. Crater Lake is quite popular with West Coast motorcyclists, as shown by motorcycle license plates from… Continue reading Crater Lake Loop