Washinton State's Hwy 20

[Killtimer]

In the fall of '03 I rode out to Seattle to have Rich's saddles do a custom rebuild for me. This was part of the route I rode based on the excellent advice in Destination Highways Washington edition. The second half of this section from Tonesket to Rockport is rated as the best MC road in Washington. I can't argue. :) More info on the Destination Highways books can be found here (http://www.destinationhighways.com/) . I can't say enough about these books. Essential road gear IMNSHO.

Steve

[Dave Wicks]

Great Highway;
Who ever engineered some of that road needs a medal, you can get a real rythm going. Rode it with sporty bike, Gold Wing and CRuiser..Can't wait to run the St down there. Good call

[John Anthony]

That is truly one of the State's great routes. But don't be in too much of a rush if you travel it in the fall. Salmon are spawning in the Skagit River and you'll frequently see Eagles overhead, so you'll definitely want to take your time. Some of Seattle's main electrical generation facilities are on the Skagit and the Henry M. Jackson visitors' center is pretty interesting to stop by as well.

[Horst]

...glad you found the Destination Highways guys ... they are locals (Vancouver) and generally nuts ... also usually right on (or close) on their ratings.

Now about this highway, it's attained legendary status in WA and BC ... Harleys, Gold Wings, and Sportbikes all love this route, and as you know it's only open May to October due to heavy snow in winter. I've done it several times on several bikes, but now my new 2002 ST11 yet ... so as soon as it opens next year, I'll be there ! ... yahoo ! ... :p :p :p

[Pansmiker]

I never thought that I would see something on a map of North America that I would recognise.

I see that just across the border in Canada is Penticton and Osoyoos beautiful places which I had the privilege to visit some 30 years ago aged 17. I had been visiting my uncle in St Albert outside Edmonton and went with him to visit my Aunt's sister in Osoyoos. We played golf in a cherry orchard.
I think that the valley is called the Okanagan (My spelling) and the area known as the Fruit Basket Of Canada.

Oh what nice memories.

Paul

[Horst]

... keep it quiet, will ya ? ... next thing you know all the Yanks doing Hwy 20 will come up to Osoyoos (my summer spot) !!! :a13: :a13:

Seriously, glad you enjoyed my neck of the woods ... and come back, eh ?

[STSmitty]

Horst:

I too like to stay at Osoyoos in the summer - usually camp at Walton's on the east side - perhaps we'll see you there someday.

Smitty

[Horst]

... by the way, this road is completely different from Twisp east (faster, pine treed and deserted !) than from Winthrop west (high mountain pass and heavy pacific woods, traffic and :cop2: ) ... all in all an excellent adventure.

[STSmitty]

Horst;

Actually, from Hwy 20 we went through to Chief Joseph Dam (good campground there) and then South to Sun lakes and Dry Falls area last summer - you are right - it is totally different terrain and different riding experience. I really liked the arid parts. From there we rode North to the Nelway border crossing and over the Salmo-Creston to Creston. (Kootenay brewery tour across the street from Scotty's campground) - then up Destination Highway's #1 road in B.C. - North to Balfour from Creston. Great ride - I recommend it. Just North of Balfour is Toad Rock Motorcycle campground - a very cool place.

Smitty

[joeseedoo]

Took the ride this past July thru 20.
Stayed some place called Paterose. Great time Great ride.