Washington State - North Cascades Loop

[John Anthony]

This is probably the number one ride in Washington state. Here's a shot of some of the typical highway you encounter on this loop. There are a number of scenic places to stop providing some great photo ops. Sorry I didn't get more photos, but we didn't stop too often.

The city of Monroe, just north of Seattle, was a departure point although we tooled around eastern King County just outside of Seattle on our way up as that area has some great twisties. We racked up a total of 444 miles going out and back and had only one humouous encounter with the state police where none of our group had a clue as to how fast we were going. The officer cautioned us that he clocked us someplace around 73-74 in a 60, but truth be told, it was much closer to 85. He gave us a group lecture and we all promissed to be better behaved. In addition to our two 1300's, other rides included an FZ1, Honda 919, and an old Beamer.

Great group of guys to ride with, great weather, great route - the only downside was the track riders trying to convince Maggie that she ought to add a track bike to her stable!

John

[dannyk]

Rode that area several years ago, nice ride, had a picture that I took published in the old wing elite magazine that Honda was publishing from the Diablo dam overlook. Wanted to do it this year also but we were on somewhat of a time limit with one of our riders. :biker:

[stg1]

I was in Seattle about 8 years ago and remember wishing I had my motorcycle to ride up there. What an experience. Stumbled across the Snoquamie (sp) Lodge and the diner that they filmed Twin Peaks in. What a rush (i'm a big Twin Peaks fan) had to stop and have some cherry pie and a cup of jo. One of these days I will make it back on a ST.

[John Anthony]

Rode that area several years ago, nice ride, had a picture that I took published in the old wing elite magazine that Honda was publishing from the Diablo dam overlook. Wanted to do it this year also but we were on somewhat of a time limit with one of our riders. :biker:
The dams on the Skagit River provider a pretty good chunk of Seattle's electricity through their municipally owned electric utility. The tours of their facilities are awesome. Forest Service has a beautiful nature facility out there dedicated to Scoop Jackson, one of our more distinguished former Senators. When the salmon start to spawn, the Skagit is overwhelmed with fish, eagles, and bears. It's really pretty amazing.

I've grown up in Washington state and riding is only helping me to appreciate the beauty of our region with every ride. If you haven't been out our way, find a way to do so. Maggie and I would have pleased to host you for dinner. Salmon of course!

John

[Horst]

Hey John ! ... living in BC makes 'the loop' easily accessible ... once a year is not enough, it must be done twice, eh ? ;)

One of the greatest roads anywhere, but don't tell all them Texans ! :D

[John Anthony]

Hey John ! ... living in BC makes 'the loop' easily accessible ... once a year is not enough, it must be done twice, eh ? ;)

One of the greatest roads anywhere, but don't tell all them Texans ! :D
And I won't spill the beans about how nice the riding is up north of the border (and I don't mean the Texas state line, either). Maggie and I went up through Vancouver Is. up to Whistler a few weeks back and that was a spectacular ride. As usual, we bumped into some very friendly folks and great riding country. My only regret is that we didn't stop in Victoria for a day. Absolutely a gorgeous city. There's a wonderful boutique hotel down on Courtney St., the Magnolia, where I love to stay. But then that's another thread!!

John

[Horst]

Yes Victoria is nice - and we just hosted a Blues Fest in the inner harbour ;)

But the loop mention, Whistler-Lilloette-Fraser Canyon-Hope is my other favourite road, again, must be done at least once a year. Welcome up here :D

[stg1]

Hey John ! ... living in BC makes 'the loop' easily accessible ... once a year is not enough, it must be done twice, eh ? ;)

One of the greatest roads anywhere, but don't tell all them Texans ! :D

Tell us what. Aw come on ya'll let us in on your secret. Colorado's getting to crowded. We need a new place to invade. :D

[John Anthony]

Tell us what. Aw come on ya'll let us in on your secret. Colorado's getting to crowded. We need a new place to invade. :D
Anyone interested in riding in the northwest is more than welcome to PM me. I've got the "Destination Highway" books for Washington and British Columbia and can suggest some good routes for you. Fall and Spring are particularly nice. While we don't have Aspens, we have salmon!

John

[Horst]

Go to

www.destinationhighways.com

and have a gander ... BC or WA ... info is slightly dated now, but still very very good ... the PNW is the very best place to ride :D