Explore the Olympic Peninsula with Us

By Brenda Potts
As published in the Premiere issue of Moto-Euro Magazine
Spring 2001 c. All rights reserved.

Having lived in the Pacific Northwest almost all of our lives, we sometimes take the Olympic Peninsula for granted; at least until we ride it again. In itself, Washington State boasts a beautiful, yet diverse terrain. In a good one-day ride you can go from the arid desert regions of Eastern Washington to the lush green forests and ocean beaches of coastal Washington. But the Olympic Peninsula; there’s just something special about riding the Peninsula. You can almost feel the history as you pass through Native Indian tribal lands and ride along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the same waterway that explorers traveled on their discovery of the Pacific Northwest and Southern British Columbia. The scenery is spectacular as Highway 101 hugs the coastline for much of the way, before continuing it’s long journey south through Oregon and California. 

While this trip can be done in a day, it's far more enjoyable to stretch it out to encompass two, three, or even four days.  Many of our guests choose to explore on their own, but we also offer this ride as one of our personalized tours. 

Although most motorcyclists are eager to get on their bikes and ride, Seattle is a beautiful and exciting city, and well worth some exploration. There’s always something to do or see and the selection of outstanding restaurants is impressive. If you have some time to spare, we can heartily recommend¹ both Salty’s on Alki and Anthony’s Homeport for their outstanding seafood and Daniel’s Broiler for their cut-with-a-fork steaks. As for things to do, there’s far too much to list here, but you can get a good start on SeattleInsider.com. 

Besides having great seafood, one of the best things about being on a major waterway like Puget Sound is that it’s so easy to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just hop aboard one of the many ferries that cris-cross the Puget Sound. Our ferry system is a major source of transportation around here and although the ferries are usually quite busy in the warmer months, motorcycles always go to the front of the line. The trick is to not to look too smug as you cruise past the other motorists to join fellow bikers waiting just off the loading ramp. 

Getting Away

As the ferry glides away from downtown Seattle you'll be transported into a world of quiet roads and beautiful scenery. Most of the first leg will be spent riding along the interior coastline of one of the many, and vast, inlets of Puget Sound. Along the way, you'll pass through old logging towns, explore strongholds from the past, and visit some historical townships, like Port Townsend, which boasts a number of historical bed & breakfasts and inns. 

Perhaps, the best part of this trip is the side trip up to Hurricane Ridge in the coastal Olympic Mountains. Riding along the north shore of the peninsula to Port Angeles, you’ll turn south and follow the winding, twisting road to the top of Hurricane Ridge, where you'll find yourself in the midst of the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. The road ends at the Hurricane Ridge Visitors Center, which offers a great base for hiking the alpine meadows and soaking in the rich color of the area. The deer roam the area freely, and chances are you’ll find one or two of them munching on the grass next to your bike. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them in velvet. 

Of course, the ride back down is fun, too! Once you’re back at sea level, Highway 101 continues around the northwest end of the peninsula, and the most westerly point in the U.S., to the lush greenery along the Hoh Rainforest. This part of the state is rich in Native American history as well as scenic beauty. 

"... I could not have asked for a better group of people to hand me a bike and send me on my way." - Brian M., Pennsylvania  (photo courtesy of Brian M.)
Side Note

If you have the time, and the desire to explore on foot, drive out to Lake Ozette (Take Hwy. 113 & 112 from Forks to Clallam Bay, turning off at the Hoko-Ozette Road and follow 21 miles to the Ozette Ranger Station) and hike the 3-mile boardwalk out to the ocean. 

There, you can visit Cape Alava, the site of an old Makah Indian village that was partially buried in a mudslide over 500 years ago, and check out the Indian petroglyphs at Wedding Rock. 

The cedar-planked trail wanders through the moss-covered trees and over the delicate bogs of the rainforest and provides a great opportunity to really experience the Great Northwest as it was. For more information, do a search on Ozette or Olympic National Park. 

Back on the road

Further south, you can take a short diversion into the heart of the Hoh Rainforest, where you'll have to opportunity to explore the visitor center and absorb the tranquility of the only temperate rain forest in the Northern Hemisphere. Continuing south along the Pacific Ocean, you'll enjoy views of vast pebble beaches, dramatic surf, tidal pools, sea stacks, and plenty of ocean-going birds. 

Just south of the rainforest, it's decision time: continue south towards Long Beach and the Oregon border or turn east and head back towards Puget Sound and Seattle. It’s a tough choice, as there are so many great roads and things to see in all directions. But, if time is short, follow the main highway east from Aberdeen/Hoquiam. This area is home to a host of clam and oyster farms, not to mention a number of old-time logging communities. Wrap up your exhilarating ride with another scenic ferry ride back to Seattle. Remember; go to the front of the line, and don't look so smug! 

Now, where you go from here is up to you, but if you're out of time and have to go home, keep thinking of all the really cool places and roads in Washington State that you haven't explored, yet! 

There are so many fantastic riding roads in the great Pacific Northwest; our writings will never do them justice. We offer this ride, and many others, as part of our motorcycle tours. If you’re visiting this area and you’d like to do some riding, on your own or with us, please give us a call. In addition to offering custom and pre-planned guided tours, we also have a fleet of Honda, BMW, Triumph, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles available for daily or weekly rental. We’ll even deliver the bike to your doorstep, if you’re staying in the Seattle area. Please visit us at http://www.mtsma.com or give us a call at 425-222-5598. 

See you on the road… 

Safe riding!

¹ The restaurants and website mentioned in this article are purely our personal favorites and are in no way paid endorsements. 

Ó Mountain to Sound Motorcycle Adventures, Inc. 2001-2002. All rights reserved.

May the bees stay out of your helmet… 

Safe riding!

Mountain to Sound Motorcycle Adventures
Issaquah, WA 98027 U.S.A.