Northwest National Parks Tour (clockwise)

Riding through the world-renown Mount Rainier National Park, the devastated terrain surrounding another infamous volcano, Mt. St. Helens, and the lush rainforest and snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountain Range, you'll see it all on this 4-day trek through Washington State's most beautiful parks.

Day 1: Preston to Packwood (223 miles/360 km)

As you wind along the roads that skirt the north side of Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Lower 48 states, you'll be awed by the lush scenery and vast glaciers that makes this sleeping giant the pride and joy of Washington natives. At 14,411 feet, it towers far above the rest of the Cascade range and is one of the few peaks that is covered with snow all year round. The small, friendly communities nestled around the mountain offer a peaceful diversion to the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan Seattle area, just a few hours to the north.

Winding back down the mountain, you'll continue southwest to Mount Rainier's "not-so-sleepy" neighbor, the infamous Mt. St. Helens. Although it's been almost 20 years since her north face vanished in a thick cloud of searing dust and rock, the devastation is still plainly visible. After a visit to Windy Ridge, you'll descend back into the Big Bottom Valley (really, we're not making the name up) for the evening.

Day 2: Packwood to Forks (270 miles/435 km)

Heading west, the drive through this area is an enjoyable combination of towering trees, mountain views and river roads. Old-time logging communities and a host of clam and oyster farms dot the route to the Pacific Ocean beaches. Continuing north along the Pacific Ocean, you'll enjoy views of pebble beaches with dramatic surf, tidal pools, sea stacks, and plenty of ocean-going birds. 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 soak in the tranquility of the only temperate rain forest in the Northern Hemisphere. This is a great place for a picnic lunch!

Day 3: Forks to Port Townsend (151 miles/242 km)

The northwest corner of the peninsula is rich in Native American history as well as scenic beauty. This is the day that you'll see what the Olympic Mountains are all about. Riding along the north shore of the peninsula to Port Angeles, you'll experience a fantastic 17 mile climb to the top of Hurricane Ridge, where you'll literally be in the midst of the spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Olympic Mountains. Don't be surprised if you see deer munching grass next to your bike! After a relaxing visit to the Ridge, you'll drop back down to sea-level and continue to explore strongholds from the past and historic Port Townsend.

Day 4: Port Townsend to Preston (149 miles/240 km)

After a leisurely breakfast, you'll begin your ride along the interior coastline of one of the many, and vast, inlets of Puget Sound to the community of Port Orchard. From there it's a short ride to the Southworth ferry crossing and a brief ride east, back to the quiet, rural community of Preston... and the end of another great adventure.

This tour can also be done in reverse... either way, a spectacular ride!

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