Northwest National Parks Tour
(counter 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 Port Angeles (201 miles/323 km)

You'll start the day with a short ride to the Fauntleroy/Southworth ferry crossing, which brings you to the rural community of Port Orchard on the Olympic Peninsula. As you ride around Dyes Inlet, you might see an aircraft carrier or two docked at the naval station in Bremerton. In Gorst, you'll head west towards Hood Canal and an incredibly scenic ride as the roadway winds along a beautiful stretch of water.

Just north of Hood Canal, you can explore strongholds from the past in the historic town of Port Townsend... a great place to wander about and stretch your legs a bit.

If you're still up for a fantastic late-afternoon ride, make a run up the 17 mile road 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 an exhilarating visit to the Ridge, you'll drop back down to sea-level for the night.

Day 2: Port Angeles to Ocean Shores (245 miles/394 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. If you didn't make it up to Hurricane Ridge last evening, this is a must-see to kick off your day!

Riding along the north shore of the peninsula to Forks, you might want to stop to pick up a picnic lunch and head south 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.

Continuing south along the Pacific Ocean, you'll enjoy views of pebble beaches with dramatic surf, tidal pools, sea stacks, and plenty of ocean-going birds.

Day 3: Ocean Shores to Packwood (241 miles/388 km)

The ride through this area is an enjoyable combination of towering trees, stunning views and river roads. Old-time logging communities and a host of clam and oyster farms dot the route to and from the Pacific Ocean beaches.

Cutting east on Hwy 6, the road winds through a beautiful valley. If the skies are clear, you should be able to see what's left of Mt. St. Helens in the distance.

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 4: Packwood to Preston (153 miles/246 km)

As you wind along the roads that skirt the east 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.

After a visit to Paradise, you'll wind back down the mountain and continue northwest along Mount Rainier's eastern flank and up to Enumclaw.

From there it's a short ride 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.