Top 10 Best Scenic Motorcycle Routes in the Northwest
Are you looking to hit the road and see some of the best sights that the Northwest USA has to offer? These routes take you from the Badlands to Yellowstone National Park, to Mt. Hood and the rocky shores of the Pacific Ocean for some of the best motorcycle routes in the Northwest.
The Badlands Ride, South Dakota
Ride Length: 160 miles
Take in the scenery of Badlands National Park the way it was meant to be seen. Enjoy panoramic views of the surreal geological formations of the area and the surrounding prairies teeming with diverse wildlife. To take this route from Rapid City, SD, take the Hwy. 44 loop around Badlands National Park.
Where to Stay: Badlands White River KOA
Needles Highway Ride, South Dakota
Ride Length: 67 miles
Located just south of Sturgis, this idyllic route is packed with thrilling curves, tunnels, and climbs. You’ll be rewarded with plenty of sights along the way- including the iconic Mt. Rushmore and the Buffalo Roundup and Bison Center. Needles Highway through Custer State Park offers stunning views of the granite pinnacles that decorate the skyline. To take this route, take Hwy 385 south for 56 miles, or from Rapid City, take Hwy 16 south for 24 miles.
Where to Stay: Badlands White River KOA
Native American National and State Scenic Byway, South Dakota
Ride Length: 300+ miles
Look no further for one of the best motorcycle rides in South Dakota! This historic route runs through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes. Take in the untouched prairie and wildlife during your ride, and visit important landmarks along the way- including the stunning 50-foot Dignity: of Earth and Sky statue. You don’t want to miss the many tribal heritage centers and museums to learn more about the indigenous culture and history of the state of South Dakota. Click here to see the full route.
Where to Stay: Badlands White River KOA
About Badlands/White River KOA
Interior, SD
Located in the heart of the Badlands, just 5 minutes from Badlands National Park in Interior, SD, this campground has everything you need to unwind after a long day of riding through scenic prairies and otherworldly geography. Relax in unique accommodations including a Yurt with skylight for stargazing, in addition to cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. This Dark Skies location is perfect for stargazers, at the right time of year, you can even catch the Northern Lights! Plus, Badlands White River KOA is the perfect place to stay for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, taking you right through Badlands National Park on SD-44 on the way to the event.
Yellowstone North to Grand Teton National Park, Montana to Wyoming
Ride Length: 97 miles
This route is one of the best motorcycle routes in the Northwest. Where else in the world can you tour two gatherings of natural wonder in under 3 hours? Take this route from the North Entrance of Yellowstone all the way down to Grand Teton National Park. Along this route you can hit Mammoth Hot Springs, Old Faithful, Lewis Canyon Falls, and more before arriving in Grand Teton National Park. Once you arrive, be sure to hit the Jackson Lake Overview to take a breather from your drive and take in the stunning views. To take this route, hop on 89 S and ride south for 98 miles until you reach Grand Teton National Park.
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North
Belgrade to West Yellowstone, Montana
Ride Length: 98 miles
Are you coming from the north and headed into Yellowstone? Don’t miss one of the best motorcycle routes in Montana featuring rolling hills and riverside scenery. You’ll have mountain peaks on either side of you as you traverse the curves and twists of this epic ride. If you’re looking for some recreation along the road, you’ll also pass plenty of opportunities for whitewater rafting, ziplining, and skiing. To take this route, take US-191 S for 98 miles until you reach the West Entrance to Yellowstone North.
Snake River Ride, Montana
Ride Length: 82 miles
This route is one of the most scenic motorcycle rides near Yellowstone National Park. This ride has something for everyone with spectacular mountain views and sweeping national forest road curves. Views of the Grand Tetons, the extinct Super Volcano, and Earthquake Lake are just some of the attractions that you’ll hit during this route that takes you directly to Yellowstone’s West Entrance. To take this route, take US 20 North from Rexburg, ID all the way to the West Yellowstone entrance.
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North
About Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North
Gardiner, MT
Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North is the nature lover’s resort, allowing you to experience the raw beauty of Yellowstone like never before with accommodations just ¼ mile from the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Wake up to unparalleled views overlooking the canyon, restock from your trip at the general store, and end your day watching the sunset from the main deck. Give your bike a break and take a short walk to restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. Plus, Sun Outdoors Yellowstone North is the perfect place to stay on your way to the Annual Beartooth Rally.
Columbia River Highway Loop, Oregon
Ride Length: 26 miles
The Columbia River Highway Loop is one of the best motorcycle rides in Oregon, an action-packed ride just east of Portland where you can visit several waterfalls and catch stunning river views from the historic Vista House. To take this route, hop on the Historic Columbia River Highway via Interstate 84 and follow up to Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, at which point you can loop back to Portland via Interstate 84.
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Portland South
Mt. Hood Loop, Oregon
Ride Length: 92 miles
This ride is a must for thrill-seekers, allowing you to circle the entirety of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s tallest peak and a potentially active volcano. Breathtaking views of Mt. Hood dominate the landscape of this sinuous elevated route. Horror movie buffs and skiers alike will want to take a short detour up to the iconic Timberline Lodge - famously featured in the 1980 film The Shining. To take this route, hop on Highway 26 out of Portland to Zigzag, then take Forest Road 18/Lolo Pass Road north, then take Highway 35 to US-26 W back through Zigzag and into Portland.
Where to Stay: Sun Outdoors Portland South
About Sun Outdoors Portland South
Wilsonville, OR
Sun Outdoors Portland South is the perfect destination for nature lovers in search of rest and relaxation with all the resort amenities and pristinely manicured grounds. The indoor swimming pool and hot tub are perfect for unwinding after a long day of riding. Make friends and roast marshmallows at the outdoor fire pit and explore Portland and the vast wine country of the surrounding area. Explore Willamette Valley for prime leaf peeping views in the fall. Plus, Sun Outdoors Portland South makes for a perfect home base for the annual One Motorcycle Show held every spring.
Roseburg to Crater Lake, Oregon
Ride Length: 98 Miles
This picturesque route along the North Umpqua River to one of the area’s most stunning geological formations offers plenty of scenic stops along the way. Follow the winding North Umpqua Highway past several waterfalls to Crater Lake National Park to witness the surreal landscape formed by a violent eruption 7,700 years ago. To take this route from Roseburg, head east on Route 138, pass through Diamond Lake, and take Route 138 South, following signs to Crater Lake.
Where to Stay: Rising River RV Resort and River House
Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon
Ride Length: 250 miles
This route offers the iconic ride along the Oregon coast, with winding roads and heavily forested sections giving way to Pacific Coast views as you traverse north. Stop at the state parks in Coos Bay to watch the water crash against the sandstone cliffs, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some sea lions. Once you reach Tilamook, you’ll be rewarded with even more stunning coastal views, waterfalls to explore, and plenty of breweries and world-class seafood to restore you after an action-packed day of riding. From Roseburg, take OR-42 west to Coos Bay, hop on 101 north to continue up the coast until you reach Tilamook.
Where to Stay: Rising River RV Resort and River House
Rising River RV Resort and River House
Roseburg, OR
Make Rising River RV Resort your home away from home during your next scenic Oregon ride. River views, shaded trees, and winding trails offer you little slice of paradise, with resort amenities to help you relax and refresh after a long ride. Nature, history, wildlife, and wine country surround this waterfront getaway, so you’ll want to return again and again to explore Rising River RV Resort.