Overall Route Rating
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5 out of 5 Rider Rating 5
3 Reviews

Shaniko to Fossil on Route 218

Motorcycle Route Author

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By SheepDawg (21 McR Points) on Jul 14, 2012

Rider Reviews

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justinmreina
August 31, 2013
This is where one goes to really test their tires…
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Mbilluss
September 22, 2018
Awesome run. Lots of twist and turns. I used to…
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Written Directions

Shaniko is on Hwy 97 about 40 miles south of I-84 and 30 miles north of Madras, OR. From there take Route 218 south and it will turn east and take you all the way into Fossil, OR. You can take a detour (shown on map) after being on Rt 218 for 38 miles on to Pine Creek Road (you will take a right off of Rt 218). Then take a left on Cottonwood Creek Road which will take you back to 218 and up to Fossil.

Scenery

This route introduces the rider to the wonders of the "other" Oregon. The high desert is dry with wide open vistas, the remnants of ghost towns and ranches tucked into lush green creek sides and red rock formations that remind you of New Mexico. Deer and antelope are abundant so be alert.

Drive Enjoyment

The road surface is almost perfect and the sweeping corners allow great vision. Virtually no traffic and the locals are friendy and will always wave. The first 5 miles from Shaniko are gentle, then into serious switchbacks down into Antelope. From there it's 45 miles with 192 corners according to the ride maps available at merchants. The last three miles into Fossil are STEEP, TIGHT and DANGEROUS. The 10 mph signs are not kidding!!

Tourism Opportunities

Shaniko is a ghost town that lives up toi it's name. Fuel may or may not be available. Antelope has one little cafe on the south side of the road that is knownb for it's cobbler. No services until Fossil and only regular fuel is available. Rest areas at the John Day River bridge at Clarno and at the RedRock formations at about mile 40.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

Great fun either direction. This ties into several different other rides and can be done in a single day from Portland.
 

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justinmreina
August 31, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport
This is where one goes to really test their tires. Got passed by a local doing 90 (yes really) on the way east. The clear vision, deep, twisties and switchbacks are surreal.

This road will give you all you can ask for, so treat it as such. And plan gas carefully! No gas in fossil after 7!
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Mbilluss
September 22, 2018
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Awesome run. Lots of twist and turns. I used to be a sport bike guy so I had my Harley pushed and it was a blast.
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SheepDawg
April 24, 2018
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Fuel and food continue to be iffy. No fuel anymore at Shaniko. A small store for snacks. The cafe at Antelope is still closed but the local kid says there is a plan to open it this summer. No services in Antelope. Fuel in Maupin, Grass Valley and Madras. Still a great ride!!
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