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5 out of 5 Rider Rating 5
2 Reviews

Issaquah to North Bend (Milkshake Run)

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By route246wraith (24 McR Points) on Oct 30, 2020

Rider Reviews

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Wraith
24 McR Points
November 14, 2020
The WA18 jaunt is great if you want to feel a…
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Wraith
24 McR Points
November 14, 2020
Just left a rating, but found the "Rode it…
Read More
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Written Directions

Start from the Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in in Issaquah (have a milkshake here - it's good) and head south on Front Street. Due to the pandemic, you may have to detour to NW Dogwood, First Ave NW, West Sunset, and then resume southward on Front Street. Front Street will eventually turn into Issaquah-Hobart Road SE. Stay on this road until you ride under the Highway 18 overpass. Turn right onto the WA-18 E ramp to N Bend. Continue onto WA-18 E under I-90, and into Snoqualmie Ridge via Snoqualmie Pkwy. At the end of Snoqualmie Pkwy, turn right onto WA-202 E/Railroad Ave and head east. Stay on the road into North Bend. Turn left onto N Bend Way/W North Bend Way, and Scott's Dairy Freeze will be on your Left. Cheers!

Scenery

Until you get to North Bend, it's farming on Issaquah-Hobart Road, trees on WA-18. Snoqualmie Ridge and North Bend will reward you with the majestic view of Mt. Si.

Drive Enjoyment

Sweeping curves and long stretches of gentle rises and dips on Issaquah-Hobart Road. Start WA-18 with a clean sweeping knee-dragging uphill on-ramp; it's time to tuck behind the windscreen and tighten up on the grip on the tank. once in Snoqualmie Ridge, it's back to a slower pace, but with grand views of Mt. Si. Start with a XXX milkshake, and end the route with a Dairy Freeze at Scott's.

Tourism Opportunities

Old Issaquah (Triple XXX is a tourist trap, to begin with, with a non-ethanol pump across the street (yes, pure petrol). Front Street has a small-town charm, as does Snoqualmie and North Bend. Nice to hang out under a shady tree in Snoqualmie with and see some historical (spent) steam locomotives. After Scott's Dairy Freeze, you can keep heading East to the mountains, or head back towards Seattle on I-90. I say keep heading east!

Motorcycle Road Additional info

WA-18 can be pretty rough if you ride anything "sharper" than a Sport Touring bike. Watch out for crazy drivers in the summer months. Better to swallow pride than blood. Stay safe, and enjoy those milkshakes. You're welcome.
 

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Wraith
November 14, 2020
24 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
The WA18 jaunt is great if you want to feel a little oomph. While the visibility is pretty good, do be careful of oblivious drivers who may not be expecting motorcycles. Also be mindful and respectful of the traffic turning onto the Issaquah-Hobart road. There have been some accidents there, and typically due to over-confidence by riders. Take in the flowing views leading up to Mt. Si and enjoy the local fare (not only Scott's, but other morsels) in North Bend!
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Wraith
November 14, 2020
24 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Just left a rating, but found the "Rode it feature". Sorry for the double review! This is a great route for any level rider - even small packs!
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