Overall Route Rating
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4 out of 5 Rider Rating 4
8 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Jul 31, 2009

Rider Reviews

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Guest
September 4, 2010
Spectacular views. Rode through this section of…
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Guest
September 6, 2009
HAVE TRAVELED THAT SAME ROUTE IN MY CAR AND ON…
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Written Directions

503 is a fork. One can access from I-5 (E) through Woodland (WA) along the Lewis River (though you can't see the river for most of the jaunt). That is nice. Or one can access via Vancouver (WA) via Rt 500 (E) (if you use this access, be patient until just (N) of Battle Ground where it changes from 5 lane urban to 2 lane reeeeeealy nice). Both meet west of the town of Cougar. About 10miles (E) of Cougar, the road becomes NFD 90 & into Mt. St. Helens National Forest. I suggest you begin with one and end with the other. NOTE: heading (W) into Woodland in the evening will put the sun directly IN your eyes for a chunk of that route which makes watchin' fer animals crossing the road - difficult. .

Scenery

The two-lane is wooded, interspersed with farmland. Many of the turns are semi-banked & posted at 25mph. Several "crests" offer a sudden view of what is left of Mt. St. Helens. There's a one-lane, suspension bridge for vehicles over a small lake with boat access. I prefer the Vancouver/Cougar route over the Woodland/Cougar.

Drive Enjoyment

Great from the two lane begin (either end of the fork) to about 10miles beyond Cougar, WA. Beyond that, the road becomes paved NFD (National Forest Road) & the road gets even more twisty with uneven (road repair) patches. Road shoulders are little-to-non-existent most of the way. No off-camber turns noted.

Tourism Opportunities

Take a camera, but expect the photo-op to flash-by before you have time to react. The shoulders are little-to-non-existent most of the way, so you will be looking to go back to "click". Believe the "next gas" signs or you WILL-BE-STRANDED. Camping (private & public) is available IF THERE ARE VACANCIES. Little available to purchase. There are a few watering holes w/food up-to just beyond Cougar; little beyond. NOTE: Parts of the town of Cougar are currently charging an additional $5fee for use of either debit or credit card for EACH purchase; no checks..













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Guest
September 4, 2010
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
Spectacular views. Rode through this section of roadway August 2010, kept heading North on hwy 131 to Randell, through 12 and popped out eventually on I-90 and I was very impressed. Rounding through St. Hellens was an amazing ride with non stop 25mph twists. Roadway was great, mostly clear being there were very few rocks, pebbles off the fog line. Once you get towards Cougar the road like stated above becomes challanging. Lots of drops, dips, akward off camber bends in the surface. My riding partner and I are by no means new to the motorcycle world and we both commented towards the end of that section that "very fun road, but I wouldn't recommend it for the in-experianced rider." Overall, great section of road.
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Guest
September 6, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
HAVE TRAVELED THAT SAME ROUTE IN MY CAR AND ON SCOOT AND HAVE NEVER TIRED OF IT. THE SCENERY IS BEAUTIFUL AND THE ROAD WAS MADE FOR A MOTORCYCLE, WATCH FOR WILDLIFE , I HAVE SEEN ELK, DEER AND ONCE A BLACK BEAR PLUS ALL KINDS OF SMALLER CRITTERS, KEEP THE RUBBER DOWN AND A SMILE ON YOUR FACE, LARRY
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timihendrix33
July 8, 2018
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
This route should be amended to avoid rte 503 south of Amboy. Poorly sequenced traffic lights make this section about 30 minutes of stop and go. A lot of this route had too much traffic on it on the Saturday afternoon that I was out there to really enjoy it unfortunately. The section that runs back to rte 5 was better.
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