Overall Route Rating
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4.33 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.33
3 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By RideInRain (5 McR Points) on Oct 09, 2014

Rider Reviews

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MD503
2 McR Points
November 5, 2018
This is an awesome stretch, one lane, very safe…
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Rick Fletcher
58 McR Points
September 23, 2020
This is an enjoyable ride. Three of us rode this…
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Written Directions

This route is a paved alternative to riding the few mile section of Nestucca River Road that is hard pack gravel. Nestucca River Rd has already been routed on this site. Heading west out of Carlton you are on NW Meadowlake Rd. NW Meadowlake turns into NW Nestucca Access Road. You will see McGuire Reservoir on your left. The next major PAVED intersection on the left after the reservoir is Bald Mountain Access. Note, that this intersection does not have any signage indicating that it is Bald Mountain Access. I would suggest using the google street view function to get a look at this intersection if needed. Continue onto Bald Mountain Access. 14 Miles later you will come to a large Y. This large Y is SW Bible Creek. Make a right onto Bible Creek. 5 miles later you will return to Nestucca River Rd. Make a left at the stop sign and continue your trip to the 101.

Scenery

I've ridden this route many times, and prefer it to riding Nestucca River the whole way through. Turning left onto Bald Mtn Access, you immediately start a winding twisty ascent up to Sheridan Peak. Wonderful shaded route through the forest with occasional grand overlooks over Coastal Range forest.

Drive Enjoyment

The Pavement on Bald Mountain Access is in excellent condition. However it is a 1 lane forest road with OHV crossings. None of the corners are labeled with suggested speed signs, so you need to be on your toes. Since this is a one lane road, you need to aware of oncoming vehicles. Heaviest traffic (if you can call it that, I rarely see anyone up there) will be on summer weekends. Bible Creek has not fared as well. At one time someone thought it was a 2 lane road. You can just make out the double yellow that looks like it hasn't been painted in 2 decades. Occasional potholes and road cracks to look out for.

Tourism Opportunities

There are no facilities to speak of. However, at the top of Bald Mountain Access, you will come to a large turnout with a viewpoint. There is a sign that says Sheridan Peak ->. Make a right up this short road to a parking area, there is a Restroom Shack thing. I cannot guarantee it will be stocked with TP, on my last visit it was.
 

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MD503
November 5, 2018
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
This is an awesome stretch, one lane, very safe and absolutely beautiful. The one lane makes it very fun, lots of leaning, great road quality. It's twisty and that's what makes it fun. If you are into straight roads, then this isn't for you. There's absolutely no gravel patches on this road - there is however one 100 ft rough spot to watch out for after a large parking lot once you pass the Sheridan Peak. No traffic unless on a weekend.

We went through it last weekend and the detour from the main Nestucca Road is clearly marked. Didn't check for TP at the bathroom up top, but did pull into the parking, very nice spot for a break and a snack. You can expect beautiful foliage cover on this road.

Beware that this road gets snow in the winter, so don't attempt on a clear day in January. Reserve this for late spring, summer or fall.

Once the road joins back to the big Y as mentioned above, you could theoretically visit the nearby Niagara fall (so called) in the area, but there's a gravel road to get to it - so dual sport bike recommended.

Cheers and be safe
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Rick Fletcher
September 23, 2020
58 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is an enjoyable ride. Three of us rode this the Nestucca River Road Gravel Section Bypass - Bald Mtn Access & Bible Creek on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The road is good condition, with a couple of rough spots, but nothing exceptionally hazardous. Two items warrant special consideration: 1. On weekdays log trucks use this road. Be careful going around blind corners, in some sections of the road there is barely enough room for a log truck and motorcycle to pass, so keep well to the right. 2. This route crosses through an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area with OHV tracks crossing the paved road. The woods may block your view of an OHV as you approach the crossings. RideInRain posted this ride six years ago, but his comments and ratings are still accurate. The scenery is rated at three stars, and the nicest thing about the scenery is the variety. The ride takes you through forest, replanted clear cut areas, a small canyon with a stream at the bottom and along sections of the Nestucca River. Take the time to enjoy the ride. This route is posted as a paved alternative to the Nestucca River Road (AKA Nestucca River Back Country Byway). Nestucca River Road is currently closed but will reopen in late Fall 2020 with significant improvements. Upon reopening the three-mile gravel section will be eliminated thus providing another 100% paved route from the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast.
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Rick Fletcher
September 23, 2020
58 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
This is an enjoyable ride. Three of us rode this the Nestucca River Road Gravel Section Bypass - Bald Mtn Access & Bible Creek on Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The road is good condition, with a couple of rough spots, but nothing exceptionally hazardous. Two items warrant special consideration: 1. On weekdays log trucks use this road. Be careful going around blind corners, in some sections of the road there is barely enough room for a log truck and motorcycle to pass, so keep well to the right. 2. This route crosses through an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) area with OHV tracks crossing the paved road. The woods may block your view of an OHV as you approach the crossings. RideInRain posted this ride six years ago, but his comments and ratings are still accurate. The scenery is rated at three stars, and the nicest thing about the scenery is the variety. The ride takes you through forest, replanted clear cut areas, a small canyon with a stream at the bottom and along sections of the Nestucca River. Take the time to enjoy the ride. This route is posted as a paved alternative to the Nestucca River Road (AKA Nestucca River Back Country Byway). Nestucca River Road is currently closed but will reopen in late Fall 2020 with significant improvements. Upon reopening the three-mile gravel section will be eliminated thus providing another 100% paved route from the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast.
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