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2630 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I would start this ride from Twisp (Don't you love that name? It comes from the Okanagan word meaning wasp or yellow jacket.) Head west 141 miles all the way to Burlington. From Twisp, the "heart of the Methow Valley" you first pass through local farmland and along the banks of the Methow River. Vegetation here is diverse including maple, cottonwood, aspen, sagebrush and even Ponderosa pine.

Washington Pass is not real high at 5,477' but even there the trees are mostly conifers like cedar, fir, spruce and pine. Closer to the riverbanks are willow and birch.

You'll follow along several rivers most of the balance of the trip with spectacular scenery along the way. The last half of the route has wide sweeping curves and smooth pavement. Possibly the best riding curves I've ever been on.

All the bikers I talked to rank this as their favorite ride in Washington. I do too.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

One of the best roads anywhere. I would add that you must resist the urge to fly by Diablo Dam just because you are mesmerized by the awesome twisties and are in a hurry to get to Winthrop for an ice cream cone. What you want to do is slow down and make the north( towards the dam) turn onto the DAM road and putt out ONTO the dam itself. Yep, they let you drive across it on a one lane road with cool art deco street lights and the most impressive view over the dam spillway to the gorge below. There is a gate which is open during the daytime only. You can ride up the lake a ways and turn around for some great mountain views and the Dam in the foreground. Well the top of it with the street lights anyway. Oh, and when you get to Winthrop and want to find a place to camp? Shoot straight through the main intersection and climb the hill, turn right and go by the Shafer Museum ( worth a look after you get your tent up) and find the "Pine Near Campground" waiting for you in the shade of big trees, biker friendly and they even have a big moble home they rent out for your tentless friends. You can walk over to the museum, an outdoor display of mining equipment, and drop down the stairway/trail to the main street of Winthrop with lots of great places to eat, drink and be merry. My fav is the "Duck Brand" for oatmeal in the morning. Their other food is good too.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

One of my favorite rides, luckily right in my backyard.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

I agree! Top 10!!! I grew up in Washington State and rode this road many times! The Dragon and Blue Ridge are the only 2 rides that can come close to this ride! If you ever get a chance to get to WA and ride this area and a lot of the state, do so! You won't regret it! My sport-tourer did great on it!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I began the ride in Maple Valley, WA at 6:00AM. Rode to Burlington and headed west on 20. The ride through Sedro-Wooley was marked by fog and clouds, but that soon cleared as I motored east.The climbing ride past Diablo Lake was fantastic; not a cloud in the sky and the views were fantastic. Riding on a Wednesday definitely gives a rider a chance to be alone on the road! The road is in great shape and the experience unforgettable. This is a definite must on any rider's list!! I was constantly amazed by the tremendous forests and the geology; the vast spaces, which give one perspective, are awe inspiring. My ride took me through Winthrop, Twisp, Chelan, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Monroe, Duvall, Carnation, Fall City and back to Maple Valley; about 490 miles! This will now be an annual ride for me.

7 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

This is possibly the finest ride in the Pacific Northwest. From Sedro Woolley to Winthrop, this route is both beautiful and curvy. Mountains, lakes, rivers, wildlife, and much much more.
Last time I rode it, nearly came face to face with a Black Bear!
Winthrop is a rustic town seemingly meant for the motorcyclist.
If you are in Washington, don't miss this one.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Im from Canada. I have ridden this rte several times, have found it most enjoyable....never a bad day!!!!

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Beautiful ride....rode it in the middle a huge forest fire, I was the only vehicle on the rode

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Have ridden this numerous times and each one has been awesome. Some absolutely great vistas up high in the mountain looking down on the valley below. Beware of the one hairpin turn though. Have a momento Harley air cleaner cover from one of the crashes from people that took this corner way too fast. You will know if when you see it..

13 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I have taken this trip several times. The North Cascades is a majestic place, so the trip up from the south sound is well worth it. Usually I went through from west to east and coming back US2 or I90. This year however I had the ability to go east to west. The mountain views from Winthrop up to the Pass are even more breathtaking (while on the road) then coming from Marblemount. But even from Marblemount, this is an outstanding scenic route.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I forgot to mention how smooth the road is! The curves are so well designed that while I was riding i realized I was taking the curves without even having to think of the next move, just so fluid and relaxing and natural. I will never forget the feeling!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Hwy 20 starts in Newport WA running East to West ending at Hwy 101, Discovery Bay; 425 miles. Newport to Winthrop is approx. 230 miles of beautiful scenery and twisting mountain passes (Tiger to Colville/Run Along The Pend Oreille). Winthrop to Marblemount: 89 miles of non-stop twisting fun; world class scenery; frequently changing weather; Wonderful road surface. We rank it as equal to Hwy 12, Lolo Pass, ID. Hwy 20 has made the "must ride every year" list.

19 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Hard to add more in a review on this road that hasn't already been said. Truly amazing. We rode 2-up this week and did the loop, continuing from Winthrop to Leavenworth and back through Steven's Pass. Others have mentioned Diablo road. Don't pass this by! There's a fantastic photo op just a short ways up the road once you get back on 20-E. On the left there is a stunning view of a grassy mountainside that seems to be calling you to hike up. You'll know it when you see it. At least, during the late summer! Doing the full cascade loop is definitely an overnight trip, but don't pass this ride up!

18 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

LOVED this ride, was such a beautiful ride. Twists, turns and so much to see.

5 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Great ride.

100 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great Road, scenic

31 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

as good as it gets for majestic beauty

197 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

Could give it a 5, but. It's almost always crowded. And lots of RV's and commercial vehicles to slow traffic down, meaning heavy traffic. Steven's pass is great. Pull off and rest and take pictures. The road would be fun to ride, it has enough curves and some occasional "wow" factors. But it is more for scenery than the ride. Your pillion passenger will really enjoy it. Be sure to have your Go Pro running. You will have to watch all the swerving cars and land crossovers, you won't be able to watch anything but the road. Worth it, once.

18 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Great ride! Lots of twists, turns and so much to see! By far my favorite ride, I would do this ride over and over again.

127 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

classic

126 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

great road

164 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Classic. Stunning. Going from West Coast rain forest, into the subalpine, and then dropping down into the heat of the semi-desert interior, makes for an experience unto itself. Add great pavement, a twisting road, and unbelievable scenery, and you have an unforgettable ride. (Don't miss the scenic turnout for some photos of the Early Winter Spires near the Cascade Pass summit).

145 McR Points

Motorcycle Type :

must do with the lower cascade route thru Levenworth to monroe

13 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Adventure Touring

Super hot in July! Great twisties around Diablo Lake, but look out for slightly heavier traffic near popular campgrounds. Newhalem was 101F the day I went thru. Occasional forest service pullouts and restroom areas all along Hwy 20 - look for river access points to cool off on a hot day. Some wonderful hiking where Hwy 20 crosses the Pacific Crest Trail near Rainy Pass. Winthrop has the feel of the old west with a few good restaurants. Drop in to Pearrygin Lake or Patterson Lake for a cool-off swim. Highly recommended as a transit route or day trip.

41 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport

Route was nice and twisty! Most of the corners didn't sharpen suddenly, making ripping through the corners smooth. There was about a 5 mile rough strip of road (bumpy but terrible/not as smooth as rest of route) east of diablo lake, if I remember correctly. I went in September last year, rained night before with overcast and slight rain fall once in awhile, still a great route.

60 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I wish I lived closer because I'd do this route every weekend.

327 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

A+++++route. Scenery & decent roads. Plenty to see

127 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

classic

127 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

classic mountain ride.

77 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This truly is one of the most majestic rides in the lower 48. I won't waste your time trying to describe it because it won't do it justice. Bottom line - great road surface conditions and views that will make your jaw drag along the pavement. I concur with other reviewers - take the road going from east to west to experience the best views.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

Took this beautiful ride in 9/09. Breathtaking. Seriously advise you ride in the morning, or take it going east as the winds are pretty stiff out of the west. Especially strong around Ross Lake. But a few miles east of Ross Lake, you go over the pass, and the winds are minimal. Lots of pullouts for some very cool pics.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Great ride on the first half of the total Cascade Loop. Spectacular mountain views!nStop at Newhalem for a snack. Take snaps above Diablo Lake. Spend the night in Winthrop - great restaurants. Take Hwy 2 West. Get some BBQ in Cashmere. head back to Seattle.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

This is one of my favorite rides in any state...luckily it is right in my back yard. In my opinion the best way to enjoy this ride is from east to west, starting in Winthrop and working toward Burlington. Incredible views of the mountains as you are climbing Washington and Rainy Passes. A stop at Diablo Lake is well worth your time, and the short detour to ride across Diablo Dam is a great side trip.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Standard

Had an awesome run from Anacortes to Winthrop in mid June 2016. The weather was perfect. Roads were unpopulated. They're twisty enough to be super fun and not so tight that I had to spend my whole day gearing up and down. Scenery was incredible. I'm a pretty new rider so I don't have a vast pool of experience to draw from, but this was by far the best road I've ever been on.

13 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I have taken this trip several times. The North Cascades is a majestic place, so the trip up from the south sound is well worth it. Usually I went through from west to east and coming back US2 or I90. This year however I had the ability to go east to west. The mountain views from Winthrop up to the Pass are even more breathtaking (while on the road) then coming from Marblemount. But even from Marblemount, this is an outstanding scenic route.

2 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Beautiful ride, plenty scenery to see along with sweeps and twist to make the ride.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

They call the North Cascades 'The Alps of America', I've been to the Alps and this is pretty darned close. Definitely the best Alpine ride I've been on.

4 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

This road was one one of the highlights of our trip this real. We rode SR 20 from Colville to Burlington. As we ascended up Washington Pass, we traveled into the clouds and when we exited on the other side, the grandeur which was presented took our breath away. This pass closes every year and we where on a email watch list from the Washington State DOT which announced the opening of the road, which was none to soon for our trip. Great Road!!!

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I did this amazing road on a week-end road trip flying from Montreal, QC with a rented Street glide '09 from Seattle. We had the perfect weather, t-shirt riding in June, I will always remember this perfect road trip! Loved the mountains, glacier views and crystal turquoise waters from the river canyons.

519 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Also known as the North Cascades Hwy this one is as good as it gets for motorcycling. I also recommend starting Twisp and going east to west and ending in Burlington. Epic scenery, killer riding, not to be missed.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring

This is one of the best rides in Washington state. While I have driven this route several times, last Saturday was the first time that I rode it on my motorcycle. The scenery is gorgeous and the leaves on the trees were just starting to turn to beautiful colors. I plan to make this trip one more time this year before the pass closes for the winter.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

Loved this road! Came back across this road in 2006 after traveling up the coast on 101, heading back to Maryland. Can't stop telling people how beautiful it is, a waterfall at each bend in the road.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Other

This route we do every year. One of the best. We also have some great routes in British Columbia. Comeout and check us out.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

I road this for the first time this Aug. I went from East to West staying in Winthrop the first night of the trip. Great place to people watch,meet people, and relax. The tip up Washington pass is fantastic. Be sure and stop at the rest area at top and walk out to the lookout. If you are afraid of heights, you might want to CRAWL out to the fence there. Fantastic views. The West side of the pass is nice long slow sweepers.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Cruiser

I/we have ridden this route many times. If the traffic is light it is a great ride. And like the Captain, I prefer to spend the night in Winthrop or Twisp. The name escapes at the moment but there is a great Bar/cafe in Twisp just off main street that has great steaks and breakfast meals.Then I/we head south to Wenatchee and take Highway 2 back across Stevens Pass to Everett which is also a very nice scenic ride.

0 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Standard

We ride this highway with our friends every summer and stay for the weekend in Winthrop or neighboring Twisp. It is a fantastic ride, the road itself is probably not for beginners but isn't too difficult to navigate. The road crews do a fairly good job of keeping the highway clear of rocks and debris but the danger is always there. All in all it is an incredibly beautiful and relaxing ride and you will thoroughly enjoy it, just keep an eye out for the deer.

12 McR Points

Motorcycle Type : Touring

Was a ride with lots of great scenery with nice pavement with great twisties. Enjoyed the ride will have to do it again.