The 10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Oregon

Motorcycle enthusiasts are people who are extremely dedicated to their lifestyle. Why have we seen a rise in the number of motorcycles on the road in the past two decades? There are quite a few reasons!

The biker aesthetic has become an important part of pop culture. The biker lifestyle is now en vogue thanks to television shows like Sons of Anarchy. Becoming an avid motorcycle enthusiast ensures that you’re the coolest person in your group of friends.

This hobby also allows you a sense of freedom that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s amazing to feel the wind blowing through your hair. The open road is a great place to clear your mind and explore your thoughts.

The biker community is also a great place to make friends. This a community that embraces its members whole-heartedly.

There are motorcycle conventions, expos, rallies, and festivals all over the country. These events allow bikers from around the country to interact and celebrate the hobby they love.

Whether you ride in a group or solo, you know you have an entire community that has your back!

Biking also allows you become closer with nature. Driving across the country on a motorcycle allows you to feel at one with nature in a way that you can’t in a car. The open air makes observing nature an ethereal experience.

If you are looking to insure your motorcycle, start comparison shopping by entering your ZIP code above!

What makes for a good motorcycle road?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EIuuomqvo8

Must-haves for any great motorcycle road are twists and turns. Twists and turns allow you to test your driving skills. Leaning into curves is a fun experience!

Great motorcycle roads also offer great scenery.

A great view while riding is essential whether it is:

• Canyons
• Wooded forests
• Sprawling fields
• Rolling rivers
• Great expanses of ocean

The flow of a road is also important.

While most highway roads are best for biking, some are simply flat straightaways for miles. These can quickly become boring. Curves, hills, and valleys can make a ride much more interesting.

The 10 Best Motorcycle Roads in Oregon

#1 – Blue Mountain Scenic Byway

The Blue Mountain Scenic Byway is a great road with regards to scenery. The road takes riders through the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Wildlife watching is great on this portion of the road. Riders will also have an amazing view of beautiful lakes during their 183-mile trek.

Speaking of views, the road runs along a ridge that is 2,000 feet above the surrounding scenery! What more could you ask for?

Well, twists and turns may be one request, and this road has many! You won’t see a lot of their vehicles on this road, so it makes a great ride for groups!

#2 – Shaniko to Fossil on Route 218

Mountain lovers, this one is for you! If you take Route 218 from Shaniko to Fossil, you will see some of the most beautiful mountain scenes Oregon has to offer.

This windy road is also a fun drive! The hills and twists are a great way to test your driving skills!

The road runs through the town of Antelope, where you can make a pitstop and explore the local culture. This is a short ride at only 43 miles.

It’s a great weekend ride for an individual.

#3 – The Devil’s Tail

The Devil’s Tail is part of America’s Hell’s Canyon. People from all over the world travel to Oregon to ride The Devil’s Tail in Hell’s Canyon.

It’s the deepest canyon on the North American continent and 2000 feet deeper than the grand canyon!

The 22-mile road may be short, but it still takes quite a bit of time to traverse this beautiful route. The road has hundreds of curves, and the speed limit drops to anywhere from 10 MPH to 35 MPH.

You should take your time to enjoy the beauty of this bike ride anyway! The scenery is best enjoyed with a group of people.

#4 – Clackamas Highway (Highway 224)

The comment about Clackamas Highway that you consistently hear from bikers is the fact that this road changes a lot as you travel it! The route begins as a four-lane highway but quickly changes to a two-lane, twisty, forest road.

It eventually opens to another four-lane highway. It’s great because you get the chance to experience both speed indulgent straightaways and curvy, twisty roads.

It’s also a great route for nature watching. The deer and elk populations can frequently be spotted from the road.

There are spots along the way as well where you can pull over and take in panoramic views of the Clackamas River.

The narrow, two-lane portion of this road makes it ill-equipped for group travel.

#5 – McKenzie Highway

This is definitely one of the most unique routes on the list! McKenzie Highway follows an 1860 wagon route! This little taste of history isn’t the only reason that McKenzie Highway is worth checking out.

The route also crosses a 65-square-mile lava flow! Yes, it crosses a lava flow!

After traveling through the Willamette National Forest, riders emerge to stunning views of the lava flows and five groups of volcanic peaks! Enjoy the views with our group!

#6 – Aufderheide Memorial Drive

Aufderheide Memorial Drive is another route that takes riders through the Willamette National Forest.

The forest offers amazing views of Douglas firs. Riders have the chance to experience beautiful views of rivers and vistas!

Drive this one solo.

#7 – Columbia River Highway Scenic Route

Columbia River Highway Scenic Route is the ultimate nature experience! The route takes riders through Mount Hood National Forest. Riders can catch glimpses of bears, wildcats, and many other critters.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see Mt. Hood, a beautiful inactive volcano.

This route has been lauded by Reader’s Digest as one of the most scenic routes in the nation!

Bring along your friends on this scenic marvel!!

#8 – Oregon Highway 82 Wallowa Valley to La Grande

This route follows the Wallowa and Grande Ronde Rivers. It provides views of sprawling grasslands and cattle ranches.

Riders should beware of some curves. The speed limit is posted for most, but a few have no signs posted at all!

Experienced riders should be just fine. While this route has a few curves, the lengthy straightaways allow riders to meet their need for speed!

This a great route for group trips.

#9 – Roseburg to Crater Lake on Wonderful 138

Oregon’s Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful places in the country! Traveling from Roseburg to Crater Lake, riders will experience spectacular scenery on Highway 138.

The area surrounding Crater Lake is great for nature watchers. Wildlife and trees are both abundant.

Riders will find the most beautiful views when they reach the end of their journey.

Crater Lake Rim Road allows riders to drive the rim of Crater Lake, and the views are marvelous! Bring a camera. You’ll want to capture every moment!

This would be a great trip for a small group.

#10 – Timothy Lake Cutoff

Timothy Lake Cutoff isn’t a long route. It only spans 26 miles, but it is a great place for a rider to clear her/his mind.

It winds through a portion of Mt. Hood National Forest, but is far enough from the peak that you won’t see tourists. The road is single lane, but you’ll rarely see anyone else taking this fairly unknown route.

Timothy Lake Cutoff has been well maintained and makes for something extremely smooth cruising.

Wildlife is everywhere, so keep your eye out for elk, deer, bear, and wildcats. Oregon is also known for great bird watching.

Riders can always stop at any point on the route to check out the local flora and fauna.

Safety Tips for Motorcycle Trips

Wearing the appropriate gear is essential for any rider. Make sure you wear gloves and a helmet at all times.

Also remember to watch out for other drivers. Driving defensively is even more important on a motorcycle. Just because you can see another motorist doesn’t mean they can see you!

You should always check the local weather before heading to your route.

Many routes are closed during bad weather, but some are open and can be dangerous in snowy or icy conditions.

Pay attention to any road hazards. Dips and curves are often indicated by signs, but debris and potholes can be just as dangerous for motorcyclists. You won’t have much warning with either, so keep your eyes peeled!

Compare Insurance Providers for The Best Rates

Insuring your bike is one of the most important decisions you can make, but which provider offers the best coverage?

The answer to that question isn’t always simple. Many companies offer varying coverages.

Your best bet is to compare as many insurance policies as possible. Keep your eye out for the differences. Does one policy leave a gap that the other covers?

While price is important when making these decisions, don’t choose the cheapest policy because of price alone. It’s important to ensure you are adequately covered when the worst happens!

Start comparison shopping today for the best insurance rates by entering your ZIP code below!