Riding the Olympic Peninsula is a bit like riding through every landscape the Pacific Northwest has to offer—if the gods of scenery, serenity, and switchbacks ever got together and planned a road trip, this is where they’d do it. Washington’s Olympic National Park isn’t just a haven for hikers and nature lovers—it’s a goldmine for riders. Whether you're on two wheels or three (like me on my trusty Can-Am Spyder RT), there's something magical about exploring this stretch of Washington where ocean spray meets moss-covered rainforest and snow-capped ridges feel close enough to touch.

I’ve spent most of my life juggling motherhood, work, school, and everything in between. Riding became my escape hatch. After years on cruisers and adventure bikes, these roads—combined with a machine that finally made twisty mountain roads feel fun again instead of like an anxiety-inducing math test—helped me fall in love with riding all over again. If you’re looking for stunning landscapes, lesser-known gems, and solid places to refuel both your bike and your belly, welcome to your next bucket list destination.

Hoh Rainforest Loop: Where Moss and Magic Rule

Route Overview

Start in Forks, yes that Forks—cue the Twilight jokes—and head east on US-101 to Upper Hoh Road. This 18-mile detour takes you straight into the heart of the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the country. The road is smooth, mostly flat, and lush with tree canopies that make you feel like you're riding through a Tolkien novel.

You won’t find endless switchbacks here, but what you will find is serenity and a sense of awe that hits you right in the face—like a cold splash of river water, but in a good way.

Recommended Stop: Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center – Park the bike and walk the Hall of Mosses trail. It’s a short hike with big impact, and your camera roll will thank you.

Eats & Sips: Blakeslees Bar & Grill in Forks – A casual local spot where the burgers are hefty and the pie is worth writing home about.

Lodging Pick: Olympic Suites Inn – Cozy, clean, and just minutes from the trailhead.

Hurricane Ridge: The High-Altitude Heartstopper

Route Overview

If you only have time for one ride in Olympic, make it Hurricane Ridge Road. Starting in Port Angeles, this 17-mile ride climbs into alpine heaven. With about 3,000 feet of elevation gain, the road is twisty, smooth, and well-maintained. On clear days, the panoramic views will leave you breathless (and not just from the altitude).

On a Spyder, these climbs and curves are just plain fun, and you won’t find yourself white-knuckling through hairpins like you might on two wheels if you're not a fan of gravity-defying roads. Bonus: it’s open year-round, but always check for snow or closures during shoulder seasons.

Must-Stop: Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center – Stretch your legs and soak in the views that look like they were painted by Bob Ross on a caffeine high.

Eats: Next Door Gastropub in Port Angeles – The name’s unassuming, but the menu’s impressive. Think beer-braised brisket and truffle fries.

Where to Stay: Olympic Lodge by Ayres – High-end rustic with serious comfort, right in Port Angeles.

Lake Crescent and Sol Duc Valley: Waterfalls and Wonder

Route Overview

Leaving Port Angeles, head west on US-101 along Lake Crescent—a glacier-carved beauty with deep blue waters and forested cliffs. The road hugs the shoreline, offering lake views so stunning you’ll want to pull over every five minutes. Continue west and take a detour onto Sol Duc Hot Springs Road. This twisty side road leads to hot springs, waterfalls, and one of the quieter corners of the park.

This entire route is a sensory overload in the best way possible. One moment you're cruising beside still waters, the next you’re twisting through dense fir trees with sunlight dappling the road like confetti.

Scenic Stop: Sol Duc Falls – A short walk from the road, the falls are worth the mini-hike. It's the kind of peaceful roar that makes you want to breathe deeper and ride longer.

Best Bite Nearby: Lake Crescent Lodge Dining Room – A more refined option with a view. The wild salmon here is top-tier and the cocktails go down smooth.

Stay a While: Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort – Rustic cabins, natural mineral pools, and peace that feels almost too good to be real.

Cape Flattery: The Northwest Corner Adventure

Route Overview

Want to say you’ve been to the northwestern-most point of the contiguous U.S.? Of course, you do. From Forks, ride north along WA-112, also known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway. It winds through small fishing villages, along sea cliffs, and past driftwood-laden beaches. At Neah Bay, switch to Cape Flattery Road and park at the trailhead. It’s a short hike to the lookout—and absolutely worth it.

This route is a bit more remote and less trafficked. Perfect for riders who enjoy the journey as much as the destination. You’ll get a mix of forest and coast, and if you’re lucky, you might spot eagles or sea otters along the way.

Fuel Stop: Linda’s Woodfired Kitchen in Neah Bay – Known for her pizza and super friendly vibe. Not a fancy spot, but real food made with heart.

Stay Recommendation: Hobuck Beach Resort – Cabins and beachfront views, plus they welcome motorcyclists with open arms.

Quirky Extras and Local Color

Joy Ride Detour: If you're near Sequim, consider taking Deer Park Road—a steep, gravel mountain road not for the faint of heart or shiny chrome lovers. But for the adventure-seekers (and those who don’t mind a little dust), the payoff is stellar alpine views and a taste of solitude.

Park It: Olympic National Park Annual Pass – Just buy it. You’ll use it for the visitor centers, trailheads, and more, and it supports a park system that’s ridiculously underfunded for the magic it maintains.

Extra Gear Tip: If you’re prone to layering like me, pack that mid-layer. Weather here changes faster than a teenager's mood.

Why Olympic Park Rides Are So Unforgettable

Olympic National Park is one of those unicorn destinations that offers diversity in both terrain and tempo. You can cruise gently beside an ocean bluff in the morning and find yourself climbing into snowy ridges by lunch. There are forest roads that feel like riding through a fairy tale, and cliffside stretches that remind you just how wild and beautiful this country really is.

And if you’re like me—riding not just for fun, but for sanity—then this place becomes more than just a park. It becomes therapy with a throttle.

Whether you're hauling a cruiser, navigating corners on an adventure bike, or gliding smoothly on a Spyder, Washington’s Olympic Peninsula delivers. So pack your gear, plot your route, and get ready to ride through rainforests and ridges that will stay with you long after the engine cools.