If you’re looking to take a scenic motorcycle tour through Washington, we highly recommend the Washington Peninsula Loop. This loop goes around Olympic National Park and the Olympic National Forest, showcasing beautiful forest, mountain, cliff, and ocean views.
However, the Washington Peninsula Loop is a lengthy route, and you’ll want to prepare accordingly. Read on to learn everything you need to know about riding the Washington Peninsula Loop.
What Is the Washington Peninsula Loop?
The Washington Peninsula Loop, also known as the Olympic Peninsula Loop, is a scenic route that circles the Olympic Mountains, Olympic National Park, and Olympic National Forest. This loop spans around 350 miles depending on the exact steps you follow. As a result, you can expect the circle to take about 10 hours to complete without stops.
We highly recommend breaking this loop into several days or even a week. The Olympic Peninsula Loops includes numerous sights and attractions that can take at least an hour to fully appreciate.
When Should You Ride the Washington Peninsula Loop?
Washington’s varying weather patterns throughout the year can impact your experience. If you can choose when you travel this loop, we recommend riding between May and September. These months tend to have a lower chance of rain and the most pleasant weather overall.
However, whether you travel during the summer, the fall, or the spring, you can expect to encounter some rain during your ride. We recommend packing heavy-duty rain gear to keep you safe and dry during rainy patches.
Additionally, areas of the route near the coastline experience a breeze from the ocean that can feel extra chilly on your bike. Be sure to pack warm layers that you can change into throughout the ride to adjust to the weather.
Things to See Along the Washington Peninsula Loop
The Washington Peninsula Loop includes numerous attractions you can easily access from your motorcycle. If you only have a day or two to ride the loop, you may want to choose a few of these attractions to prioritize during your trip. However, if you have several days, we highly recommend stopping at all of the following attractions:
- Lake Cushman
- Mount Ellinor
- Lena Lake
- Port Townsend
- Sequim
- Hurricane Ridge
- Salt Creek Recreation Area
- Lake Crescent
- Sol Duc Falls
- Ozette Triangle Loop
- Rialto Beach
- Hoh Rainforest
- Ruby Beach
- Kalaloch Beach
- Lake Quinault
Many of these attractions are located within Olympic National Park or Olympic National Forest. You can easily park your motorcycle nearby and hike nature trails, walk along the beaches, enjoy a picnic, or simply stretch your legs at these spots along the loop.
Preparing For Your Washington Peninsula Loop Ride
The Olympic Peninsula Loop is a long route consisting mainly of country roads and rural paths. While this route offers some of the most beautiful views in Washington, it can also be challenging at times. Preparing well can ensure that you have the best experience on your Washington Peninsula Loop ride.
Here are our tips to help you prepare for your trip:
- Pack lightweight clothing that you can wear in layers.
- Bring along an emergency tool kit in case you encounter any problems on the route.
- Plan your stops in advance to make the most efficient use of your time.
- Book hotels or campgrounds as soon as possible to ensure their availability.
- Pack water bottles and snacks to eat along the way.
- Wear your helmet at all times — it’s the law in Washington.
- Keep your license and registration accessible in case you need them.
If you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident, Law Tigers is on your side. We fight for riders every day to make sure they receive the compensation they deserve. Call (888( 863-7216 for a free consultation.
