Road Trip

Taking advantage of great riding weather, we headed for a really nice two day ride through southern BC, into Washington State and back home.  Our overnight destination?  Winthrop, WA.  Winthrop Washington :: About Winthrop

Highway 3 - Southern BC - heading to Osoyoos in the southern Okanagan.

The circle ride took us through some of southern BC and northwest Washington's beautiful mountain country.  The highways are ideally suited for motorcycling; with plenty of twisty curves and elevation changes.

We left home at 8:00 am Wednesday morning; taking several breaks along the way to enjoy the scenery.  We arrived at the US border in Osoyoos and, once through, rode the100 miles to our overnight destination; The Rio Vista Inn that backs on to the fast flowing Methow River in the town of Winthrop, WA.

Wine country in southern BC's Okanagan Valley

Rolling in to Osoyoos, BC

We took a short break at a local park on Osoyoos Lake. It was quite hot here and to be close to the water had a nice cooling effect.

Travel south from the Canada/USA border took us to Omak, Okanogan and the little town of Twisp before we arrived in Wintrhop.  The ride takes us through twisty turns and multiple elevation changes.  The temperature changes could be felt when we rode through thick pine forests.  

So many rivers and streams are seen along the route.

Our overnight accommodations offer rooms with views of the Methow River.  The fast flowing river and the sound the water creates is the draw.  This was our fourth time here.

This is a modern facility with a rustic look.

The view from the balcony of our room

Winthrop is a popular destination for motorcyclists - certainly in the summer months - but it boasts one of the largest trail systems for cross country skiers during the winter months.  The town has no conventional sidewalks - only boardwalks.  All buildings sport a rustic look of western towns from yesteryear.  It is an attractive place for tourists.

 

It's a pedestrian friendly town with a relaxed atmosphere.  It offers some great little saloons and eating establishments.  Outdoor ice cream and specialty coffee places attract tourists in droves.  The Methow Valley offers endless low and high mountain horse, bicycle and hiking trails.  That is one of the biggest draws during the summer months.  Kayakers and river rafts can be seen plying the fast flowing rivers that crisscross through the town.

This was posted at the Town Hall building.  No one here wastes time on useless business when there is no business to take care of.

This sign was posted in the window of one local business.

This place does live up to its billing for pies and pastries.  It is a fan favourite!

This new pedestrian bridge makes it quick to access both sides of the Methow River.

Early evening

Common sighting in or around the town.

6000 feet above sea level on the most gorgeous Highway 20 in the North Cascades of Washington State.

We left Winthrop at 10:00 am Thursday morning - the US July 4th holiday - heading west toward Burlington, WA.  Many small towns we rode through were preparing for local parades and celebrations for the holiday.  Every place was in a festive mood.

Highway 20 is closed during the winter months.   It is a pristine highway offering some of the most incredible high mountain views seen anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.  This route is deemed to be one of the best motorcycle rides in continental North America.  It is clearly one of our favourites.

We could feel the temperature change as we rolled climbed to elevations approaching 7000 feet.

A view from 6,000 feet.

Ross lake was created by the building of the Ross Dam.  Three dams in this area provide the power needs for Seattle and other major towns and cities in northwestern Washington State.  Silting from mineral deposits gives the lake it green colour.

A topographical look at the area.

Riding out of the high mountain country led us to Sedro Woolley.  City of Sedro-Woolley
From there, we headed north on Highway 9 towards Mount Baker and Lynden .  Lynden Chamber of Commerce - Home

We arrived back home at 4:00 pm after crossing back into Canada at the Lynden/Aldergrove border crossing.  Our ride covered 804 kilometres.  It was awesome riding weather traveling through some of this area's most scenic roads.



Thanks for dropping in.