Family-Friendly Motorcycle Rally Pacific Northwest Ride: Best Adventures
Planning a family-friendly motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest offers incredible scenic rides and memorable adventures for all ages. We’ll guide you through choosing the perfect route, packing smart, and ensuring everyone enjoys the journey, making this trip an unforgettable experience for your whole crew.
Hey there, fellow riders! Barry here. Thinking about hitting the open road in the Pacific Northwest with your family on bikes? That’s a fantastic idea! Getting the whole gang together for a motorcycle rally can create memories that last a lifetime. But sometimes, the thought of planning a multi-day trip with different skill levels and interests can feel a bit daunting. Where do you even start? What routes are actually fun for everyone, from the seasoned rider to the new passenger? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We’ll break down how to pick the best adventures, pack like pros, and set yourselves up for a smooth, safe, and super enjoyable Pacific Northwest motorcycle rally ride. Let’s get you ready for an epic family adventure!
Choosing Your Ultimate Pacific Northwest Family Motorcycle Rally Adventure
The Pacific Northwest is a treasure chest of stunning landscapes, from rugged coastlines to majestic mountains and lush rainforests. For a family-friendly motorcycle rally ride, the key is to find routes that offer variety, are manageable in terms of distance and terrain, and have plenty of stops for rest, exploration, and fun. We’re not just talking about miles covered; we’re talking about the experiences along the way.
Consider Your Crew’s Riding Experience
Before we dive into specific routes, let’s chat about your riding crew. Are there experienced riders who can handle longer stretches and more challenging roads? Are there newer riders or passengers who might prefer shorter daily rides with lots of breaks? Understanding this helps tailor the rally to everyone’s comfort.
Beginner Riders/Passengers: Shorter daily mileage (100-150 miles), frequent stops, scenic but not overly technical roads. Focus on comfort and enjoyment.
Intermediate Riders: Can handle slightly longer days (150-200 miles), perhaps some winding roads, and more varied terrain.
Experienced Riders: More flexible, but still need to consider the group’s overall pace.
Key Elements of a Family-Friendly Rally Route
What makes a route truly family-friendly for a motorcycle rally? It’s a blend of breathtaking views and practical considerations.
Scenery: Wide-open vistas, natural wonders, historic sites.
Interests: Attractions that appeal to different ages – kid-friendly museums, animal encounters, easy hikes, interesting towns.
Amenities: Easy access to food, lodging, and safe places to rest.
Road Conditions: Well-maintained roads, clear signage, and avoiding overly aggressive curves or steep grades unless the group is experienced.
Pace: Building in downtime and flexibility is crucial. Rushing spoils the fun!
Top Family-Friendly Motorcycle Rally Ride Ideas in the Pacific Northwest
Let’s look at some incredible options that offer the perfect mix of adventure and family fun for your Pacific Northwest motorcycle rally ride.
1. The Oregon Coast Scenic Highway (US-101) – Coastal Wonders & Sea Breezes
This is a classic for a reason. The Oregon Coast offers dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, charming towns, and endless ocean views. It’s relatively easy riding with plenty of pull-offs.
Route Highlights:
Astoria: Historic maritime town, Goonies filming locations, Astoria Column for amazing views.
Cannon Beach: Iconic Haystack Rock, tide pools, charming shops.
Tillamook: Famous for its cheese factory – a major hit with kids and adults alike!
Newport: Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, bayfront with sea lions.
Florence: Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (consider a dune buggy ride for extra adventure!).
Family Appeal: Beautiful scenery, plentiful wildlife viewing (whales, sea lions, puffins), kid-friendly attractions like aquariums, manageable distances, and great seafood.
Rally Considerations: Can get busy, especially in summer. Book lodging in advance. Weather can change rapidly, so pack layers.
External Link: For road conditions and travel tips, check out the Oregon Department of Transportation.
2. The Washington State National Parks Loop – Majestic Peaks & Lush Forests
This route is for families who love awe-inspiring natural beauty and the majesty of mountains. It involves some elevation changes but offers unparalleled scenic rewards. We’ll focus on a manageable loop hitting key highlights.
Route Highlights:
Mount Rainier National Park: Stunning wildflowers (in season), easy hiking trails, visitor centers, iconic mountain views. Nisqually Vista Trail is a good paved option for all.
Olympic National Park: Diverse ecosystems – temperate rainforests (Hoh), rugged coastline (Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach), and alpine meadows (Hurricane Ridge). Driving Hurricane Ridge Road offers incredible vistas with many pull-offs.
Leavenworth: A charming Bavarian-themed village, especially festive during holidays, offering a unique cultural detour.
Family Appeal: Incredible natural wonders, opportunities for easy hikes, wildlife spotting, educational visitor centers, and the unique charm of Leavenworth.
Rally Considerations: Roads within parks can be winding and have lower speed limits. Weather can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Snow can close passes well into summer. Check park road status regularly.
External Link: Get the latest on park alerts and conditions from the National Park Service for Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park.
3. The Cascade Bicycle Adventure (a Motorcycle Route Addition!) – Lakes Rivers & Scenic Byways
This route draws inspiration from scenic cycling routes but is adapted for motorcycles. It focuses on the beautiful lakes and rivers of Washington and Oregon, with less extreme elevation than a full mountain pass tour.
Route Highlights:
Lake Chelan, Washington: A stunning, long, deep lake with wineries and water activities.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area: Famous for waterfalls (Multnomah Falls!) and dramatic cliffside views. Driving the Historic Columbia River Highway is a must.
Bend, Oregon Area: High desert scenery, Smith Rock State Park (for climbers and view-seekers), Deschutes River, plenty of outdoor recreation.
Family Appeal: Water access, easy to moderate hiking, impressive waterfalls, varied landscapes, and the activities available in towns like Bend.
Rally Considerations: The Columbia River Gorge can have traffic. Some sections of the Historic Highway are narrow. Bend offers a great base for activities.
External Link: Explore the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Packing for Your Family Motorcycle Rally: The Smart Way
Packing light is always the rider’s mantra, but with a family, it requires a well-thought-out strategy. Comfort, safety, and convenience are your top priorities.
Essential Gear for Every Rider and Passenger
This is non-negotiable. Safety first, always.
DOT-Approved Helmets: Properly fitting helmets for everyone.
Eye Protection: Visors or goggles.
Riding Jackets & Pants: Abrasion-resistant material (textile or leather) with armor.
Gloves: Full-fingered for protection.
Sturdy Footwear: Over-the-ankle boots recommended.
Rain Gear: Waterproof and windproof suits or jackets and pants. The PNW is famous for its unpredictable weather.
Layers: Thermal base layers, fleece mid-layers. It’s easier to add or remove than to suffer.
Sunscreen & Lip Balm with SPF: Even on cloudy days or in cooler weather.
First-Aid Kit: Compact and well-stocked.
Packing for Comfort and Convenience
Beyond safety, think about making the ride enjoyable for everyone.
Tail Bags or Saddlebags: Pack efficiently. Roll clothes to save space.
Backpack (for Passenger/Lead Rider): For easy access to snacks, water, maps, camera, and essentials.
Water Bottles/Hydration Packs: Staying hydrated is key, especially on longer rides.
Snacks: Energy bars, trail mix, fruit snacks. Crucial for keeping spirits up, especially for younger passengers.
Navigation: GPS device or reliable smartphone mount with updated maps. Download offline maps just in case.
Communication: Consider helmet communicators if you want to chat on the ride.
Camera/Phone: To capture those memories!
Small Entertainment: Books, travel games for downtime.
Bike Maintenance Checks Before You Roll Out
A smooth rally ride starts with a well-maintained motorcycle. Here are the crucial checks to perform:
Tires: Check inflation pressure and tread wear. Ensure they are good for highway speeds and varied conditions.
Brakes: Inspect brake pads and fluid levels. Squeeze levers to check feel.
Fluids: Check oil level, coolant (if applicable), and brake fluid.
Lights & Signals: Ensure headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are all working.
Chain/Belt: Check tension and lubrication for chain-driven bikes.
Battery: Ensure it’s holding a charge.
Bolts & Fasteners: Quick check for any loose nuts or bolts.
If you’re not comfortable with any of these checks, a visit to your local trusted mechanic is a great investment before a long trip. For more on pre-ride checks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers excellent safety resources.
Planning Your Daily Itinerary: Balance and Fun
The beauty of a family rally is that it’s your adventure. Don’t overschedule.
Sample Daily Structure for a Family Rally Day
This is just a template, adjust as needed!
Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM):
Breakfast at the hotel or a local diner.
Pre-ride check of bikes and discussion of the day’s route.
Ride for 1-1.5 hours to the first point of interest or scenic overlook.
Short break at the stop.
Late Morning/Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM):
Ride to a charming town or picnic spot.
Lunch break. Take your time and relax.
Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM):
Engage in a planned activity (e.g., visiting a museum, short hike, exploring town).
Short afternoon ride to the day’s destination, ideally with another scenic stop.
Evening:
Arrive at accommodation.
Unpack, relax.
Dinner.
Evening activity or just downtime.
Making Stops Count for Everyone
Every planned stop should offer something.
For the Riders: Places to stretch legs, grab a coffee, admire the bike.
For the Kids: Playgrounds, interesting sights, ice cream shops, opportunities to run around.
For Everyone: Scenic vistas, picnic spots, accessible facilities.
Table: Pros and Cons of Top PNW Family Motorcycle Rally Routes
Choosing the right route is key. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which adventure best suits your family.
| Route | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Coast (US-101) | Stunning ocean views, diverse attractions (aquariums, cheese factory), well-maintained roads, charming towns, frequent pull-offs. | Can be crowded, coastal fog/rain possible, lodging can be expensive in peak season. | Families seeking iconic coastal scenery, easy access to attractions, and a classic road trip feel. |
| Washington National Parks Loop | Breathtaking mountain vistas, majestic forests, diverse ecosystems (rainforests, coast, alpine), excellent hiking opportunities, unique town (Leavenworth). | Higher elevation roads can be winding/challenging, weather unpredictable (snow possible year-round at high elevations), park roads can be busy. | Families who love grandeur nature, hiking, and exploring diverse wilderness. |
| Cascade Bicycle Adventure (Motorcycle Route) | Beautiful lakes & rivers, impressive waterfalls, varied landscapes (forests to high desert), active towns (Bend), good mix of riding and activities. | Some sections can have highway speeds, potential for summer heat in high desert areas. | Families wanting a blend of water activities, scenic beauty, and outdoor adventure in accessible locations. |
Rally Fun: Activities and Entertainment
A rally isn’t just about riding; it’s about shared experiences.
Engaging the Kids (and Kid-at-Heart Adults!)
Scavenger Hunts: Create a list of things to spot each day – a specific type of bird, a lighthouse, a unique sign.
Rally Passport: Have a small booklet where kids (or everyone!) can collect stamps or stickers from each town or attraction.
“I Spy” on the Road: Classic for a reason, good for spotting things between rides.
Themed Days: Maybe “Pirate Day” along the coast or “Mountain Explorer Day” near the parks.
Shared Meals: Make a point to try local specialties together.
Rider-Specific Fun
Photo Opportunities: Designate good spots for group photos.
Local Motorcycle Hangouts: Research local bike-friendly cafes or breweries for easy meet-ups.
Informal Skills Practice: If safe and appropriate, you could incorporate some slow-speed maneuvering practice in a large, empty lot.
Safety First, Always: Essential Riding Tips for Families
Riding with family means extra vigilance and communication. We’re a team out there.
Communication is Key
Pre-Ride Briefings: Every morning, discuss the route, potential hazards, planned stops, and who is leading/sweeping.
Buddy System: Stick together. If one bike has an issue, another should stay with them. Don’t leave anyone stranded.
Hand Signals: Remind everyone of basic motorcycle hand signals for turns, stops, hazards, and safe passing.
Passenger Communication: Ensure passengers know how to communicate if they need a stop (e.g., tapping the rider’s helmet).
Riding in Formation and Managing Pace
Staggered Formation: On two-lane roads, maintain a staggered formation to increase visibility and following distance. The lead rider should be in one lane, the following rider offset in the other. As per the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider handbook, this provides a 2-second gap between riders in the same lane and a 4-second gap laterally to avoid blind spots.
Safe Following Distances: Always maintain at least a 2-second following distance behind the rider directly in front of you, and more if conditions warrant.
Know Your Speed: Ride at a speed comfortable for the least experienced rider in the group. It’s not a race.
Road Hazards: Be extra vigilant for gravel, potholes, debris, and wet spots, especially on scenic backroads.
Handling Unexpected Situations
Breakdowns: Have a plan. Know where to pull over safely. Have basic tools and a roadside assistance contact.
Weather Changes: Be prepared to pull over and don appropriate rain gear or seek shelter if conditions become dangerous.
Fatigue: Recognize the signs of fatigue in yourself and your passengers. Take breaks before it becomes a serious problem.
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Lodging Options
Choosing your overnight stops wisely can make a big difference.
Options to Consider
Hotels/Motels: Look for places with easy parking, perhaps a pool for the kids, and a good breakfast. Many chains are quite family-friendly.
Campgrounds: Many state and national parks offer fantastic campgrounds. This can be a more adventurous and budget-friendly option. Ensure you have the gear for camping.
Cabins/Vacation Rentals: A great option for families, offering more space and amenities like kitchens.
Tips for Booking
Book in Advance: Especially during peak season or if you’re traveling through popular tourist areas.
Check Parking: Ensure there’s secure and convenient parking for motorcycles.
* Read Reviews: Look for reviews mentioning family-friendliness or motorcycle parking.