West Coast Motorcycle Trips You Should Probably Consider

Jul 25, 2025

Beaches, mountains, and national parks—those are just a few of the things the West Coast is known for. Add in long stretches of open highway and some of the most talked-about road trip spots in the country, and it’s easy to see why riders keep heading west. If you’re thinking about planning a motorcycle trip, this side of the country has no shortage of routes worth checking out. Below, we’ll walk through some of the best West Coast motorcycle trips to consider. 

What Makes the West Coast Worth Exploring on a Motorcycle?

The West Coast doesn’t just offer one kind of ride—it gives you a full range, sometimes in the same day. You can start along the ocean with cliffs on one side and nothing but water on the other, then make your way inland through farmland, forests, or desert depending on which direction you’re headed. The roads themselves add to the experience too. Some stretch wide with room to relax, while others twist through small towns or hug the edges of national parks in a way that keeps things interesting without feeling overwhelming. It’s the kind of place where no two rides feel the same, and that’s a big part of what keeps riders coming back.

When’s the Best Time to Ride These Routes?

It mostly comes down to where you’re headed, but the West Coast gives you options no matter the season. Southern California stays warm and dry through the winter, which makes it one of the few places where you can ride comfortably year-round. Northern California, Oregon, and Washington are better during late spring, summer, and early fall, when the weather’s more predictable and the roads are clear.

If you’re planning to head into the mountains, it’s a good idea to check conditions ahead of time since some of those higher elevation routes can close during the colder months. For lighter traffic and cooler temps, May and late September are usually your best bet, especially if you want to avoid peak travel season without giving up good weather.

Want to Ride These Roads with a Local in Front?

Planning a multi-day West Coast trip means a lot of decisions about timing, conditions, and which stretches are actually worth prioritizing. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours led by locals who've already done the legwork on these routes. Whether you're riding the Pacific Coast Highway or looping through the Cascades, a guided ride takes the route planning off your plate and puts you behind someone who knows every mile.

Best West Coast Motorcycle Trips to Add to Your List

You don’t have to dig too deep to find great rides out here. Some routes are well-known for a reason, and others fly a little more under the radar, but all of them bring something unique to the table. If you're trying to figure out where to go, these are the rides that come up again and again for good reason.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Start/End: San Francisco, CA → Leggett, CA

The Pacific Coast Highway has been one of California’s most talked-about routes for decades, and once you’re on it, you’ll understand why. Built in sections during the early 1900s, the road was designed to connect coastal communities that were otherwise hard to reach. What came out of it was a highway that still feels personal. It doesn’t rush you from point A to point B. It gives you space to slow down and take in the ride.

Leaving San Francisco, the first part of the trip eases you out of the city before pushing you toward the coast. Once you hit Highway 1, things start to open up. The road curves along the edge of the state in a way that feels like it’s following the shape of the land, not cutting through it. One stretch brings you right up to the cliffs with ocean on your left, then a few miles later, you’re back in tree-lined hills without much sign of the shoreline. That constant shift between water, forest, and open space is what makes this ride so memorable.

You’ll pass through towns like Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Mendocino, but none of them take away from the experience. They feel like part of the road instead of stops along it. By the time you reach Leggett, the coastline fades out and the redwoods take over, changing the feel of the ride once again. It’s a quiet finish that works well after a route full of movement.

If you’re flying into the area or just don’t want to bring your own bike, there are motorcycle rentals in San Francisco that let you start this route without much planning or hassle.

2. Cascade Loop

Start/End: Seattle, WA → Seattle, WA

The Cascade Loop is one of those rides that surprises you the farther along you go. It starts in Seattle and stretches across central and northern Washington, covering almost 460 miles in a single loop that never repeats itself. You’ll ride through places like Mukilteo, Wenatchee, and Winthrop, each with their own pace and landscape. One section takes you through dry farmland and wide open valleys, then a few hours later, you’re climbing into the North Cascades where the road tightens up and the forest closes in around you.

The shift in scenery is what makes this route stand out. You’re not stuck riding through the same kind of terrain all day. One hour, you’re riding next to a river with cliffs on both sides, and the next, you’re cruising through switchbacks surrounded by evergreens. The loop gives you a little bit of everything without forcing you to ride the same road twice, which is part of why it’s so popular with riders in the area.

If you’re planning to kick things off in the city, motorcycle rentals in Seattle are easy to find and give you plenty of options to match the kind of trip you want to take.

3. Redwood Highway

Start/End: Leggett, CA → Brookings, OR

The Redwood Highway takes you through one of the most unique stretches of road on the West Coast. Starting in Leggett, this route follows US-101 North through towering redwood groves, quiet riverside towns, and eventually into southern Oregon where the trees thin out and the coast opens up again. It’s not a long ride in terms of hours, but the change in scenery makes it feel much bigger than it looks on a map.

The first half of the route keeps you tucked inside the forest, with redwoods lining both sides of the highway. Some of the trees here are so tall and close to the road that it almost feels like you’re riding through a tunnel made of wood. As you continue north, the forest breaks up just enough to reveal views of the Eel River, open meadows, and small towns like Eureka and Crescent City before crossing into Oregon. Once you pass the state line, the road levels out near the coast, and you finish the ride in Brookings where the ocean comes back into view.

You can start this route from either side depending on where you're coming from, and there are motorcycle rentals available in both California and Oregon to help you get going without needing to haul your own bike.

4. Sierra Nevada Loop

Start/End: South Lake Tahoe, CA → South Lake Tahoe, CA

This route is built for riders who want to see the quieter side of California without losing the drama that makes a trip feel worth it. Starting in South Lake Tahoe, the loop heads south past the edge of Yosemite, circles through Sonora and Jackson, then brings you back into the mountains where the road levels out again near the lake. It’s a long ride, close to 400 miles, but every section feels like a shift—from alpine lakes and granite passes to wide-open valleys and stretches of road that feel like they haven’t changed in decades.

Riding down US-395 gives you long views and plenty of space, but it’s Tioga Pass that really changes the feel of the trip. The road climbs fast, and once you’re up in it, everything gets quiet. You’re surrounded by sharp ridges, tall trees, and sudden drop-offs that you don’t always see coming. Mono Lake shows up halfway through, and it breaks up the ride without pulling you out of it. From there, the road moves west again, cutting through smaller towns and narrow highways before easing back into Tahoe, where the air feels cooler and the corners feel a little more familiar.

If you’re planning to ride anywhere near this loop, there are plenty of motorcycle rentals in California that give you the flexibility to start where it makes the most sense for your route.

5. Columbia River Gorge

Start/End: Portland, OR → The Dalles, OR

The Columbia River Gorge ride follows the Columbia River as it cuts straight through the Cascade Range, and even though it’s just over an hour from Portland to The Dalles, the views along the way make it feel like more than a quick trip. The road stays close to the edge almost the entire time, giving you long views of the river on one side and solid rock walls on the other. It’s a short ride, but there’s a lot packed into it.

Even though most of the route sticks to I-84, it doesn’t feel like a typical highway run. You’ll pass by spots like Multnomah Falls and the Bonneville Dam without needing to pull off, and the way the river bends in and out of view keeps the ride from going stale. Once you get closer to The Dalles, the cliffs pull back a bit, the trees thin out, and the land starts to flatten, which gives the ending a totally different feel than the start. 

If this ride’s on your list, there are motorcycle rentals in Portland, OR that make it easy to start and get straight into the Gorge without wasting time.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle for a West Coast Trip

The bike you ride can really shape the kind of trip you have, so it’s worth taking a minute to figure out what fits best before you book anything. Some routes are long and wide open, while others are better for shorter rides with more stop-and-go.

• Think About Distance and Comfort: If you’re planning to ride all day or knock out a few hundred miles at a time, touring bikes like the Gold Wing or Road Glide are made for that kind of trip. They’re built to keep you comfortable over longer distances and tend to come with extras that make life easier on the road. For casual day trips or slower-paced rides, cruisers like the Harley Sportster or Triumph Bonneville work well and still give you enough comfort without the bulk. If your route involves more city riding or tighter curves, something lighter like a sport or naked bike might be the better call.
• Don’t Forget Luggage and Features: Small things can make a big difference on longer rides. Saddlebags give you a spot to stash water, layers, or snacks. A phone mount makes navigation easier. A windshield helps cut down on wind fatigue, especially if you're spending hours on the highway. These are the kinds of features you’ll be glad to have once you’re a few hours into the ride.

If you’re still figuring out what kind of bike makes the most sense for your trip, Riders Share lets you browse a wide selection of motorcycle rentals based on where you're riding and how far you plan to go. You’ll see everything from cruisers to touring bikes, and many listings include extra details that help you choose what’s right for you. There’s also a gear available filter, so if you need a helmet or other essentials, you can narrow your search to bikes that offer that too.

Start Planning Your West Coast Motorcycle Trip!

There’s no shortage of incredible places to ride out here, whether you’re sticking to the coast, heading into the mountains, or spending a few days exploring it all. Each route has its own feel, so it really comes down to what kind of experience you want. Pick a spot that stands out to you, plan a route that makes the most of your time, and get ready for a ride that’s going to stick with you long after it’s over.