Windy Ridge

by Judy
(Vancouver USA)

I'm very fortunate to live within sight of one of the most awesome Natural Wonders in the US, Mt. St. Helens in SW Washington State. The ride from my house to the end of the road, at "Windy Ridge" has got to be one of the greatest series of motorcycle roads in the country, too!

Starting with the south portion of Washington SR503 from just south of Battleground, you have to ride another 6-7 miles mainly North, to get to the twisties. From there, you pass through Amboy, to the East spur of SR503 4 miles west of Cougar. When you arrive in Cougar, it's time to gas up & take a short break. Then SR503 east becomes National Forest road #90 as it comes into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. At the Pine Creek Ranger station, about 19 miles east of Cougar, the road continues as NF #25, and curves to the North. After a couple miles of straights in an area called Cedar Flats, it begins to climb into some of the most challenging and fun twisties anywhere. From there you ride about 25 miles of almost all twisties until you reach NF #99, Windy Ridge road. This one is the sweetest of all...I get excited just thinking about it! It's 17 miles to the end of the road, through the Volcano Blast zone, still amazing and sobering even after 27 years. The road is tight and not for beginners (as is none of this route, really) but about the most fun you can have on 2 wheels.

I recommend anyone coming out west to experience this fantastic series of roads at least once. I'm lucky enough to live here and ride them just about any weekend in the summer.