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The days are shorter, the air's turning crisp and for those of us who live to ride, this change in the air means one unmistakable thing: grab your gear and get out there before the long wet season arrives.
At Metier Motorcycle Lawyers, we're motorcyclists, riders just like you. Before winter locks down the passes and turns our roads slick, our team is hitting some of our most-loved routes. These are the rides that remind us exactly why we do what we do.
We wanted to share some of our favorite close-in rides with you. Routes near the metro areas that riders often overlook or simply forget about. Whether you're looking to squeeze in one last adventure before winter weather settles in, or rediscover a road you haven't ridden in years, one of these routes deserves your attention.
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OREGON FAVORITES
Route 224 – Upper Clackamas River
Distance: ~40 miles | Ride Time: 1.5–2 hours | Vibe: Scenic and technical
Head southeast from Portland toward Mt. Hood National Forest. Route 224 hugs the Clackamas River through dense forest and mossy cliffs. It’s the kind of road that demands focus but can reward you with pure solitude. When fall colors peak, the stretch near Ripplebrook becomes something special.
Safety note: Check ODOT's TripCheck before you go. Post-wildfire conditions can shift quickly.
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Nestucca River Road – Carlton to Beaver
Distance: ~50 miles | Ride Time: 2–2.5 hours | Vibe: Quiet backroad adventure
Skip the crowds on Highway 26 and thread through wine country into the Coast Range. Long, flowing curves meet tighter technical sections. Old bridges and old-growth trees keep you company the whole way. The ocean breeze near Beaver feels earned.
Real talk: Gravel, potholes, and spotty cell service are part of the charm. Ride prepared.
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Washington Route 14 – Columbia River Gorge
Distance: ~50 miles | Ride Time: 1.5–2 hours | Vibe: Dramatic gorge cruising
Cross into Washington via I-205 and follow Route 14 along the northern edge of the Columbia River. Sweeping bends, open straights, and some of the most dramatic vistas in the region. WA-14 is the quieter side of the Gorge. Less traffic, smoother pavement, and perfect for an early-morning or late-season run when the light hits the cliffs just right.
Heads up: Gusty crosswinds are common through the Gorge, especially in the fall. Keep a steady grip. (Technically Washington, but close enough to the Portland metro area that it belongs on this list.)
WASHINGTON FAVORITES
Snoqualmie Falls via Highway 520 & 202
Distance: ~40 miles | Ride Time: 1.5–2 hours | Vibe: Quick escape with a payoff
Close to Seattle but worlds away. Twisty enough to sharpen your skills, scenic enough to clear your head. Mix of farmland, forest, and mist from the falls, it’s perfect for a quick throttle-therapy session.
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Whidbey Island Loop via Mukilteo Ferry
Distance: ~60 miles | Ride Time: 3–4 hours (including ferry) | Vibe: Laid-back island cruise
Not every great ride has to be fast. Start with a ferry (there's something right about that), cruise through Langley and Coupeville, and finish at Deception Pass Bridge. The island's quiet roads and ocean air make this an ideal end-of-season run.
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Mt. Rainier Scenic Byway (Highway 410 + 123)
Distance: ~100 miles | Ride Time: 3–4 hours | Vibe: Epic alpine sweepers
Starting in Enumclaw, Highway 410 climbs the edge of Mount Rainier National Park into some of the smoothest alpine curves you'll find. Forests, waterfalls, and Rainier appearing around every corner. Late summer and early fall are prime but be aware that snow closes these passes by winter.
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Hurricane Ridge via Kingston Ferry
Distance: ~120 miles | Ride Time: 4–5 hours | Vibe: Rewarding mountain expedition
Ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, then climb Highway 104 and 101 toward Port Angeles. Hurricane Ridge Road delivers panoramic views that make you feel beautifully small. The climb is smooth, the vistas are endless, and the crisp mountain air reminds you why you ride.
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3-Pass Loop: Stevens, Blewett & Snoqualmie
Distance: ~300 miles | Ride Time: Full day | Vibe: The ultimate season send-off
Got an open day and good weather? This is it. Three distinct mountain passes. Technical twisties mixing with sweeping alpine highways. Tight corners at Stevens, open flow at Blewett, smooth cruising on Snoqualmie. The kind of ride that leaves you exhausted and exhilarated.
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RIDE SMART AS THE SEASON CHANGES
The Pacific Northwest offers some of the most beautiful roads in the country. But as fall deepens, conditions shift fast. Wet leaves, slick pavement, and early sunsets change everything in seconds.
Before you ride:
• Check road conditions and weather forecasts.
• Inspect your tires and brakes.
• Wear your gear. Always!
• Tell someone where you're going.
• Ride within your limits.
The road is meant to be enjoyed. Ride smart. Ride safe. Ride together.
