On a clear summer day, it would be really hard to find a nicer, prettier ride.
From our house in Olympia, Washington (the state capital), it is about a 2 hour ride each way when you take Hwy 101 to Shelton, then take the Purdy Cutoff over to Union, WA. where you turn north on Hwy 106. The ride on Purdy takes you next to the Skokomish River. It runs turquoise blue this time of year. There are spectacular views of the water rushing along in many spots. Just prior to reaching Union, the river runs into the Hood Canal.
The Hood Canal forms an 'L' shape. The top of the L runs into The Strait of Juan de Fuca. The bottom runs about 30 miles to its end near Belfair, Wa.
As you ride up the highway from Union and almost to Belfair, you stay right beside the water. There is one great view after another on this two lane twisty road.
Beautiful houses line the road on both sides, but there are regular places where the road is right next to the water.
There is a great stopping place at Twanoh State Park. It has a large parking area by the water, restrooms, and a snack bar in the summer daylight hours.
The speed while riding along the water is 40 mph - 50 mph most of the way. It's a pleasant ride.
There are also several stores with refreshments and gas that are situated perfectly for when you need them.
After you reach Belfair, you can turn back south on Hwy 3 and ride thru Allyn (where there's a couple of nice little restaurants/hamburger stands and a motorcycle accessories shop), and on to Shelton where you meet back up with Hwy 101 and complete the circle back to Olympia.
The entire ride is about 4 hours, unless you are smart enough to make stops and enjoy the fine views and some great opportunities for eating.
In Union there is the Alderbrook Inn. It has been remodeled twice in the last 10 years, each time making it even prettier. They have a great dining room for travelers needing some food and a clean restroom.
If you go after 2 PM they have an afternoon bar menu that includes one of the finest bluecheese hamburgers I've had in my entire life. It's big enough for two hungry folks to split.
Combined with an iced tea or soda and the amazing fries they have, you'll be spending lots of time in the future trying to plan your next stop there.
That's one of our favorite rides, although we have many more. I'll be writing about them in the future.
Please consider sending me a description of one of your favorite rides along with some pictures to help us all be there 'virtually'.
To learn more about the area go here:
http://www.gonorthwest.com/washington/olympic/Union/Union.htm
Ride Safe!
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