Motorcycle Rides

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy HWY 1 - Pacific Coast Highway - Big Sur Motorcycle Ride

California

Considered by many to be the most beautiful road in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway (California Route 1) is a bucket-list ride for any motorcyclist. Meandering along the shores of the thunderous Pacific Ocean, this road offers countless sweeping curves, dramatic scenery, and breath-taking views of the wild and rugged Big Sur. As this route is over 480 miles long, we recommend you break up the journey into two or more days and make it a long weekend getaway ride.

Along the road there will be plenty of scenic lookout points, charming seaside towns and communities, historic towns, and natural landmarks to explore. Here cliffs tumble straight into the lapping waves of the mighty Pacific, and sea animals line the isolated coves, providing much entertainment to visitors along the famous Route 1. The best time to travel the Pacific Coast Highway is in the summer when the road is sun-drenched, offering unobstructed views of the ocean and the awe-inspiring Big Sur mountain slopes.

Here is what’s not to miss along the way:

Monterey Bay

As you leave San Francisco, jump on Route 1 and ride south enjoying the ocean vistas and the gentle twists of the two-lane road unfurling before you. Once you reach Monterey Bay, drop the kickstand here for a bite to eat and a wander through its downtown famous for its quirky Cannery Row, a street lined with cafes, hotels, and interesting shops. Cannery Row is the perfect place to stretch your legs and order up a meal of fresh seafood. If you’re fond of sea life and like seeing it up close and personal, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is excellent. Monterey Bay is a good place to fill up your gas tank before heading to Big Sur, where facilities are scarcer.

Big Sur

Starting near the Carmelo River some 150 miles south of San Francisco, Big Sur is the most spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. The entire ninety-mile section of the road here feels much more remote and rugged than other stretches, as the ocean meets Big Sur’s gargantuan rock and cliff towers, wild beaches, and enchanting redwoods. Take your time and ride Big Sur at a leisurely pace to truly enjoy the incredible scenery at every mile.

As you travel further, stop at McWay Falls, a stunning natural cove with waterfalls plunging down the cliffs. The waterfall used to pour directly into the ocean, but a fire and subsequent landslide turned the cove into a small beach. You can spot the falls right from the road, and there is a small parking area where you can leave your bike and take in the view. You can follow the McWay Falls Trail through the tunnel under Route 1.

If you plan to break this ride in two parts, spending the night in Big Sur can make a magical experience. The Treebones Resort is a popular overnight spot in Big Sur offering a campsite, yurts for rent, and great dining options. In the morning there’s no rush to get back into the saddle as the thick fog that rises from the ocean regularly obscures the morning view.

Hearst Castle

Big Sur ends roughly at San Simeon, a small seaside settlement made famous by the Hearst Castle estate. Built by William Randolph Hearst, the publishing tycoon, Hearst Castle was a place frequented by the Hollywood stars of the twenties and thirties. This luxurious mansion used to host such Hollywood actors as Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, and Charlie Chaplin. Hearst Castle is now open for visitors and makes for a fascinating stop along the Pacific Coast Highway. The San Simeon pier is also a good place to stretch your legs and admire the view of the ocean.

Another place to get off the bike is the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery just five miles north of San Simeon. Here the elephant seals come year round to birth, mate, and molt as the seasons turn. Quite often there are volunteer docents on the boardwalks who will answer questions and educate visitors on the life cycle of the enigmatic animals.

As you get closer to Los Angeles, stop in Moro Bay or Pismo Beach to sample oysters, a local delicacy, and take a break before entering the city. Moro Bay oysters are famous due to the town’s annual oyster festival. Pismo Beach is known for its tranquil seaside beauty and monarch butterflies that come here to winter.

Once in Los Angeles, consider finishing your trip on the Santa Monica pier, an iconic location where both the Pacific Coast Highway and the historic Route 66 come to an end.

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy MALIBU CANYONS - NEPTUNE'S NET - ROCK STORE - CALIFORNIA Motorcycle Ride

California

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy CROWN POINT HIGHWAY – COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE – OR, WA Motorcycle Ride

Start your adventures at EagleRider Portland [operating inside Latus Motors Harley-Davidson] for your Portland rental experience. Pick a direction and you'll hit mountains, coast, high desert, or waterfalls. For this specific route along the Columbia River Gorge, head east from Portland and begin your ride on Crown Point Highway off of 84 East.

The historic Crown Point Highway winds along the Sandy River, going past Stark St bridge and Dabney State Recreation area. As you continue on, you get higher views of the gorge and some winding roads that cut through evergreens, moss-covered stone guard rails, and the Gorge hillsides. The road eventually opens up and the Crown Point Vista House is a must-stop for this route, with phenomenal views of the Gorge.

The Vista House was built in 1916, when Highway 30 was built (what is now the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway, and the only way to reach Crown Point). The Vista House was designed to be an enjoyable pit stop of the Columbia Gorge, that harbors the best gorge views.

The octagonal building, with a green tiling roof, has a museum, gift shop, and geologic points of interest display in the Gorge. Make sure to check the official Vista House website for any closures (the Vista House is known to close when wind gusts reach +55 mph).

Continuing on east, the Crown Point Highway turns into tight switchbacks and dense foliage. The next point of interest is Bridal Veil and Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is the most visited natural recreation site in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2 million stopping by each year.

Fed by underground springs from Larch Mountain, the flow over the falls varies, usually highest in winter and spring. The Multnomah Falls Lodge has bathrooms, a visitor center, snack bar, and a restaurant that is fully ADA accessible.

After stopping at Multnomah Falls, you can loop back on 84 West (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway) back to Portland, or you can double down on Gorge views and continue east on 84 to Cascade Locks or Hood River. Each location has a toll bridge ($1) that goes over into Washington.

Take the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks or the Hood River Bridge in Hood River to hit the north side of the Gorge for more open Gorge views. Both bridges are grated, which is an experience every motorcyclist should have; if your rental has spoked wheels, you will feel the metal grading lightly pull and push as you’re going over one of the bridges.

Once on 14 west, head back towards Vancouver, WA (where you can then hit 205 south to get back to Portland). A Gorge spectacle to see during summer months are the masses of kite surfers, spreading across the entire gorge like a hive of swarming bees.

Along 14 there are multiple short tunnels and scenic vista points, you’ll know when you get to the best ones, as there will be a congregation of motorcycles, hot rods, exotics, and other moto enthusiasts pulled over for a quick snap.

Rent a Motorcycle From EagleRider and Enjoy Valley of Fire State Park - NV Motorcycle Ride

Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada is a true natural playground for motorcycle riders. Easily accessible via well-maintained tarmac roads, Valley of Fire is a mesmerizing wilderness area full of colorful rock outcroppings, ancient petrified trees, and mysterious petroglyphs left on Aztec sandstone walls. Just a short ride from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire has earned its name because of the fiery red color of its sandstone rocks. When rays of the afternoon's setting sun hit the rocks, they appear to be ablaze with fire.

Nevada’s oldest State Park, Valley of Fire has several campsites for those who wish to stay the night and truly appreciate this unique place. (There are two campgrounds in the park and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.) Alternately, this scenic motorcycle ride can also be done in just one day. Any way you approach it the route promises plenty of inspiring vistas and adrenaline-inducing twisties along the way.

Here are our ideas on how to enjoy your Valley of Fire motorcycle trip to the fullest.

Lake Mead

Starting at East Lake Mead Boulevard, hop on Route 167 and head East following an excellent two-lane road which cuts across the iconic Western landscape of red rocks and colorful desert. Make sure to start out with a full gas tank, as the next available fuel station will be at the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza at the end of your ride, seventy-five miles away. On Route 167 itself, there won’t be much in terms of gas, snacks, or rest areas, so we suggest planning ahead and stocking up beforehand.

Depending on the time of year you are riding here, some of the marinas along the lake may offer a great opportunity to stop, take in the fresh air, and have a leisurely stroll on the shores of Lake Mead. The Echo Bay Marina offers a large parking lot, restrooms and a recreation area, plus a convenience store, as well as gas station, and it’s the perfect mid-way point to stop and relax. To get to Echo Bay, you’ll need to take the Echo Bay Road shooting off Route 167 (you will see a road sign just before the turn).

The first part of the trip will feel serene as you’ll catch glimpses of Lake Mead in the distance. Little by little, however, the scenery will begin to change. Soon you will start feeling like you are traveling through a strange country resembling the surface of Mars. Here, the bright red of the Earth contrasts with the big blue Nevada skies creating the perfect backdrop for your motorcycle adventure.

Valley of Fire

At the junction with Route 169, Route 167 becomes the Valley of Fire Highway. Soon after you pass the junction, there will be a right turn taking you to the Valley of Fire Visitor Center, where they have several exhibitions focusing on the history, ecology, and geology of the Park. The area has some fascinating history, and the Visitor center is an excellent place to stop and learn about it. There are restrooms available, as well as a small gift shop and a large parking lot if you feel like taking a hike to explore the stunning wonders of nature around you. This is also a good place to get water if you've run out.

Know that it is prohibited to remove or disturb any rocks, fossils, or artifacts from within the boundaries of the Park, and that it is not allowed to fly drones anywhere in the Valley of Fire. In addition, be mindful of the speed limit within the Park. Although there is not heavy traffic on the road, all those sweeping curves seem like an open invitation to twist that throttle, but beware: there are numerous speed cameras and radars on the route.

Make sure you've stocked up on water as it gets extremely hot from May through to September. Local riders recommend riding this route very early in the morning. Not only will the temperatures will be much cooler, but also you will have the entire place to yourself as most travelers and tourists tend to show up later in the day.

Once you reach the Moapa Paiute Travel Plaza, stop here for gas, a cold drink, and get some lunch. The restaurant here serves excellent BBQ ribs, pot roast, and burgers. From here, it’s a short thirty-minute ride back to Las Vegas via Interstate 15.

The Valley of Fire route is easily among the most scenic rides in Nevada, so be sure to charge your phone fully before departure so you can snap lots of photos along the way.