Seaside to Hood River, OR - route suggestions?

[Blissed]

I am planning a trip in July, and am considering an overnight on Friday in Seaside, and Saturday in Hood River.
It is supposed to be partly sightseeing trip, partly sport riding trip, at a spirited pace.
I'd like to see some coast, ride some twisties, perhaps stop at Mt. Hood Timberline Lodge, and see interesting places along the way.
I want to avoid busy roads as much as possible, but don't mind a few miles in traffic if it's rewarded by nice scenery.

This is what I'm thinking:
http://g.co/maps/nrpt5

Any recommendations for a good route, roads/towns to avoid, or things to see?
I am little worried about the middle section between Carlton, Newberg, Woodburn, Molalla, Estacada, Sandy. Is it very slow? How is the traffic there on Saturday?

Also, what kind of weather can I expect around the coast in late July?

Thanks much!

[caasland]

If you like twisty bits at the expense of some coastal riding, head inland on hwy26 at Cannon Beach then go south on 53. Connect up with 101 at Wheeler.

[kurtw]

Siletz, Nestucca River, Veronia. Those are the nice routes that I know on the north coast. Definitely hit Timberline lodge if you have time. Amazing place!

And yeah, the slog in through Newberg etc can be brutal. Avoid at all costs.

[1Arm]

IMO the potential for the worst traffic will be on Hwy 26 between Govt Camp and Sandy.  After taking in Timberline, I would suggest instead taking Forest Service 58 to Hwy 224 to Estacada, it's paved, twisty, and should have minimal traffic.  I haven't ridden it for a couple of years so can't say if it has gotten rough/bumpy, however.



The drive across Woodburn can be tortuous, not a lot of options to cross the Willamette, though.  I generally don't have any problems in the other towns you've listed, most are small and don't suffer much traffic.

Also be aware that there a couple of miles of dirt/gravel on the Carlton - Beaver section.  It's easily doable on a street bike if it's dry, slightly tricky if muddy.

[coho]

Be sure to have a reservation in Hood River as it's a popular destination and the inns are often (usually) full.
Luckily The Dalles is only 18 or 19 miles away and nothing ever happens there so lodgings are plentiful. It's a less desirable but useful backup.

[Blissed]

IMO the potential for the worst traffic will be on Hwy 26 between Govt Camp and Sandy.  After taking in Timberline, I would suggest instead taking Forest Service 58 to Hwy 224 to Estacada, it's paved, twisty, and should have minimal traffic.  I haven't ridden it for a couple of years so can't say if it has gotten rough/bumpy, however.

The drive across Woodburn can be tortuous, not a lot of options to cross the Willamette, though.  I generally don't have any problems in the other towns you've listed, most are small and don't suffer much traffic.

Also be aware that there a couple of miles of dirt/gravel on the Carlton - Beaver section.  It's easily doable on a street bike if it's dry, slightly tricky if muddy.

Thank you all for good tips!

Some reports of Nestucca River Rd are here:
http://oregonmotorcyclist.com/ridepage.php?page=nestuccariver

To avoid the dirt section, I modified the route:
http://g.co/maps/6achm
Not sure if going through Salem is a better option than McMinnville-Newberg-Woodburn? Perhaps McMinnville would be a better place to stop for lunch?

I am familiar with the roads around Vernonia, so going North via Vernonia, Longview, Woodland, Cougar, and Wind River Rd down to Carson is my other option. I was hoping to explore some new territory, but as you said, not many options to cross Willamette River.

[1Arm]

To avoid the dirt section, I modified the route:
http://g.co/maps/6achm

Not sure if going through Salem is a better option than McMinnville-Newberg-Woodburn? Perhaps McMinnville would be a better place to stop for lunch?.

An easier way to bypass the dirt section would be the NW Bald Mtn. Access Road, it's paved, lets you take the eastern part of the Nestucca river road, and joins your alternate route on Bible Creek road.


You might consider taking a side trip just south of Beaver, at least if it's a clear day, to Mt. Hebo.  Nice twisty paved road to one of the highest points in the coast range, spectacular views of the coast and of several of the Cascades peaks.





Also, be sure to check out Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach.
http://www.cannon-beach.net/recreation/cbecola.html