Ride Idea
Outer Hood Canal Loop
Not many people talk about the Hood Canal in motorcycle circles so it is with pleasure
that we bring you this tip on one of the best scenic rides in the area. Grab a map and
let's go.
 Begin your ride
with a ferry trip from Edmonds Ferry dock over to Kingston. Once unloaded from your vessel
take 104 west to the Hood Canal Bridge. You'll have to make two rights on the highway to
get there, although you'll always be on 104 so watch your signs. Take it easy crossing
over the Hood Canal bridge and beware of cross winds on the bridge. Continue west and make
a left at the sign for Quilcene.
 Arriving in Quilcene
you'll be making a left onto 101 south and upon leaving town you'll begin to see the canal
on your left. As you drive down the road notice the numerous motels along the way for
divers. The canal is popular with them and is also hosts to numerous clammers and
growers, boaters, swimmers and Kayakers. If you enjoy a libation while out in this neck of
the woods we recommend a pint of Dosewallips which has their brewery a few miles south of
Quilcene.
 As
you near the south side of the canal take a detour to the right up Highway 119 and get a
look at Lake Cushman. Double back and hop onto 101 south again. When you reach Skokomish
Indian Reservation make a left onto 106 east and you'll be rounding through the Skokomish
tidelands and across the lower end of the canal. A laid back 40 mph is in effect as you
ride 20 plus miles to Belfair past numerous waterfront vacation homes.
Take 3 North at the junction where 106 ends and head toward Bremerton. Once there stay
on 3 north and enjoy a brisker pace all the way to Poulsbo. This is one of the nicer
stretches of highway left in the state that has a 60 mph rating with normally light
traffic.
Take the Poulsbo exit, SR305 south and make your way back to Bainbridge for the ferry hop
back to Seattle, or take 307 back out to Kingston.
Patrick Thomas
Always ride with a current map and verify the route before leaving.
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