The west coast of the United States is home to some of the most recognizable geographic landmarks in the country: purple mountains majesty in Idaho, the towering redwoods of California, and the stunning wilderness of Oregon's coast. Spanning the Pacific Ocean coast, west of the Rocky Mountains, it's 3,000 miles of breathtaking, desertion panoramas, vegetation, and storied history. Exploring the west coast by bicycle is a premier cycling adventure-- with many dedicated cross-state bike routes. The west coast by bike connects some of the most breathtaking biking conditions and destinations in America-- in a vibrant and isolated setting—minus any major highways.
Begin at the top of the Northwest using these long-distance bicycle tours to visit the stunning beauty of the West Coast by bike.
The Pacific Coast (Oregon)
The Oregon Coast is an easy section of the 3,000-mile West Coast Trail of the West Coast by bike, with a combination of mountain landscapes, rolling farmlands, fishing villages, and coastal access all through. The Oregon Technology Preview Route, a pontoon bicycle trip that starts at the top of the Oregon Coast, is one of 10 cross-state, non-motorized routes in Oregon. The Oregon Coast loops 2,000 miles from the Columbia River to the California border and offers hikers and riders breathtaking views. The Omak to Quinault Trail extends from Northwest Washington all the way to Southern Oregon. Recommended camps: Cape Lookout State Park, Boiler Bay State Park, Whiskey Creek State Park.
The California Coast (Northern State)
The Los Angeles to San Francisco crossing-state bicycle route stretches from the bright lights of Los Angeles an leisurely meander to gold country wilderness. Next, the route traverses Sacramento, the capital of mineralized California. Averaging 88 bike-acre miles a day, this 3800-mile route can be a wonderful leisurely vacation or a regular touring bike trip with light camping if you purchase camping supplies. Aesthetically, the California Coast's Santa Barbara County is known for its beautiful coast line and white-sand beaches. The "Golden State" rests on the coast and has no shortage of adventures both on and off the bike. Beach towns, historic lighthouses, and restaurants are easy to find-- as are crumbing Soviet-era military compounds. Along the way, sand-lined back roads provide a quintessential California feeling. Recommended camps: Lompoc, Carpinteria, 15 Mile Surf-Camp North.
The Northern Region
Northern California's San Rafael to Port Townsend route covers the mostly flat water stretch of the Pacific Coastline between San Francisco and the Oregon Border following ferry crossings at Deep Cove, Maple Bay, and Bella Bella. Options to include "just a peak" tourist attractions like Mt. St. Helen's (across-state stretch) Walker Road, Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Spirit Lake horse count start in Northern WA are available in this route. Recommended camps: Pfeiffer State Park, Cape Blanco State Park.
The Southern Region
Quiet coastal towns descend gradually in the Siskiyou Mountain to John's Creek and Esperanza camping options over tapirs of water with views toward the Carmel-Cap Ridge and Point Lobos State Park with its famous sea-cliffs. Breakaway beach destinations, such as Cambria, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and secluded camp sites are available across Cabo Diablo's Barnegat Bay. Inland from Los Angeles coastline is the family-friendly Lancaster Old Town Campground and Rancho Palos Verdes Estates regional park. Recommended Camping Locations: Pismo Beach RV Park, Castle Rock Beach County Park.
