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Title says it all, what are your go to roads to enjoy a "leisurely drive". Added bonus for unique points of interest (Local diners, fun shops or other destinations).
I would suggest starting from Fairhaven and go south to Edison.
Definitely don't miss stopping by Taylor Shellfish Farms for some oysters. This is NOT one of their restaurants - this is one of their actual farms with a store front and outdoor eating area where you can shuck your own oysters (they'll teach you how if you don't know).
End the drive in the really small town of Edison where they have boutique stores and eateries.
I live in Port Orchard and I really like driving north to Port Townsend or to FinnRiver Cider in Chimacum. Basically Highway 3 north across the bridge.
Dash point- marine view drive isn't half bad if your just craving a quick drive. I've only been there at night and theres cops around once you see open water.
Try Rowena to Moser (and the reverse direction too) of off I84 on the Oregon side of the gorge just west of The Dalles. Fantastic section of the old Columbia River Highway still drivable. Super twisty, steep, and narrow on the Rowena end. Beautiful ride.
Quartzville Rd, near Green Peter Reservoir / Sweet Home, Oregon
Be careful! There's no runoff anywhere. Turns into a single-lane paved roller coaster with turnouts on the eastern third. You will be looking out your side windows rather than the windshield.
Little further south but if your in the Vancouver/Gorge area, head north from Carson, WA and head to McClellan Overlook
Curly Creek Rd, Washington. Great view of St Helens and a fantastic lookout and back drive. Make a stop at Backwoods Brewery on your way back in Carson.
Just got back from Maui, and although I couldn't take the GSL-SE, driving the road to Hana with its 620 turns, 59 bridges (some of them one lane), and often very narrow road with turnouts and great elevation changes, was great! Picturesque with waterfalls and lush foliage that actually made it difficult to see the guardrails. I also drove but didn't complete the loop around the north of the island; it too was similarly twisty and narrow. The section I didn't complete is about 6-8 miles of single lane with turnouts and no guardrails next to cliffs. If only I could have rented an appropriate car!
My wife and I did the Hana Highway on 50cc motor scooters. I'd recommend it! Really fun, go-cart power is perfect for a road like that.
Also, Curly Creek Rd. I've done that to Randle, both directions and did the ride out to Windy Ridge Observatory on my motorcycle. That's a lot of fun, windy road.
01-21-18, 10:48 AM
