WABDR Section #1: Stevenson to Packwood

  • Start: Stevenson, WA (Bridge of the Gods)

  • End: Packwood, WA

  • Distance: Approximately 120 miles

  • Time: 6–9 hours (one full day)

  • Technical Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Mostly Forest Service roads. Expect potholes, washouts, and some steep gravel climbs

  • Minimum Fuel Range: 130 miles

Live weather for the Bridge of the Gods (Columbia River Gorge). Use the sidebar inside the map to toggle Rain, Clouds, or Temperature.

Highlights

From the banks of the Columbia River to the base of the "Goat Rocks" Wilderness, Section #1 is a visual tour of Washington’s volcanic giants. Here are the must-stop locations along the route:

1. Bridge of the Gods (The Gateway)

  • Technically the start of the journey for those coming from the south. Crossing this historic steel cantilever bridge over the Columbia River is a rite of passage.

  • Note: The bridge surface is an open metal grate. It can feel squirrely on a motorcycle.

2. Triangle Pass (The Triple Volcano View)

  • This is your first major reward after the initial climb. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens all from one ridge. It is the perfect place to stop, kill the engines, and take in the sheer scale of the Cascades.

3. McClellan Overlook (The Pre-Eruption Profile)

  • Located on a paved section of the route, this overlook provides a direct "side-profile" view of Mt. St. Helens. From this angle, you can clearly see the massive size of the volcano and imagine its symmetrical shape before the 1980 eruption.

4. Takhlakh Lake (The Mirror Image)

  • This is arguably the most famous photo-op on the entire WABDR. Mt. Adams looms directly over the lake. If the water is still (usually in the early morning or evening), the reflection is perfect.

5. Clearwater Viewpoint (The Crater View)

  • As you near the end of Section 1, this viewpoint offers the best look directly into the shattered eastern crater of Mt. St. Helens without leaving the WABDR track. You can see the lava dome growing inside and the vast "Blast Zone" where trees were leveled like matchsticks.

6. Windy Ridge (Detour)

  • Coordinates: 46.2500, -122.1372

  • The Experience: While not strictly on the WABDR line, this 16-mile (one way) paved detour from the Clearwater Viewpoint takes you into the heart of the Volcanic Monument. You’ll ride through the debris avalanche and stand at the very edge of the blast zone—a highly recommended addition if you have the time and fuel.

Gas

Recommended Minimum Range: 130 miles.

  • Primary Fuel: Refill in Stevenson and Packwood. This does not account for emergency detours, so carrying an extra fuel bottle is highly recommended.

  • Optional Trout Lake Detour: A common bail out point located at roughly the halfway mark (~75 miles from Stevenson). This detour adds about 15 miles to your total trip.

    • Station: Andy’s Valley Services: (509) 395-2211.

      General Hours: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

      Note: Please verify hours before adding this to your route.

Lodging

Stevenson, WA (Start Section #1)

Hotel Options

  • Hotel Stevenson: A boutique, historic hotel in the heart of downtown. It’s perfect if you want to be within walking distance of Walking Man Brewing and the riverfront for a "last meal" before hitting the dirt.

  • Rodeway Inn Stevenson: The most budget-friendly option. It is located right on Highway 14 and has plenty of flat parking suitable for motorcycles and trailers.

  • Skamania Lodge: If you want a luxury start to your trip, this is a massive resort on the hill. It’s pricey but offers great views, high-end dining, and secure parking.

  • Wilder and Pine Riverside Cabins: Modern, individual cabins that offer a more private "outdoorsy" feel while still being in town.

Camping Options

  • Timberlake Campground & RV Park: Located just a few miles from the WABDR start. It is heavily forested, quiet, and much more "motorcycle-friendly" than the wind-swept sites right on the river.

  • Skamania County Fairgrounds: Occasionally offers camping during events, but check availability. It’s right on the water and very central.

  • Cascade Locks / Portland East KOA: Just across the Bridge of the Gods in Oregon. It’s a standard KOA with showers, a pool, and a small store.

Packwood, WA (End Section #1)

Packwood is a legendary "BDR town." You will almost always see other adventure bikes parked at these locations during the riding season.

Hotel Options

  • Packwood Lodge & Cabins: The top choice for WABDR riders. It is located on the west end of town and is very accustomed to muddy adventure bikes. They offer both standard hotel rooms and rustic cabins.

  • Crest Trail Lodge: Another very popular spot for riders. It’s clean, has a "mountain lodge" vibe, and is located right on the main strip near the gas stations.

  • Cowlitz River Lodge: A reliable, classic motel with large rooms. It is well-maintained and has plenty of space for groups of riders to park together.

  • Hotel Packwood: A historic, "no-frills" hotel in the center of town. It’s budget-friendly and gives you a true old-school mountain town experience.

Camping Options

  • La Wis Wis Campground: Located about 7 miles east of Packwood. This is a classic USFS campground in an old-growth forest. It is beautiful and cool, but it fills up fast, so reservations are recommended.

  • Packwood RV Park & Campground: Located right in the middle of town. It’s not as "scenic" as the forest, but you can walk to Packwood Brewing Co. for dinner and a beer without having to get back on your bike.

  • Dispersed Camping (FS-52 / Skate Creek): If you want to stay for free, head a few miles out of town on Skate Creek Road (FS-52). There are numerous pull-offs along the river where you can set up a tent.

Pro-Tip

If you are finishing Section 1 and staying in Packwood, the Packwood Brewing Co. is the unofficial headquarters for WABDR riders. It’s a great place to swap trail stories with other riders.

Next Section