Take a Motorcycle Tour Near Redmond
Coming out of the forest, the big sky greets you, the sagebrush blast hits, and you open up the throttle. Central Oregon offers that perfect ride filled with wild sage-scented air and dramatic High Desert views as your riding buddies. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road as it cuts through miles of juniper. There’s no cocoon surrounding you after all, and you’re thankful for that.
This isn’t the kind of place where you’re vying for a camp spot at a motorcycle rally. There are no hordes of riders tearing through town. Here in Redmond and the surrounding area, it’s a more welcoming vibe. Give a fellow rider a two-finger wave in passing, and you instantly become friends. Some may even share a favorite route with you as you stop to fuel up. It’s a different kind of riding here — good different.
One Basecamp. Four Exciting Excursions.
Rimrock lines keep you on the edge of your seat. Volcanic peaks draw your eye forward. Welcoming blue lakes let you hug every turn around them. If there’s a better place to tour, we’ve yet to find it. Here are a few rides to get you started.
Crooked River Scenic Byway
Heading south out of Prineville, the quaint Main Street falls behind as you slowly transition into the ride with llamas watching alongside the road. It’s all just a prelude to the main show. As you crest the hill and plunge down between sheer basalt cliffs, you remember why you got into motorcycling in the first place. Make your way up to Bowman Dam, gliding next to the river. Just be sure and turn around at the Dam as the road becomes loose gravel after that. Then prepare to live the joy all over again as you head back, being aware of cyclists along the way.
McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway
If you’re up for more of an adventure – and the views to match – the McKenzie Pass Highway is one of the best rides in the country. The road is tight and twisty. Yet the views of the Cascade Range call for your attention around every turn. As you make your way up to the Dee Wright Observatory, the treeline falls away, revealing an expansive lava rock canyon. This is about as close as you can get to riding on the moon, but with no rocket thrusters required. Just your throttle and a gentle touch of the brake along the way is all you need to enjoy this thrilling ride.
Shaniko to Fossil Curves
There’s nothing like leaning into a bend on a bike. Now imagine 192 of them. That’s what awaits you on this less-discovered route that winds its way through ghost towns and open High Desert vistas. With a road surface that is almost perfect and sweeping corners that allow great vision, this place is twisty heaven. Just beware of the last few miles heading into Fossil as the turns are steep, tight, and dangerous. You’ll see why it’s a 10 mph speed limit. This ride is a bit further out from Redmond, so make sure you top off your tank in Madras before hitting the main event.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Just a bit down the road from town, you’ll find mountain lake-riding heaven. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway winds past the Three Sisters and Broken Top Mountains with beautiful blue pools of water dotting the road along the way. During summer, this area is filled with people cooling off from the heat. Later in the season, though, before the snow hits, it’s a much quieter affair. It’s just you, your bike, and no distractions getting in the way. Running through your gears, you’re in an almost meditative state. Next stop: you’re back at the hotel with a clear head.
Park the Bike. Crash on a Comfortable Bed.
A great day on the road deserves a hot shower and a good place to rest. No frills necessary. Redmond has several places with easy access to the road and a place to park your bike right outside your ground floor room so you can keep your eyes on it. Taking your eyes off your bike as it glistens in the sun is the hard part.
- Best Western Plus Rama Inn — After a long day of riding, it’s pretty convenient to have free parking, a complimentary breakfast and an indoor pool/hot tub nearby. Located right off US-97, this hotel is perfect for touring.
- Sleep Inn & Suites Redmond — Located on the north side of town, the inn is convenient to the airport and highway. With free parking, breakfast and a hot tub, it’s another good road-trip-oriented option.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Redmond — If you want more of a budget option, this is a straightforward road-trip motel. With free parking and highway access, you can rest your head and get back to touring in the morning.
- Redmond Inn — Low-key lodging, with free coffee and a comfortable bed, this place checks off all the boxes for a more economical way to travel.
Refuel. Yourself.
You’ve burned a lot of energy on your ride. Thankfully, there’s a juicy burger or pizza and an award-winning craft brew that’ll get you up to speed again. Here are a few of our faves.
Cascade Lakes Brewing – This non-profit brewery puts their money toward conservation efforts and their love into deliciously hoppy ales and mouth-watering meals.
Initiative Brewing – Balanced, house-brewed IPAs and Stouts come together with bacon popcorn, burgers, and Cuban rice bowls. You’re left with a smile on your helmetless face.
Rimrock Taphouse – This stylish brewpub has over 50 rotating beers on tap. Take your exploratory spirit here and you’ll find plenty of flavors unique to Central Oregon.
Before You Go:
- Sun Protection: Remember to wear sunscreen and layers – the desert sun can be intense.
- Check Road Conditions: Visit ODOT before heading out to see if there are any closures.
- Stay Hydrated: Be prepared for the heat by bringing extra water or rehydrate at fuel stops.
Motorcycle riding near Redmond isn’t about gunning it from Point A to Point B. It’s about taking your time, drinking in the views, and throttling down to a slower pace on your touring adventure.
