Oregon seasons
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Oregon
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Oregon is July through September, when the west side dries out and the summer-only Cascade roads are open. On the dry side of the Cascades, May, June and late September can beat midsummer. The rest of the year you can still ride the valley and the coast, as long as you're ready to ride wet.
- West side
- July to September
- Summer-only roads
- About July to October
- East side
- May to June, Sep to Oct
- Watch for
- Rain, snow, smoke
The short version
The Cascades split Oregon's riding season in two
Weather in Oregon comes off the Pacific and runs into the Cascades. On the west side, Portland, the Willamette Valley and the coast soak up nearly all of their rain between fall and spring, then dry out for summer. East of the mountains, Bend, the John Day country and the Wallowas sit in a rain shadow: drier and sunnier, with hotter summers and colder winters.
In between are the Cascades themselves. The main highways over them stay open all winter with traction rules, but the best motorcycle roads up there, like McKenzie Pass and Crater Lake's Rim Drive, are summer only. So Oregon's prime time is short and sweet: July through September almost everywhere, with bonus weeks on either side east of the mountains.
For the roads themselves, see the best motorcycle roads in Oregon.
Month by month
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Oregon, month by month
| Month | Portland, the valley and the coast | Cascade passes and summer-only roads | East of the Cascades |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet and cool. Ride the dry breaks | Snow. Summer roads closed | Cold, snow and ice |
| February | Wet | Snow | Cold |
| March | Wet, some dry spells | Snow | Cold mornings, warming |
| April | Showers with dry breaks | Snow still deep up high | Good dry days, cold nights |
| May | Drier, getting good | Most summer roads still closed | Great |
| June | Good, some showers early | Opening, depending on snow | Great, warming |
| July | Prime. Dry | Usually all open | Hot in the canyons |
| August | Prime. Smoke risk | Prime. Smoke risk | Hot, smoke risk |
| September | Prime. Coast often clearest | Prime. First storms late | Great |
| October | Rain returns | Early snow, closures begin | Great early, cold late |
| November | Wet | Summer roads closed | Cold |
| December | Wet | Snow | Winter |
General patterns, not a forecast. Opening dates for the summer-only roads move with the snowpack every year. Check ODOT TripCheck before you ride.
West side
Portland, the Willamette Valley and the coast
From about October to May, expect rain more days than not on the west side, though it often comes as long gray drizzle rather than storms. Riders here ride through it with real rain gear and a little patience. The roads that stay best in the wet are the valley farm roads and the main highways. Shaded forest corners in the Coast Range hold moss, leaves and damp long after a storm passes.
July through September is the reward: warm, dry and long days. The coast can stay cool and foggy in midsummer even when Portland is hot, and September is often the clearest month on US 101. Winter storms bring strong wind and the occasional slide to coast routes.
The Cascades
When the Cascade passes and summer roads open
The main crossings, including US 26 past Government Camp, US 20 and OR 22 over Santiam Pass and OR 58 over Willamette Pass, are kept open in winter under traction rules. That doesn't make them motorcycle roads in January. Snow, ice and chains are the norm.
The summer-only roads are a different list: McKenzie Pass (OR 242) usually opens around mid to late June, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway past Mount Bachelor opens around early summer, Crater Lake's full Rim Drive usually opens around July, and Forest Road 39 through the Wallowas opens once its snow clears. They close again with the first heavy snow, usually by November. In a big snow year, everything opens later.
East side
The high desert and the northeast
East of the Cascades, May, June, September and early October are often the best riding months of the year. The John Day country, OR 218 to Fossil and the roads around Bend are dry and quiet, and the temperatures are just right.
July and August get hot in the canyons, so ride early. Winter brings snow and ice to the high desert and the Blue Mountains, and the northeast corner around the Wallowas and Hells Canyon has a short season. Spring here is also when the hills turn green and the Painted Hills look their sharpest.
By region
Best months to ride, by Oregon region
| Region | Best months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Portland and the Willamette Valley | July to September | Wet winter weekends |
| Oregon coast | July to September | Winter storms and wind |
| Columbia Gorge | May to October | Icy winter days, strong wind |
| Mount Hood and the Cascades | July to September | Snow, November to June |
| Bend and central Oregon | May to October | Winter ice |
| John Day country | May to June, September to October | Midday in July and August |
| Wallowas and Hells Canyon | July to September | Snow outside summer |
What to watch
Rain, smoke, chip seal and wildlife
Helmet and lane filtering rules are on the Oregon motorcycle laws page, and the overview is on the Oregon hub.
- Wet roads west of the Cascades for much of the year. Painted lines, metal grates and shaded corners stay slick.
- Wildfire smoke in August and September can haze out whole regions for days. Check air quality and fire closures.
- Fresh chip seal on rural roads in summer, with loose gravel until it beds in.
- Coast wind on the headlands along US 101, strongest in winter storms.
- Deer and elk at dawn and dusk, especially in the Coast Range and east of the mountains.
- Early and late snow on the passes in May, June and October.
Plan it
Plan your Oregon season with Rippin'
- Weather and road alertsRippin' sends weather alerts before you ride, and riders flag road hazards on the map. See road and weather alerts.
- Ride plansShare a ride card with departure time, route, stops and RSVPs, so the crew can jump on the first dry weekend.
- AI trip plannerBuild a Cascades loop or a multi-day run out to Hells Canyon with stops and pacing. Free has limits, Plus is unlimited. See the AI ride planner.
- Passport stampsGet a stamp for every town you ride through, from Astoria to Shaniko to Joseph. Stamps and badges pay points.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in Oregon?
August and September for most of the state, when the west side is dry and the summer-only roads are open. East of the Cascades, June and late September are also excellent.
Can you ride a motorcycle in Oregon in winter?
Yes, on the west side, if you're ready for rain and cold. The summer-only mountain roads are closed, and the main passes have snow and traction rules.
When does McKenzie Pass open for the season?
Usually around mid to late June, depending on snow. It closes again with the first heavy snow in fall. Check ODOT TripCheck.
When is the rainy season in Oregon?
West of the Cascades, roughly October through May. East of the Cascades is much drier year-round.
When is the best time to ride the Oregon coast?
July through September. September is often the clearest month on US 101, with less fog and fewer summer crowds.
Is wildfire smoke a problem for riding in Oregon?
It can be in August and September. Check air quality and closures before long trips, and have a backup route on the other side of the mountains.
Make the dry season count.
Download Rippin' free. Every ride pays points, from the first dry valley loop to the last pass before the snow.
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