Washington seasons
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Washington
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Washington is July through September, when the west side is dry and every mountain road is open. The east side adds great riding in spring and fall. From October to June you can still ride Puget Sound and the dry east, but the North Cascades Highway and the Rainier passes are often closed for part of that stretch.
- West side
- July to September
- Mountain roads
- About June to October
- East side
- April to October
- Watch for
- Rain, pass closures, smoke
The short version
Washington's riding season runs on the Cascades
Pacific storms hit the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades and drop most of their rain on the west side. Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham and the Olympic Peninsula are wet from fall through spring and dry in summer. East of the Cascades, Wenatchee, Yakima, the Tri-Cities, Spokane and the Palouse sit in a rain shadow: sunny, dry, hot in summer and cold in winter.
The mountains in between set the calendar for the best roads. Snoqualmie, Stevens and White passes stay open in winter with snow and traction rules. The North Cascades Highway, Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass and the top of the Mount Baker Highway close for winter and only open for part of the year.
Put it together and prime time is July through September statewide, with the east side extending the season in spring and fall. The roads themselves are in the best motorcycle roads in Washington.
Month by month
The best time to ride a motorcycle in Washington, month by month
| Month | Seattle, Puget Sound and the coast | Cascade passes | East side |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet, cold, short days | SR 20, Chinook, Cayuse closed. Others snowy | Cold, snow and ice |
| February | Wet | Closed or snowy | Cold |
| March | Wet, longer days | Closed or snowy | Cold mornings, drying out |
| April | Showers with dry breaks | SR 20 often reopens in spring | Good. Cool |
| May | Drier | Chinook and Cayuse may open late in the month | Great |
| June | Mixed early, better late | Mostly open. Snow up high | Great. Green Palouse |
| July | Prime. Dry | All usually open, Artist Point included | Hot |
| August | Prime. Smoke risk | Prime | Hot. Harvest, smoke risk |
| September | Great. Often dry | Prime, first snow late | Great |
| October | Rain returns | Golden larches, closures can start | Good, cold mornings |
| November | Wet and windy | SR 20 and Chinook usually close | Cold |
| December | Wet and dark | Closed or snowy | Winter |
General patterns, not a forecast. Pass openings and closings move with the snow every year. Check WSDOT pass reports before you ride.
West side
Seattle and Puget Sound: ride the dry season, ride smart the rest
From October to June, the west side is gray and damp more days than not. It's usually steady drizzle more than storms, and plenty of Seattle riders commute all year with good rain gear and heated grips. Painted lines, metal grates, ferry ramps and shaded corners stay slick, and fall leaves make it worse.
July through September is the reward, with long, dry days that make Chuckanut Drive, the Whidbey ferry loop and the Olympic Peninsula feel like different places. Early summer can stay mixed, and the coast can be foggy even when Seattle is warm. Winter windstorms in November and December bring down branches and power lines.
The Cascades
When the North Cascades Highway and the Rainier passes open
North Cascades Highway (SR 20): Closes between Ross Dam and Mazama every winter, usually in November or at the first big snow, and reopens in spring after WSDOT clears it, often in April or May. Late snow can push that back.
Chinook and Cayuse passes (SR 410 and SR 123): Close in late fall and usually reopen around late May or June. Stevens Canyon Road inside Mount Rainier National Park follows a similar season.
Mount Baker Highway (SR 542): The road to Heather Meadows is open much of the year, but the last stretch to Artist Point usually only opens from around July into early fall.
Stevens, Snoqualmie and White passes: Open all year, with snow, ice and traction rules in winter. Fine on a dry summer day, not a motorcycle trip in January.
East side
The east side: spring and fall are the sweet spot
East of the Cascades, April to June and September to October are some of the best riding months in the state. The Yakima Canyon, the Columbia River country, the Palouse and Rattlesnake Grade are dry and quiet, and the temperatures are just right. In late spring the Palouse hills are bright green; by August they're gold.
July and August get hot in the Columbia Basin and the Tri-Cities, so ride early. Winter brings snow, ice and freezing fog to the valleys. Northeast Washington around Republic and Kettle Falls has a shorter season than the rest of the east side.
By region
Best months to ride, by Washington region
| Region | Best months | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle and Puget Sound | July to September | Wet winter weekends, windstorms |
| Olympic Peninsula | July to September | Winter storms |
| North Cascades | July to early October | Winter closure |
| Mount Rainier | July to September | Winter closures |
| Columbia Gorge (SR 14) | April to October | Icy winter days, strong wind |
| Yakima and central Washington | April to June, September to October | Midsummer midday heat |
| Spokane, the Palouse, the southeast | May to October | Winter snow and fog |
What to watch
Rain, smoke, snow and color
Helmet and lane splitting rules are on the Washington motorcycle laws page, and the overview is on the Washington hub.
- Rain and slick surfaces on the west side most of the year.
- Wildfire smoke in August and September can settle over both sides of the mountains. Check air quality.
- Early and late snow on the passes in May, June and October, even when the valleys are warm.
- Golden larches light up the North Cascades around early October. Catch them before the first big storm closes SR 20.
- Deer on east-side highways at dawn and dusk.
- Ferry waits on summer weekends at the busy Puget Sound terminals.
Plan it
Plan your Washington 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, ferry and fuel stops, and RSVPs, so the crew is ready the first weekend SR 20 opens.
- AI trip plannerBuild a Cascade Loop weekend or a run to the Palouse 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 Winthrop to Leavenworth to Colfax. Stamps and badges pay points.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in Washington?
August is the safest bet for dry roads and open passes. September is close behind, with fewer crowds and, by month's end, the first fall color.
Can you ride a motorcycle in Seattle in winter?
Yes, if you're ready for rain, cold and short days. Many riders commute year-round. The North Cascades Highway and the Rainier passes are closed, though.
When does the North Cascades Highway close?
Usually in November or with the first big snow. It reopens in spring, often in April or May, after WSDOT clears it.
When does Chinook Pass open?
Usually around late May or June, depending on snow. Check WSDOT before you go.
When is the best time to see the larches in the North Cascades?
Usually around early October. Ride early in the season's window, since the first big snow can close SR 20.
Is eastern Washington good for riding in spring?
Yes. April to June is one of the best times on the east side, with dry roads, mild temperatures and green hills.
Make the dry season count.
Download Rippin' free. Every Washington ride pays points, from the first spring loop to the last pass before the snow.
Free on iPhone and Android. How Rippin' works
