Top 10 Scenic Motorcycle Routes on the US West Coast — And How Smart Navigation Keeps You on Track
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Introduction
There is something about the US West Coast that calls to motorcycle riders in a way few other places in the world can match. The sheer variety of landscapes — rugged coastlines, ancient forests, volcanic peaks, and sun-baked desert highways — makes this stretch of America one of the greatest motorcycling destinations on earth. Whether you are chasing the Pacific horizon along the California coast or threading through the mountain passes of Washington State, every mile offers something worth stopping for.
But what separates a good ride from a truly unforgettable one? More often than not, it comes down to preparation — knowing where you are going, how to get there safely, and having the right technology on your side when the unexpected happens. This guide covers the ten most spectacular motorcycle routes on the US West Coast, along with everything you need to know to ride them well.
The Top 10 Scenic Motorcycle Routes on the US West Coast
1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — California
The Pacific Coast Highway is the definitive West Coast motorcycle route. Stretching roughly 650 miles from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north, Highway 1 hugs the coastline with a relentless succession of ocean views, sea-stack rock formations, and dramatic cliffs. The section through Big Sur is widely considered one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world. Best ridden in spring or early autumn to avoid summer tourist traffic and coastal fog.
2. Oregon Coast Highway (US-101)
Continuing north from California, the Oregon Coast Highway delivers a wilder, less-travelled version of coastal riding. Towering sea stacks, deserted beaches, and dense temperate rainforest line the route from Brookings to Astoria. The roads are generally quieter than their Californian counterparts, and the small coastal towns offer excellent stops for fresh seafood and locally brewed coffee.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road — Montana
Cutting through Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most dramatic mountain roads in North America. The 50-mile route climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, offering views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and sheer cliff faces that will stop you in your tracks. The road is only open from late June to mid-October, so timing is everything.
4. Cascade Loop — Washington State
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile circuit through Washington State that takes in volcanic peaks, apple orchards, old-growth forests, and the dramatic North Cascades. The route passes through the charming towns of Leavenworth and Winthrop, making it as much a cultural journey as a scenic one. The section along Highway 20 through the North Cascades is particularly spectacular.
5. Death Valley National Park Loop — California/Nevada
For riders who prefer heat and desolation to coastal greenery, the Death Valley loop delivers an otherworldly experience. The lowest point in North America sits at 282 feet below sea level, and the surrounding landscape of salt flats, sand dunes, and coloured rock formations is unlike anything else in the country. Ride this one in spring or autumn — summer temperatures regularly exceed 120°F.
6. Big Sur Coastal Route — California
While technically part of PCH, the Big Sur section deserves its own mention. The 90-mile stretch between Carmel and San Simeon is defined by the Bixby Creek Bridge, the McWay Falls waterfall that drops directly onto the beach, and the constant drama of cliffs meeting ocean. This is slow-riding country — not because the roads are difficult, but because you will not want to stop looking.
7. Highway 1 through Marin County — California
Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway 1 through Marin County offers a more accessible but equally rewarding coastal ride. The road winds through Point Reyes National Seashore, past dairy farms and tule elk herds, before rejoining the main PCH corridor. The proximity to San Francisco makes this an ideal day ride for riders based in the Bay Area.
8. Crater Lake Rim Drive — Oregon
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States, formed by the collapse of a volcanic caldera 7,700 years ago. The 33-mile Rim Drive circles the lake at an elevation of around 7,000 feet, offering views of the impossibly blue water that seem almost unreal. The road is open from late June to October, and the combination of volcanic geology and pristine alpine scenery makes it one of the most unique rides in the Pacific Northwest.
9. Redwood Highway — Northern California
Highway 101 through the Redwood National and State Parks takes riders through groves of coast redwoods — the tallest trees on earth. The scale of these ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old and 350 feet tall, creates a cathedral-like atmosphere that is genuinely humbling. The Avenue of the Giants, a 31-mile stretch of old highway running parallel to US-101, is the highlight of this route.
10. Angeles Crest Highway — Southern California
For riders based in the Los Angeles area, Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2) is the go-to escape from the city. The road climbs from La Cañada Flintridge to over 7,000 feet in the San Gabriel Mountains, offering tight curves, mountain views, and a complete change of atmosphere from the urban sprawl below. The road is popular with sport bike riders and is best enjoyed on weekday mornings before traffic builds.
The Challenge: Navigating Unfamiliar Roads Safely
Riding these routes for the first time presents a real navigational challenge. Phone mounts fail on rough roads, cellular signal drops in remote areas, and fumbling with a phone screen while riding is both dangerous and illegal in most states. Standard GPS devices designed for cars lack the durability and weather resistance that motorcycle riding demands, and most do not integrate cleanly with the controls of a modern motorcycle.
The result is that too many riders either miss turns, take unnecessary risks trying to check their phones, or simply stick to routes they already know — limiting the spontaneity that makes motorcycle travel so rewarding.
How the Cokima CK3-BMW Keeps You on Track
The Cokima CK3-BMW is an all-in-one smart riding system designed specifically for BMW motorcycles. It addresses every navigational challenge a West Coast touring rider is likely to face, without adding clutter or complexity to the bike.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration means your phone's navigation apps — Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze — display directly on the CK3-BMW screen with no cables required. Turn-by-turn directions are visible at a glance, and the BMW roller control lets you interact with the system without taking your hands off the bars.
The OEM plug-and-play design fits directly into BMW's original navigation mount, so there is no drilling, no aftermarket brackets, and no modifications to the bike. The IP67 waterproof rating means it keeps working through coastal fog, Oregon rain, and the occasional unexpected downpour. The operating temperature range of -10°C to 60°C covers everything from a cold morning start in the Cascades to an afternoon in Death Valley.
The integrated 1080P front and rear dashcam records every mile automatically, so the views along PCH and the drama of Going-to-the-Sun Road are captured without any additional action cameras or mounts.
The millimeter-wave radar blind spot detection system monitors vehicles approaching from behind and delivers immediate visual and audible warnings — a particularly valuable feature on fast-moving coastal highways where overtaking vehicles can appear quickly.
Who Is It For?
The Cokima CK3-BMW is built for BMW motorcycle owners who take long-distance touring seriously. If you ride a GS, an RT, an S1000XR, or any other BMW model with an OEM navigation mount, and you want seamless technology integration without the mess of aftermarket solutions, this is the system designed for you.
Riders who travel solo on unfamiliar routes will find the combination of navigation, radar safety, and dashcam recording particularly reassuring. It is the kind of gear that lets you focus on the road and the scenery rather than worrying about what is behind you or whether you are about to miss a turn.
Ride Smarter, Explore Further
The West Coast's greatest motorcycle routes reward riders who are prepared. The right navigation system does not just tell you where to go — it gives you the confidence to explore roads you have never ridden before, knowing that you have reliable technology watching your back.
Cokima builds riding systems around a single philosophy: Making Freedom Safer. The CK3-BMW is the most complete expression of that idea — a device that brings together navigation, safety, and recording in one clean, OEM-integrated package.
Explore the full Cokima CK3-BMW range at cokima.com and get ready for your next West Coast adventure.