Nestucca River Rally

Welcome to the Nestucca River Rally. The final leg of this journey runs next to the beautiful Nestucca River and ends at one of many campgrounds. I do this as an A-to-B-to-A rally, so double it and add a break. It begins at Carlton Corners in Carlton, OR. They are a sort of diner and tap room attached to a gas station which I believe has Ethanol Free Premium. They are very biker friendly and have decent bar food. I end it at Fan Creek Campground because less than a mile past and the road is no longer paved. It's only dirt for a few miles so if that doesn't concern you, you may continue through to the Oregon Coast Hwy 101 at Beaver and go to Sandlake or Pacific City. Really anywhere from Astoria to Newport or beyond on the 101 if you'd like.

There are a lot of small free (donation) camp sites along the Nestucca River if you like camping with your bike. Dovre is just before Fan Creek, Elk Bend is just after it (I think it's paved again by then) and if you can keep going and feel like doing a touch of hiking, you can stop at Alder Glen Campground and check out the waterfall. They are all peaceful, beautiful and most have outhouses and a mix of grills, fire pits, picnic tables and even covered areas but bring some bug spray and TP if you're staying after dark.

This road is a winding mix of switchbacks and straights and a complete blast to ride. By the time I hit the camp ground though, I definitely need a break. Near the beginning as you start climbing into the hills, the ground is clay so the road has sunk in places and rides like waves. Keep an eye out for gravel and the occasional log truck throughout this adventure and as everywhere in Oregon, the deer and critters are abound. In the cooler months, the shaded forest sections can acquire some moss on the road making for some slick corners so please take care.

That's all! There are no turn-offs or real directions because it's all forward on one road, so no need to worry about GPS/Cell signal. Pack a snack and some water, grab some friends and go! I hope to see more motorcycles on this trail soon!

Rally safe!

-DedPyro