FeralRdr

From the BLM

Quote:

The Nestucca Access Road is OPEN all the way through!

From the Federal Highway Administration

Quote:

Project Details Project Number: OR BLM SAL 040727(1) Division: WFL State: Oregon Location: Tillamook County Status: Completed

You have been instigated.

WarpShatner7

I guess this means it's paved all the way through? At best a mixed blessing. How long before Google maps gets updated and starts showing it as a normal route to the coast? Right now cars are scarce, you have the road to yourself most of the time and don't have to worry about idiots straddling the centerline -- when there even is one -- on blind curves. It's pretty narrow and beat up in long stretches and cars tend to drive where they like rather than staying to the right.

I liked that muddy, stony section in the middle for that reason; very small price to pay and damn it's nice up there.

307T

I thought that section was one of the best parts of that route. I will miss it.

FeralRdr

Now, Now. There are still a lot of ORV trails crisscrossing the Bald Mtn/Bible Creek detour, that should be able to satisfy your needs. Admittedly not as convenient as having the dirt on Nestucca, but you should still be good.

Having said that, I can't disagree that we may see more traffic on Nestucca, but I honestly don't think it's gonna be much more automotive traffic. My suspicion, is it will be more bicyclists. My reasoning is simply this, consider HWY's 47 and 202. Most motorists would rather take either HWY's 26 or 35 to get to Astoria or Seaside (even when those Highways are packed), than take 47 or 202. HWY's 47 and 202 are a lot more car friendly than Nestucca River Road is. Unless someone is just out for a family drive, I don't see anyone really going out of their way to take that route as an alternative to the major highways.

curve addict

I'll go with this^.

307T

If you live in the Tualatin Valley and want a fun dirt road, SW Finnegan Hill Road is an option. It is in the shadow of the Chehalem Mountains and, in my opinion, is best done going up rather than down. Head towards the little community of Laurel and then take Campbell Road south. Turn right on Laurelview and then an immediate left onto Finnegan Hill. People, nice people, live all along this road so don't ride like a douche and pretend that you are in Baja or riding the San Jose mile. The road has both gentle and sharp curves, ups and downs, and some bumpy surfaces. The road tops out onto Bald Peak Road. Turning right goes to the park. Turning left connects to OR-219, your choice. Again, ride sensibly and be courteous. Have fun.

Mikeames

I enjoyed the paved detour around the closed portion as much as I did the close portion (before it was closed). I’ll probably try the new section if only to enjoy some fresh pavement once or twice then resume the longer detour around it. Other than the single lane parts and the occasional blind corner, it’s a nice ride!