Embarking on a journey along the Pacific Coast Bike Route is an adventure of a lifetime, stretching from the lush landscapes of Washington, to the warm beaches of San Diego, California. This guide aims to equip you with all the essential information for cycling the Pacific Coast.
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or looking to undertake your first long-distance ride, this route offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, challenging terrains, and unforgettable experiences. Join us as we delve into what makes cycling the Pacific Coast an all-time favorite adventure.
What Is The Pacific Coast Bike Route?
Where does the Pacific Coast Bike Trail start and finish?
The official Pacific Coast Bicycle Route is a 1,852-mile journey starting in Vancouver, British Columbia, and works its way down the West Coast ending at Imperial Beach, California, on the Mexico border. The route has been developed by Adventure Cycling Association (ACA) and takes in much of the classic Highway 101 and State Highway 1 roads along the west coast.
With the added complexity of international travel to start the ride in Canada, many cyclists choose instead to kick off in Seattle, Washington. Logistically this is easier for flying in and out and requires a short ferry from downtown Seattle to Bremerton to join the route.
See the Pacific Coast Bike Route
How many miles is the Pacific Coast bike route?
The full route from Vancouver to the Mexico border covers 1,852 miles of varying terrain. If you opt to start in Seattle and end in San Diego, this shaves off a couple of hundred miles, leaving you with closer to 1,675 miles to cycle.
How long is the West Coast bike route?
Naturally the duration of the trip is dependent on you as a cyclist. Usually we recommend around a month to cycle the Pacific Coast from Seattle to San Diego, adding 2 to 3 days to complete the full Vancouver to Mexico route. This allows a steady average of around 60 miles per day plus rest days along the route.
This pace allows you to enjoy the adventure, explore the surrounding areas and not feel rushed. There is so much to appreciate along the west coast so be sure to give yourself plenty of time!
If however you’re looking to push on and cover closer to 100+ miles per day, you could expect to complete the route in roughly 3 weeks. If this is your preference, be prepared to cover less miles per day early in the route where the riding includes more elevation gain, but you’ll be able to catch up in the later portion of California where the route flattens out.
Check out our recommended itinerary and daily mileage for a 32 day ride.
What to expect when cycling the Pacific Coast?
The Pacific Coast bike route goes through many scenic spots, let’s break them down by state:
Washington Bike Trails
If, like us, you start your Pacific Coast adventure from Seattle, your first major highlight is a scenic ferry ride to Bremerton, leaving the city’s bustle for the serene beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. The edge of the Pacific Northwest welcomes cyclists with its quaint coastal towns, sprawling farmlands, and the tranquil ambiance of rural Washington.
The ocean start of the Puget Sound is replaced by dense forests as the route winds it’s way south towards Oregon. Reaching the Columbia river is the sign to head west to hit the true Pacific coastline for the first time. Expect cooler mornings and a good chance of rain in these first few days through Washington, but trust me, you won’t mind when you’re in awe of the mountains and trees surrounding you.
Explore other Washington State cycling routes.
Cycle Oregon
The historic town of Astoria will be your first maritime town in Oregon. This leg of the Pacific Coast bike route offers breathtaking cliffs, lighthouses and scenic ocean views for days. The small towns will offer a unique opportunity to experience the local culture of Oregon, but can fill up quickly during tourist season.
Be sure to stop off along this stretch. Hike down to the beaches to see the likes of the iconic Haystack Rock, or off into the parks and forest surrounding the route. Again, similar to Washington, the conditions will still be cool, especially with the ocean breeze. Be cautious of morning fog rolling in off the ocean, don’t let it impact your safety of being seen on the road.
Cycling the California Coast
Biking through the Redwoods
Cycling the California coast offers the most diverse views of the Pacific Coast and covers the best part of two thirds of the route. Upon entering California you won’t be able to miss the stunning redwood trees as they tower over you. Take your time when cycling through Redwood National Park and take in your surroundings. Hike through the forest, spot the wildlife around Elk Prairie and enjoy the overhead canopy you ride under. There really isn’t anywhere quite like it!
Reaching San Francisco
After passing through the redwoods, cyclists will return to the coast and start making their way towards San Francisco. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge remains one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring moments when cycling the California coast. The route transforms from natural landscapes to a bustling urban area. Although daunting to some, this urban riding can be a nice change from the tranquil riding, but be sure to check your route for hills when exploring the city.
Soon after leaving San Francisco, you’ll be back to cycling through quiet landscapes including the agriculturally rich Salinas Valley. The acres of vegetable farms and fruit orchards feels like a big shift from the previous forest and city riding.
The Big Sur Coastline
Now get ready for the most spectacular part of cycling the Pacific Coast, the Big Sur Coast. Riding high above the ocean on winding coastal roads, you’ll be struggling to take your eyes off the view! The elevation changes are not insignificant, but by this point you’ll be making the most of the cruising descents.
Be warned, many years of landslides and bridge washouts have caused road closure around Big Sur. Be sure to check the latest travel details before riding past Monterey. Even if the through road is closed, it’s worth a day’s ride down and back to Monterey to see the scenery, before making a plan for avoiding any closures.
Cycling through Southern California
As you approach southern California, the scenery changes yet again. Gone are the rugged coastal cliffs and here come the white sand beaches and flat terrain. An increase in urban areas is evident as you ride along the coastline around Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Some areas include beach bike paths so the increase in traffic becomes less of a concern.
The journey concludes in San Diego, for many this is around Mission Beach. You can also continue to the Mexico border. The final stretch offers relaxed beachside pathways to bring your Pacific Coast bike ride to an end.
Can you bike the California Coastal Trail?
Although the ACA route doesn’t formally take the new California Coastal Trail (CCT), you are able to bike the CCT. The State of California are working on an integrated network of trails. These will allow you to walk and bike the length of California. Worth noting that these will mostly be off road trails and potentially tougher cycling conditions for touring and cycling the Pacific Coast.
How long does it take to cycle the California coast?
The California coastline is approximately 1,200-miles of the total Pacific Coast bike route. Depending on the distance you are covering per day, this could be anywhere from 2-3 weeks of cycling.
What is the most beautiful part of the Pacific Coast Highway?
Although this is often down to personal preference, my favorite stretch of the Pacific Coast has always been cycling around the Big Sur coast of California. The winding roads, high above the ocean below provide views like nowhere else on the route. The Redwoods would be a close second! However the route stays a little more inland so you’re not getting the coastal views at the point.
When is the best time to be cycling the Pacific Coast?
While you can ride the Pacific Coast bike route any time of year, there are better times than others. It is advised to avoid the winter due to inclement weather and heavy rain resulting in flooding and mudslides. The best time to tackle the west coast bike route is autumn, spring and early summer. Riding in these timeframes will help to avoid the heavier volume of tourists.
Do you need to be an athlete to be cycling The Pacific Coast?
Biking the Pacific Coast is for anyone from a beginner touring cyclist to an experienced cyclist. The route can be broken down into sections that make the most sense to you and your skill level. The Pacific Coast bike trail route offers a blend of adventure, scenic views and serenity making it appealing to all cyclists.
If you have concerns regarding your ability to take on the route solo or self supported, consider partaking in a group ride down the Pacific Coast. Bike the US for MS offers group trips with Route Leaders to guide you during your journey and support vehicles to carry your gear while you’re biking the west coast.
Pacific Coast Bike Route Accommodation
Your accommodations on the Pacific Coast bicycle route is dependent on your preferences and budget. There are a number of options for accommodations – camping, Airbnbs, hotels or a mix of them all. Rarely are their stretches of the route without indoor options. However do plan ahead if you’re not happy to camp on your ride.
Camping on the West Coast
Camping on the Pacific Coast bike route is the most popular and inexpensive option amongst cyclists. With lots of parks and campgrounds there are many options for camping along the route. Many have designated hiker and biker areas that are non reservable.
If you’re traveling in peak tourist season, it is advised to book ahead for private campgrounds or national park sites that require it. These can get booked up months in advance! Check out this detailed list of potential hiker/biker campgrounds for riders to find Pacific Coast bike route accommodations.
Is planning your accommodation feeling overwhelming?
If booking all your own accommodations for your west coast adventure seems overwhelming, consider cycling the Pacific Coast with Bike the US for MS for a logistics free adventure. All accommodations will be arranged for you, allowing you to enjoy the ride. Their Pacific Coast bike route accommodations include a mix of camping, staying at churches, town halls and community centers.
Should I cycle the Pacific Coast bike route self supported or as part of a supported bike tour?
Cycling self supported can be wonderfully freeing. You’re on your own schedule, carry the gear you need for the adventure and you can be your own guide. However it can also be daunting to plan the adventure and lonely when out on the road solo. Plus the added challenge of lugging your gear up the coastal cliff climbs.
One alternative is to seek out a supported bike tour that carries your gear, arranges the logistics for you and allows you to ride with others. Bike the US for MS offers just that whilst allowing you the freedom to enjoy the adventure of cycling the Pacific Coast in a way that best suits you. There’s no one to tell you what speed to ride, when to stop or how best to enjoy the ride. That’s very much up to you.
Here’s a breakdown of what you could expect on a supported Pacific Coast bike tour:
- Route Leaders to support you along the Pacific Coast bike route
- Two support vehicles to carry your gear
- A bike mechanic will be available for minor repairs
- Water breaks will be set up every 15-30 miles depending on the terrain
- Nightly accommodations will be booked for the group
- Bike the US for MS will provide assistance and advice on travel and fundraising
- Minimal cost to you with just an initial donation which goes towards your fundraising target. You’ll only need to cover travel to and from the ride and food during the adventure.
Deciding whether or not to bike individually or in a group is a personal decision for each cyclist to make based on their own goals. However, group trips provide a strong sense of community to share this once in a lifetime experience with. Plus you’ll be riding for a great cause!
Find out more about cycling the Pacific Coast Bike Route
Cycling the Pacific Coast offers an exciting and unique experience for all cyclists. If you are interested in learning more about the route, want to see the route map or a suggested itinerary, check out the Pacific Coast adventure with Bike the US for MS.
