Instagram really should add a Washougal filter to its photo-manipulation portfolio, because every part of this racetrack and the surrounding area emits pure beauty. Even the way in plays the role, as the winding road is lined by a river and lush evergreen trees. It’s tempting to pull over and jump in the river with the locals—but you don’t want to stop and miss the race!

The Washougal track is shaded with evergreens, too, and the crisp mountain air is welcome in the middle of summer. This is the only Lucas Oil Pro Motocross stop in the great Pacific Northwest, so the fans are extra pumped to see their heroes in person.

Heck, even the dirt here looks good! While many modern motocross tracks flout a similar combination of deep, sandy, loamy soil, Washougal delivers rich, dark clay that challenges the riders in a completely different fashion. Washougal rewards a technical rider, as the slick surface requires precision, throttle control, and patience. You still need some of that classic motocross toughness, though, as the track forms up sharp bumps, and that black dirt really hurts when kicked back as roost. Expect to see plenty of that dirt kicked back at Washougal’s famous Horsepower Hill. It’s a drag race to the top, right into the heart of those evergreens. Oh yeah, it looks amazing!