I am an OC activist in Southern Oregon. I am planning an "Iron Butt" motorcycle ride or 1000 miles in 24 hours (or less) with a requirement to obey posted speeds. I have an Oregon CHL but understand that is not recognized in Washington state.
My understanding is this:
When I cross into Washington state (actually BEFORE crossing the border) I can continue to Open Carry my pistol but must remove the magazine and the round in the chamber while on the motorcycle. When I stop, I can insert the magazine and chamber a round. Back on the motorcycle, I must pull them back out again.
I CAN have the loaded magazine on my side, so long as it is not in the pistol (planning weak side double mag pouch).
If this understanding is correct, I plan to simply go without a chambered round while in Washington and move the weapon mag between the weapon and the pouch when required.
When is your motorcycle ride? If you're able to get to to kitsap county at least a month before your ride you can get a WA CPL (kitsap county issues promptly and doesn't jerk people around) and it would be a moot issue. Cowlitz county (north of clark county, where Vancouver is) is also pretty prompt from my understanding. I don't know about clark county or city of Vancouver.
Yes, your idea is legal in Washington. The provisions of RCW 9.41.050 state you cannot carry or place a
loaded handgun in a vehicle or carry a
concealed handgun on or about your person without a concealed pistol license. So carrying mag well empty on the bike and loaded on foot is perfectly legal.
There is also some exemptions from 9.41.050 see 9.41.060
If you're heading to a place of outdoor recreation you can carry loaded, also if you're an agent of the federal government you can carry loaded, if you're a peace officer in another state is an exemption. If you're a member of any group authorized to purchase or recieve pistols from the United States or state of washington is another exemption. Maybe one of them may apply, maybe not worth looking into.
Btw, if you guys can convince your leg to recognize WAs permit this would be a moot issue. Just saying....