A scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon
Usa, north-america
29.12 km
1,471 m
easy
Year-round
Cruising through central Oregon? You HAVE to experience Santiam Pass! Perched at 4,826 feet, this beauty straddles Linn and Jefferson counties and offers a serious dose of Cascade Mountain magic.
Locals sometimes call it Lakes Pass, Minto Pass, or even Hogg Pass, but whatever you call it, the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway is paved from start to finish.
The 18.1-mile stretch winds from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east. You'll likely be able to drive it year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – those winter months can bring short, but intense closures.
Heads up, snow bunnies! As you climb, you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area, perfect for downhill and cross-country thrills from December to March. Hoodoo's been around since the 40s, so you KNOW it's a local favorite. Get ready for some incredible views!
Where is it?
A scenic paved road to Santiam Pass in central Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.5640, -101.1971
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 29.12 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,471 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.5640, -101.1971
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Carter Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Carter Mountain Road in Wyoming's Park County is calling all adventurers. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about a completely unpaved, rugged stretch that tops out at a seriously high elevation. We're talking one of the highest roads in Wyoming! You'll find Carter Mountain nestled within the Shoshone National Forest in northern Wyoming. This baby demands a 4x4 with high clearance – trust me on this one. Starting near Meeteetse, the road snakes its way for roughly , offering mind-blowing scenery every inch of the way. Just a heads-up: come winter, this road becomes completely impassable. Mother Nature slams the door shut with snow and ice, so plan accordingly!
hardWhere is Gandy Bridge in Florida?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through Florida? You HAVE to check out the Gandy Bridge! It's a seriously impressive 14,859-foot (4.5 km) stretch connecting St. Pete to Tampa right over Old Tampa Bay. Originally built way back in the 20s, it's been rebuilt a few times (the original was even one of the longest bridges around back then!). Now, the third and fourth spans are what you'll be driving on. Traffic can get a little thick during rush hour, but otherwise it's a pretty smooth ride. Just be prepared for some stunning water views on either side - you'll feel like you're driving on top of the sea. If you're not a fan of being close to the water this drive from Tampa to Clearwater might not be for you.
easyHow long is the Loup Loup Pass route in Washington?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're cruising through Washington state, right? You HAVE to hit up Loup Loup Pass. It's perched up at 4,020 feet, smack-dab in Okanogan County. The whole road is paved, so no need to worry about your tires, plus the views? Insane! You'll be on State Route 20, winding through the Cascade Range. The whole shebang is just under 29 miles long, starting near Twisp in the Methow Valley and stretching all the way to Okanogan. Keep an eye out for the ski area right at the top – perfect for a little detour if you're there in the winter. Speaking of winter, this pass is usually open year-round, but Mother Nature can be a bit of a diva. From November to April, snow can shut things down temporarily, so always check conditions before you go. Trust me, though, it's worth it!
hardBaldy Rocks
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventurers, picture this: Baldy Rocks, a seriously awesome mountain pass punching through the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. We're talking almost 6,500 feet above sea level, so yeah, it's up there! You'll find it deep in the Rockies, inside Stagleap Provincial Park. Now, the road itself? It's Monk Creek Forest Service Road, and it's a proper off-road experience. Think gravel, think rocks, and definitely think 4x4. Seriously, leave the sports car at home. It's usually snowed in during winter, so summer is the time to go. The climb is a bit of a beast, starting up around 5,800 feet and getting pretty steep as you go. Keep an eye out for the Ripple Ridge Cabin near the top - a perfect spot for a rest before soaking in the views!