Driving the remote Northern Ontario Resource Trail
Canada, north-america
3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Get ready for a truly wild ride on the Northern Ontario Resource Trail (NORD) in Ontario, Canada! This isn't just a road, it's an adventure stretching 238km (148 miles) from Pickle Lake up to the breathtaking northern shore of Windigo Lake.
Built back in '66, this route strings together old winter and ice roads. You'll start on pavement for a quick 3km, but then it's all gravel, baby! Don't worry, they keep it pretty well maintained year-round.
While a high-clearance 2WD can technically handle it, trust me, you'll want a 4x4. The road gets rough in spots, and the moose population is HUGE. Speaking of which, keep your eyes peeled – they’re everywhere!
Seriously, this area is REMOTE. You might not see another soul for days. Fill up on gas and grab supplies in Pickle Lake because there's nothing else along the way. And a spare tire? Absolutely essential. Don't even think about relying on your cell phone; you're out of range.
Be careful, though – there are some seriously steep sections. The speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph), but you'll probably want to take it slower in many places. But trust me, it's worth it. The scenery is incredible!
Where is it?
Driving the remote Northern Ontario Resource Trail is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 59.8952, -103.0981
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 59.8952, -103.0981
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Velocity Basin?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of stumbling upon a hidden turquoise gem nestled high in the Colorado Rockies? Velocity Basin is calling your name! This incredible spot, located just north of Silverton, is a jaw-dropping cirque basin with a stunning lake sitting pretty at 11,315 feet. Getting there is half the fun! County Road 52, a completely unpaved path, is your route to paradise. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kinda road. Expect a bumpy ride, especially that last mile or so. You might encounter a few muddy patches, but nothing your trusty 4x4 can't handle. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic! Heads up: winter hits hard in these parts. We're talking serious snow and ice. Aim for a summer adventure – think July or August – for the safest and most epic experience. The climb is short but sweet. From Highway 110, it's a 1.7-mile trek to the basin, gaining about 790 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! You will be rewarded with views and the beautiful alpine lake. Get ready for breathtaking views and an unforgettable off-road experience.
easyCan you drive to Sol Duc Falls?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Washington's Olympic National Park, windows down, breathing in that fresh, pine-scented air. You're on Sol Duc Road, heading to the legendary Sol Duc Falls, often called the park's prettiest! This 13.7-mile stretch of pure pavement winds its way from Highway 101, near Fairholme Campground, all the way to the Sol Duc Trailhead parking lot. Expect a leisurely 30-40 minute drive, longer if you're like me and stop every five minutes to take photos! The road hugs the Sol Duc River, passing the Sol Duc Campground, the resort, Eagle Ranger Station, and the Salmon Cascades. You'll be surrounded by sky-high spruce, Douglas firs, and big leaf maples. Trust me, it's an immersive nature experience. The Sol Duc River itself is something special, one of the few places in Olympic where salmon run all year round. And the falls? Epic! They plunge off a ledge into a deep crack in the rock. Keep in mind, this road typically closes from November to March due to snow and other weather nasties. It's located halfway between Port Angeles and Forks on the western side of Washington State. But when it's open, it's worth every single mile. Towering trees, cascading water, alpine lakes, snowy peaks, and wildlife galore – Sol Duc Road has it all.
easyTamarisk Road is a drive worth taking on the shore of Lake Mohave
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're looking for an easy off-road adventure near Lake Mohave in Nevada? Check out Tamarisk Road! This little 2.4-mile jaunt in Clark County runs parallel to the Lake Mead Powerline Road within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and offers a pretty cool escape. The road itself is mostly sandy and rocky, but nothing too crazy, so it's stock-friendly. I'd still recommend having a 4x4 and tires that can handle the sand, just to be safe. The elevation is relatively flat, so no crazy climbs here! Just remember to pack plenty of water and get ready for some beautiful scenery along the shores of Lake Mohave. It's a super chill drive!
extremeSouth Grade Road in California features 21 hairpin turns
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for South Grade Road! This insane stretch of asphalt is hiding in northern San Diego County, California, and it's a wild ride to the top of Palomar Mountain. Seriously, this isn't just a road; it's an experience. Picture this: you're snaking your way up, up, up, through 21 hairpin turns! Yeah, you read that right. The road eventually crests at a whopping 5,465 feet, near the iconic Palomar Observatory. Keep an eye out, though – the observatory can close unexpectedly if the weather gets dicey. The whole route is paved, so that's a plus, and it clocks in at just over 11 miles. You’ll be cruising from CA-76 all the way to Palomar Divide Road. Normally, South Grade Road is open year-round, but Mother Nature can throw some curveballs. Winter brings snow and ice, so chain up when required. Fog can roll in, and rocks love to tumble onto the pavement, especially after a good rain. If it's pouring, maybe skip this one – closures and landslides are a real possibility. But let's talk about the views! South Grade Road is absolutely stunning, I mean seriously breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially on those hairpin turns. Sadly, there's a history of accidents here, so stay sharp and ride safe!