How long is Deer Park Road in WA?
Usa, north-america
28.96 km
3 m
hard
Year-round
Deer Park Road is a defiant drive located in Clallam County, in the US state of Washington. There are a number of sharp turns and dangerous ledges. Gravel, narrow, winding and steep in places. This is one of those roads that is easier for the driver than the passengers.
How long is Deer Park Road in WA?
Located within the Olympic National Park,
the road is 28.96km (18 miles) long. It runs from Highway 101 to the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot.
It’s a scary drive known for its stunning views. Go slow, take your time and pay attention to the road. Please use caution. It is narrow and steep with occasional turn-offs. There are a lot of sharp curves where you can't see what's on the other side.
It barely wide enough for two cars so when you do meet an oncoming vehicle one must pull over to let the other pass.
Expect sheer drops, tight corners and no room to pass. You must go when the weather is nice. Take your time, no rush, both hands on the wheel. The drive is absolutely beautiful.
You better have confidence in whoever is driving the car.
Is Deer Park Road in WA paved?
The road is paved to about halfway, turns to dirt and gets very narrow, 10 feet wide. RVs and trailers are prohibited.
Off-road 4WD or AWD vehicle is recommended. When descending, watch for washboarding in the corners, things can get pretty bone-rattling at the end of the dry season.
Is Deer Park Road in WA open?
The road ends at the Blue Mountain Trail Head parking lot, at 1.830m (6,003ft) above the sea level.
It is usually closed between October and April at the park boundary, about 9 miles from Highway 101. It should only be attempted in good weather.
Is Deer Park Road in WA worth it?
This challenging winding road
leads to some of the most beautiful views in Olympic National Park. Along its way the drive offers 360 degree views of mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from the top of Blue Mountain, the end of the road
The road does get busier at weekends and in the main holiday season. It’s an epic alpine climb with expansive views.
Pic: Olympic National Park
Road Trip Guide: Conquering Indiana Pass in Colorado
Driving the road to Little Giant Peak in Colorado is not a piece of cake
Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our
to discover the most spectacular roads of the world
Drive Us to Your Road!
With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click
to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 28.96 km
- Max Elevation
- 3 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateHow long is the Stewart-Cassiar Highway?
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37), snaking its way through the backwoods of British Columbia. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on escape into some of the wildest, most isolated scenery North America has to offer! Clocking in at 874 km (543 miles), this north-south route kicks off near Kitimat and climbs all the way to Upper Liard. Built back in '75, it's mostly paved, but don't get too comfy. Expect about a kilometer of gravel, and the northern half is more "sealcoat" than smooth asphalt. Think a few 8% grades and a couple of switchbacks will keep you on your toes. This road is pretty basic, so take it slow! Parts of it are missing guardrails, lane markings, reflectors... you name it. Plus, loose gravel and a few one-lane bridges add to the excitement. It's narrower than most highways, and shoulders? Barely there. The good news? It's open year-round! Also known as the Dease Lake Highway, Stikine Highway, and Terrace–Kitimat Highway, it's the most northwestern route in BC. Forget cell service – you're out in the boonies! But trust me, the insane mountain views and wildlife spotting opportunities are worth the digital detox. This is a rugged alternative to the Alaska Highway, and it's all about the endless mountains.
extremeRoute 61 in Centralia is consumed by an underground fire since 1962
🇺🇸 Usa
# Pennsylvania Route 61: The Graffiti Highway Buried beneath the abandoned mining town of Centralia in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, sits one of America's most eerie road stories. A 1.18 km (0.73 mile) stretch of Route 61 has been literally consumed by an underground coal fire that's been burning since 1962. Nobody's entirely sure how it all started, but the most likely culprit was a landfill fire near an old strip mine that eventually reached an exposed coal vein. From there, the inferno spread like wildfire through the maze of coal mines underneath the town. Today, the blaze continues to rage at depths of up to 300 feet across an eight-mile stretch covering 3,700 acres—and at its current pace, it's got another 250+ years of burning left to do. When things got too dangerous, locals packed up and left in 1984, and Centralia transformed into a genuine modern ghost town. The original highway section got so badly damaged by subsidence (that's fancy speak for the ground literally sinking and cracking) that they had to reroute traffic via Byrnsville Road instead. What's left of the old road? A buckled, cracked strip of asphalt that's constantly sinking, with smoke regularly pouring from widening fissures in the ground. The "Graffiti Highway," as it's become known, has become a magnet for urban explorers and photographers drawn to its apocalyptic vibe. But here's the thing—this place is genuinely dangerous. We're talking unstable ground prone to sudden collapse, toxic gases venting from below, and minimal warning signs. A car won't protect you much if the road gives way beneath you. Seriously, this isn't an official tourist spot, and visiting isn't recommended. The risks aren't worth the Instagram shot.
hardPacific Rim Highway: experience the romantic isolation of the region
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, picture this: You're on Vancouver Island, cruising the legendary Pacific Rim Highway (aka Highway 4). This isn't just a road; it's an experience, a taste of true Canadian wilderness! This 127-kilometer (78-mile) stretch of pure driving bliss winds its way from Port Alberni, a cozy town in the Alberni Valley, all the way to Tofino, that charming fishing village you've always dreamed of visiting. It's the lifeline of the region, connecting communities and fueling the adventure scene. Since 1972, it's been a smooth, paved ride. The road itself was finished way back in 1942, became Highway 4 in '53, and finally reached Tofino in '61. Set aside 2-3 hours for the drive – you'll want to soak it all in! The scenery is unreal, as you snake through ancient forests, rugged mountains, and sparkling lakes on your way to the Pacific. Summer's buzzing, but winter offers a quieter, more introspective vibe (though some spots might be closed). Word of caution: this route cuts right through the island's mountain spine. Expect a steep, twisty road that can get narrow. Summer traffic can be intense, so be patient. And during the rainy season, that section from Sproat Lake to the coast? Let's just say it can get seriously wet, with potential for flooding. Drive safe and enjoy the ride!
hardWhere is Buck Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, ready for a wild ride up Buck Mountain? This peak punches way up to 6,128 feet in Washington's Okanogan County, smack-dab in the North Cascades. The payoff? Killer panoramic views of the valleys and surrounding peaks. But the real star? The Buck Mountain Lookout perched right on top! It's got history, dating back to a simple crow's nest in 1919. Now you'll find a rad 14' x 14' cabin with a catwalk, built way back in the day. It's still kicking, used by the DNR for emergencies, and even made it onto the National Historic Lookout Register. Heads up: getting there is part of the adventure! Buck Lookout Road, all 5.6 miles from Highway 20, is pure, unadulterated dirt. It gets pretty gnarly about two miles from the top, so a high-clearance vehicle is a MUST. A 4x4 is your best friend for those rough patches. Be prepared for a climb, too – you're gaining 2,648 feet with an average gradient of around 9%. There's a small dirt parking area near the summit. Get ready for a thrilling climb and a big dose of natural beauty.