
How long is Fish Rock Road in California?
Usa, north-america
7 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in California? Let me tell you about Fish Rock Road! This gem is nestled in Mendocino County, up on the North Coast, and it's a seriously scenic route.
Clocking in at about 28 miles, it winds its way east to west, connecting CA-128 to Highway 1 right at Fish Rock on the coast. Expect a mix of terrain β the ends are paved, but the middle section is good ol' dirt, so be prepared to get a little dusty!
Now, it's not *too* hardcore, but it's definitely not for the faint of heart. You'll find some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 19% in places, and the road gets pretty narrow. Definitely leave the RV at home and keep those heavy trucks away. There's even a legendary 5 mph zone you'll want to take seriously! Most of the route is wide enough for logging trucks to pass, especially avoiding the Mailliard Redwoods Start Park.
Trust me, the views are worth it. Just take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and make sure you tackle this one during daylight hours!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardIs Tuna Canyon Road in California paved?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, buckle up for Tuna Canyon Road in Malibu, California! This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. We're talking about a seven-mile stretch of pure adrenaline in the western Santa Monica Mountains. This paved ribbon of road winds its way from the Pacific Coast Highway up to CA-27 in Topanga and is known as one of Malibu's best driving roads, but hold on, it's a one-way downhill adventure now thanks to a past mudslide. So, you get to experience it from top to bottom, and trust me, you'll want to. Picture this: super steep sections hitting an 18% grade, hairpin turns with zero guardrails, and a rock wall on one side with a jaw-dropping drop-off on the other. Keep an eye out for random rocks and sand on the road. It's a workout for your brakes, so make sure they're ready for some serious action! This road has a bit of a reputation, to be honest. It's been known for high speeds and risky drivers, so keep your wits about you and drive smart. But hey, it's not all white-knuckle driving! The views are absolutely insane. Think Pacific Ocean vistas and a gorgeous wooded landscape that will make your camera beg for mercy. Give yourself about 25-30 minutes to soak it all in. It's a photographer's dream and an experience you won't forget! Just remember to keep your eyes on the road β and maybe say a little prayer.
extremeHow is the drive to Kerr Notch?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, and you hit Kerr Notch. It's this insane mountain pass perched on the southeastern edge of the lake, and trust me, the views are unreal. So, Kerr Notch is basically a valley carved by glaciers way before Mount Mazama blew its top like 7,700 years ago. When the volcano collapsed, it sliced these valleys in half, leaving these crazy "notches" behind. Plus, legend says this is where some early settlers first laid eyes on the lake back in 1853 and called it "Deep Blue Lake." Pretty cool, right? Now, about the road itself: it's part of the Rim Drive, all paved and smooth, but don't get cocky. It's a twisty, narrow mountain road with zero shoulder and seriously steep drop-offs. If you're scared of heights, this might test your nerves! Kerr Notch is the spot to jump onto the road to the Pinnacles Overlook, so definitely make the detour. Got a big RV or a trailer? Heads up β the descent into the notch is pretty steep, so use your engine to help brake on those long downhills to avoid overheating. But the real reason to come here is the view of Phantom Ship, this jagged island that looks like a ghost ship sailing on the water. Kerr Notch is the lowest point on the rim's southeast side, so you're closer to the water here than at other viewpoints like the Watchman. The parking area can get packed in the summer, and the road is narrow, so stick to the designated spots. Photographers love this place because the light changes throughout the day, making the blue of the lake even more intense. Just a heads up: Kerr Notch is usually closed until late June or early July because of the massive snowdrifts. Aim to visit between mid-July and September. By October, those first winter storms can bring ice to the hairpins, making the East Rim Drive super sketchy.
hardWhere is Tofty?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about the road to Tofty, a quirky ghost town nestled in the Alaskan wilderness! Located in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, this isn't your average Sunday drive. This 14.3-mile stretch peels off a little past Manley Hot Springs and leads you right to Tofty. Now, about that road... it's unpaved, adding to the rustic charm (or challenge, depending on your perspective!). Local crews have been keeping it up, but expect some ruggedness. Think brush, rocks, and a couple of creek crossings that sometimes decide to take a detour *over* the road instead of *under* thanks to clogged culverts. With the lovely Alaskan weather, it can become temporarily impassable. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right? Get ready for some seriously scenic Alaskan views!
hardIs Forest Road 98 to Blue Bird Mesa in New Mexico unpaved?
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico, somewhere in Sandoval County, headed up to Blue Bird Mesa. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a proper mountain pass topping out at 9,265 feet! The road in is Forest Road 98, and it's a beauty, but heads up β it's all unpaved. You'll want a 4x4 for sure, though if the weather's been kind, a high-clearance vehicle *might* just make it. This little adventure is only about 5.5 miles long, winding north-south through the Santa Fe National Forest until you hit Forest Road 20 again. The views? Unreal. You're headed to Blue Bird Overlook, after all. Keep your eyes peeled too because you might spot deer, elk, turkeys, or some other awesome wildlife hanging out along the way. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!