How Long Is Forest Highway 10 in Alaska?
Usa, north-america
47.31 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna escape into the Alaskan wilderness? Forest Highway 10, also known as La Salle Pass, is calling your name!
Clocking in at just over 29 miles, this route plunges you straight into the heart of the Tongass National Forest, starting near the Harlequin Lake Bridge, a favorite spot for anglers hoping to snag a fish. After that, the road gets a bit skinny near Square Mountain, before ultimately ending in the backcountry.
Now, here's the deal: while the beginning is paved, expect a good dose of washboards, ruts, and loose gravel for most of the trip. A reliable vehicle is your best friend, and be sure to tell someone your plans – you're off the grid out there!
The good news is there are plenty of spots to pull over and soak in those stunning Alaskan views, as the road winds through the Gulf of Alaska lowlands. Just a heads up: this road is NOT maintained in winter, so plan your trip accordingly. Expect wet and chilly weather! This is a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. Get ready to experience the wild!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 47.31 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateIs Flesher Pass paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Montana? You HAVE to check out Flesher Pass! This paved road, also known as County Road 279, climbs to a cool 6,141 feet above sea level in the Helena National Forest, right on the Continental Divide in Lewis and Clark County. The Flesher Pass Road clocks in at about 16.6 miles long, stretching from Wilborn up to the MT-200. The climb can get a little spicy, with grades hitting almost 9% in spots! At the top, there's a parking area, but space is limited, especially if you're hauling a trailer. The views though? Totally worth it! You'll be soaking up 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that while the pass is usually open year-round, winter weather can be a real mood killer, so expect some closures.
moderateIs the road to Alpine Plateau unpaved?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about the Alpine Plateau in Gunnison County, Colorado! Nestled high in the Rockies at a whopping 11,535 feet, this isn't your average Sunday drive. First things first, the road is entirely unpaved, which adds to the thrill, right? If you're not used to mountain roads, it might feel a bit intimidating. Watch out for those drainage humps the Forest Service put in – they can really toss you around if you're not careful! Honestly, most cars can handle it, just take it slow and keep an eye out for oncoming traffic. It's also a handy shortcut between Montrose and Lake City, and a perfect starting or ending point for exploring the legendary Alpine Loop. Now, about when you can go. Being so high up, the snow usually sticks around until late June or even July some years. You might get lucky as early as late April, or have to wait until mid-July. Keep in mind that sheep and cows graze up there in the summer, so close any gates you pass through. Logging happens in the fall and winter, too. Here's a bonus: the stretch from Highway 50 to the Arrowhead Community is maintained year-round, even plowed! Plus, in winter, the community grooms the path from their southern border all the way to Highway 149 for snowmobiling heaven! The road itself is only about 2.4 miles long, running east-west through a stunning alpine valley filled with aspen, spruce, and fir. Quick note: there's a community of homes (the Arrowhead Community) on the north end of the road, so please be respectful as you pass through. They're the real MVPs up there, providing emergency services, fire protection, and even some road maintenance and snowplowing to their winter parking lot. They're always first on the scene if anything goes wrong on the Plateau. The red line is the Alpine Plateau, and it is suitable for drive in any vehicle. The purple trails are only suitable for off-road vehicles, as well as the trails in black.
hardHahns Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a heart-pumping, off-the-beaten-path experience in Colorado, then Hahns Peak is calling your name! Located in Routt County, this beauty tops out at a breathtaking 10,554 feet. The road to get there? Well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Forest Service Road 409, also known as Farwell Mountain 4WD road, is a mix of gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. We're talking serious 4x4 territory here. Think high-clearance SUV and an experienced driver who isn't afraid to take it slow. Road conditions can change in a heartbeat, and Mother Nature likes to keep the snow around for a good portion of the year. Trust me, you'll want to scout ahead before committing. This isn't a Sunday joyride. Expect a steep climb that will test your skills and maybe even your tolerance for heights. The road's super narrow, so be ready to hug the side and watch out for oncoming traffic. It doesn't quite reach the very top of Hahns Peak, but the views are still mind-blowing. Plus, you'll find a cool old fire lookout tower up there. Just a heads up, the road ends in a tight spot, so it's best to park at the switchback just below the end. And if it's been raining, the lower part of the road can get pretty muddy and slick. Aim for a dry day to make the most of it!
hardFields Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Fields Peak in Oregon's Grant County is calling your name! Nestled in the stunning Blue Mountains inside the Malheur National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged, unpaved route (NF-212) that'll have your 4x4 working overtime. High clearance? Absolutely essential. Think you're ready for a climb? From the NF-2160 junction, it's just under 4 kilometers to the top, but prepare to gain a whopping 621 meters in elevation! That's an average gradient of nearly 16%! The views, though? Totally worth it. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings along the way, and when you finally reach the summit, imagine the lookout tower that once stood guard here, built way back in 1933! Just remember, this road is generally only open from mid-June to November, so plan your trip accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!