Is North Cascade Highway paved?

Is North Cascade Highway paved?

Usa, north-america

Length

702 km

Elevation

1,669 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is a very scenic drive located in North Cascades National Park, in the US state of Washington. The road is part of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile (702 km) driving tour through the Cascades in the northern areas of Washington.

Is North Cascade Highway paved?

The road is totally paved and traverses the U.S. state of Washington, traveling from Discovery Bay to the Idaho state border in Newport. It tops out at

at an elevation of 1,669m (5,477ft) above sea level.

Is North Cascade Highway open now?

The road is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. The road closes every winter when weather, snow conditions, and avalanche danger threaten safety.

Avalanche hazard usually closes the highway sometime in late November/early December, and it usually reopens sometime between April to early May.

The normal winter closure is between MP 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) and MP 171 (Silver Star Creek).

How long does it take to drive North Cascades Highway?

The drive offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas. Each year, thousands of drivers travel Washington State's breathtakingly beautiful North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), observing the region's alpine flora and fauna and its dramatic geological features

. Prepare for sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, wildlife watching opportunities, and recreation galore. This mountain scenic drive begins in Sedro Woolley.

The North Cascades Highway provides a unique experience of a striking landscape that is also a rich, interwoven system of living things, climate, and geology. Plan a couple of days to complete the Cascade Loop.

Mengel Pass in California: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills

Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico

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.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
702 km
Max Elevation
1,669 m
Difficulty
easy

Related Roads in north-america

Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road is the world’s longest heavy haul ice roadmoderate

Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road is the world’s longest heavy haul ice road

🇨🇦 Canada

Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Tibbitt to Contwoyto Winter Road, an insane ice highway in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut! Picture this: a 600-kilometer (372-mile) trek across frozen lakes and tundra, a lifeline for diamond and gold mines way up north. This frozen artery, also nicknamed Denison's Road, springs to life each year around late January/early February and lasts 'til early April, but only if Mother Nature cooperates. We're talking 85% over frozen lakes, with the other 15% weaving through 64 land stretches. Historically, this icy beast was originally built in 1982. The starting point? Head about 65 km (40 mi) east of Yellowknife, where Highway 4 gives way to pure Arctic adventure. From there, it used to stretch all the way to the Jericho Mine on Contwoyto Lake, but the road has variable lengths, 400 km and 600 km. The whole trip can take 14-18 hours, depending on load and conditions. Now, a word of caution: this isn't your average Sunday drive. High winds, blizzards, and zero visibility are par for the course. Pack survival gear and winter clothes, because the weather can flip on a dime. Plus, this route is primarily for mine-bound trucks, so if you're exploring, bring a VHF radio to chat with the truckers. Speed limits are strictly enforced (think 25 km/h for loaded trucks, sometimes dropping to a crawl of 10 km/h!), and for good reason. Safety is key on this icy expanse. Despite what you might've seen on TV, the road is meticulously built, maintained, and monitored by a dedicated crew. Get ready for some awesome tundra scenery!

Where does the Alaska Highway begin and end?extreme

Where does the Alaska Highway begin and end?

🇨🇦 Canada

Ready for an epic road trip? The Alaska Highway is a must-do! This 1,523-mile (2,174 km) trek connects Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska, offering a unique way to experience the raw beauty of the north. Originally built in 1942, the ALCAN is more than just a road; it's a journey through history. While you *can* technically blast through in under four days, trust me, you don't want to. Take your time, soak in the scenery, and maybe even squeeze in a dip in one of the Yukon's hot springs. Keep in mind, this is still a pretty remote area. Cell service is spotty (at best), so download those maps and playlists beforehand. Gas stations are available, but not always 24/7, so fill up whenever you get the chance! While most of the highway is paved, expect some construction delays, especially on the Canadian side. Those road crews are constantly working to improve things, but sometimes that means a bit of a bumpy ride. Watch out for loose gravel! Speaking of bumpy, be prepared for some serious winter conditions if you're traveling late in the season. Think -40°F kind of cold! Always pack emergency supplies – food, water, blankets, a first-aid kit. Tow trucks can be seriously far away! The best time to tackle the Alaska Highway is from June to early September when the weather is milder and the RV convoys are in full swing. Embrace the slow pace, enjoy the stunning views, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Travel guide to the top of Gem Peak in MThard

Travel guide to the top of Gem Peak in MT

🇺🇸 Usa

Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're hunting for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Montana, Gem Peak is calling your name. Nestled way up high in Sanders County, in the southern reaches of the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, this peak tops out at a cool 6,092 feet. The road up, Forest Road 2205, is all dirt and gravel, a proper mountain track. You *can* technically make it in a regular car, but trust me, you'll be way happier in a 4x4 with some decent clearance. Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly. This is a single-lane road with some serious exposure – think stunning views on one side, and a sheer drop on the other! The last couple of miles get pretty rocky, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Starting from Idaho Point Road, this 4-mile climb is located within the Kootenai National Forest. It's a steep one, with grades hitting up to 13% in places. At the summit, you'll find a historic fire lookout tower that's been standing tall since 1921. The views? Absolutely epic. Just be sure to take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and maybe pack a picnic for the top!

How long is Mulholland Drive?moderate

How long is Mulholland Drive?

🇺🇸 Usa

Cruising Mulholland Drive is a must-do for any Los Angeles adventure! This iconic 21-mile stretch winds through the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and Hollywood Hills, offering killer views of the city skyline and beyond. Starting near the 101 Freeway at Cahuenga Boulevard, the paved road curves past the 405 and into the hills above Encino. Heads up: it turns into "Dirt Mulholland" at Encino Hills Drive, where cars aren't allowed. Built way back in 1924 and named after the legendary engineer William Mulholland, this road is packed with history and Hollywood magic. It's been the backdrop for countless movies, books, and songs, and for good reason! Make sure to stop at the many lookouts and parking spots along the way to soak in the views. While the scenery is stunning, be warned – this two-lane road is seriously twisty with tons of turns, making it popular with motorcyclists but also notorious for being dangerous. Mulholland is famous for its unbelievable views and celeb residents. Keep your eyes peeled for mansions and maybe even a famous face or two! Driving this road is like driving through the heart of Los Angeles.