Is the road to Mount Harrison in Idaho paved?
Usa, north-america
18.1 km
1,707 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Idaho? You HAVE to check out Mount Harrison! This is one of the highest roads in the state, tucked away in the northern Albion Mountains in Cassia County.
The whole way up, you'll be cruising on smooth pavement along Forest Road 549 (aka Howell Canyon Road). Heads up though, this road is only open in the summer, usually after July 1st, because winter brings serious snow.
The climb starts from ID-77 at 5,600 feet and it’s about 11.3 miles to the top. Don’t let the distance fool you, this road gets STEEP, gaining over 3,600 feet, with some sections hitting a 10% grade!
Once you reach the top inside Sawtooth National Forest, you’re rewarded with incredible views. There’s a lookout tower (built in the '30s, updated in the '60s) that’s open on summer weekends, where you can see for nearly 100 miles into Utah, Nevada, and Idaho!
Mount Harrison has a somber history. A B-24 bomber crashed here in thick fog back in 1945, and all nine crew members perished. The wreckage is still there, and there’s a memorial plaque to honor them.
Beyond the history, the mountain features a gorgeous alpine lake and a glacial cirque, so keep your eyes peeled.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 18.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,707 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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