North Cascades Highway is one of Washington's Ultimate Road Trips
Usa, north-america
702 km
1,669 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable adventure on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) in Washington's North Cascades National Park! This paved beauty is a key piece of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile journey through the stunning Cascades.
Starting near Discovery Bay and winding all the way to the Idaho border near Newport, this road climbs to a breathtaking 5,477 feet (1,669m) at Washington Pass. It's the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range, so get ready for some serious alpine scenery!
Now, a heads-up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Expect a winter closure – usually from late November/early December to sometime between April and early May, between Ross Dam Trailhead (MP 134) and Silver Star Creek (MP 171) – due to heavy snow and avalanche risks.
But when it's open, oh boy! You're in for a treat. Think mind-blowing vistas, lush alpine meadows, and incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting. Starting near Sedro Woolley, this drive isn't just a road; it's an immersive experience into a landscape teeming with life, dramatic geology, and ever-changing climate. Seriously, carve out a couple of days to truly soak in the whole Cascade Loop – you won't regret it!
Where is it?
North Cascades Highway is one of Washington's Ultimate Road Trips is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.6245, -99.7847
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 702 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,669 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 39.6245, -99.7847
Related Roads in north-america
moderateGilman Tunnels take you through the Jemez Mountains of NM
🇺🇸 Usa
# The Gilman Tunnels: A Hidden Gem in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains Ready for a road trip that feels straight out of a movie? That's because it literally has been! Tucked into the stunning Jemez Mountains of northern New Mexico, State Highway 485 winds through the historic Gilman Tunnels—a pair of massive stone tunnels blasted out of solid rock back in the 1920s. You'll find them near the charming town of Jemez Springs in Sandoval County, nestled within the Santa Fe National Forest. Here's the deal: the road is fully paved but narrow and twisty with plenty of blind curves that'll keep you on your toes. It's a smooth drive with moderate grades and usually quiet (though expect more company on summer weekends). Once you pass through the tunnels, the road transforms into gravel Forest Service Road 376—not ideal for regular sedans, so fair warning there. **Timing matters**: This area gets serious snow, so expect closures from mid-December through mid-April. Falling rocks can shut things down anytime, and there's zero cell service out here, so come prepared. The tunnels have serious history. They were originally carved out for the Santa Fe Northwestern Railway's logging operations in the early 1900s. After the 1929 stock market crash and subsequent flood damage in 1941, the railroad shut down for good. Eventually, those tunnels became the incredible scenic road you see today, named after railroad CEO William H. Gilman. And here's the Hollywood connection: those tunnels aren't just photogenic—they're movie-star photogenic. They've been featured in *3:10 to Yuma*, *The Lone Ranger*, and *The Scorch Trials*. Don't skip the full experience. After the second tunnel, you'll discover a gorgeous waterfall and plenty of rocks perfect for stretching your legs. The stunning views of the box canyon and the Guadalupe River 500 feet below are absolutely worth the drive. Just bring your camera—you'll want it.
hardThe road to Ben Harrison Peak in OR isn’t an easy one
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're headed to Ben Harrison Peak in Oregon's Grant County. This beast tops out at 7,703 feet within the Umatilla National Forest's Greenhorn Mountains. Forget pavement, you'll be tackling NF-148, a rugged dirt track that's pure 4x4 territory. Think ruts, rocks, and steep climbs – some sections hit a 13% grade! You'll be grinding for about 1.6 miles, starting from Vincent Creek Road (Forest Service Road 2010) . Plan your trip between mid-June and October when the road is usually clear. Keep an eye out for old mining sites scattered around the range. The views from the top are totally worth the bumpy ride!
easyWhere is Hershberger Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Hershberger Mountain in southwestern Oregon's Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! This isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking about a completely unpaved, bumpy, and pothole-filled climb to a historic WWII aircraft warning station, later refurbished and now on the National Historic Lookout Register. Starting from the scenic Highway 230 (Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway), you've got about 11 miles of rough, unpaved road ahead. Get ready for an elevation gain of around 3,000 feet, which translates to a pretty consistent gradient. A 4x4 is highly recommended, and forget about bringing your low-clearance car – especially for that final, super gnarly stretch. But trust me, it’s worth it! You'll be weaving through gorgeous forests, passing meadows bursting with wildflowers, and treated to miles and miles of stunning panoramic views, no matter the time of year. Hershberger Mountain isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
extremeSidney Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! We're heading to Sidney Peak in Utah's Garfield County, a beast of a mountain road sitting at a cool 10,797 feet above sea level. Nestled in Dixie National Forest, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is gravel, and trust me, it gets steep and gnarly in sections. You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this one. Speaking of tackling, be prepared for rapidly changing weather – things can get dicey real quick. Plus, closures are pretty common. But here's the payoff: the views are absolutely breathtaking! This winding mountain road delivers miles of pure scenic bliss. Just a heads up, though, it can turn into a muddy, slippery mess after a rain shower. So, do your homework, check the conditions before you go, and be prepared. This road is no joke, especially if it's wet or dark. And listen, if you've got respiratory issues or a heart condition, maybe sit this one out. Otherwise, get ready for an epic ride!