
Obstruction Point Road is Washington's scariest road
Usa, north-america
12.23 km
1,870 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Obstruction Point Road in Washington's Clallam County! Word on the street is this might just be the state's wildest ride. Nestled in the Olympic Mountains, this 7.6-mile stretch connects Hurricane Ridge to the Obstruction Point Trailhead.
Forget pavement! This is a well-maintained dirt road, totally doable in your average car. But don't let that fool youβit's a classic backcountry road, barely a lane and a half wide, so keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to pull over.
Now, for the nitty-gritty: this road is NARROW. Think single-lane gravel at times, with some serious drop-offs where the shoulder ought to be. RVs, trailers, motorhomes? Hard pass. It's best for drivers comfortable with VERY narrow dirt roads. Take it slow, especially around blind corners! Rainy conditions can make it slick, so be extra cautious.
Built back in the 40s, this high-mountain route peaks at 6,135ft, serving up tight corners and steep drops. It's the highest road in Olympic National Park! Heads up: it's seasonal, usually open mid-July to October, but weather can shut it down at a moment's notice.
The payoff? Mind-blowing views! Give yourself an hour for the drive without stops. Weekends can get crowded, especially on sunny days, so consider a weekday or an early start. After a couple of miles through the trees, the road bursts open, and you're cruising along a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Trust me, the view at the end is worth it, but don't skip the viewpoints along the way! You'll get incredible views into the heart of Olympic National Park.
Where is it?
Obstruction Point Road is Washington's scariest road is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 39.0073, -98.3130
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.23 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,870 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 39.0073, -98.3130
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