The road to Pine Creek Reservoir in OR isn’t an easy one
Usa, north-america
16 km
2,003 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, let's talk about Pine Creek Reservoir, a hidden gem way up in Oregon's Baker County! We're talking serious altitude here – 6,571 feet above sea level! Nestled in the Wallowa–Whitman National Forest, this place is about 10 miles northeast of Sumpter and feels like a world away.
Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising along Pine Creek Road, an old, rocky path that's entirely unpaved. The last three miles? Buckle up and engage that four-wheel drive – you're gonna need it!
This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep inclines, with gradients hitting a crazy 23% in some spots! The road stretches for about 4.66 miles from west of Wingville, climbing a whopping 2,588 feet along the way. That gives you an average gradient of over 10%! Due to the steepness, the road is not recommended for motor vehicle use.
But hey, the views! You're surrounded by the Elkhorn Mountains, with Rock Creek Butte and Elkhorn Peak towering nearby. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's even a minor unpaved trail leading northwest from the reservoir that climbs even higher, topping out at 7,949 feet. Seriously, this is one of the highest drives in Oregon!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 16 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,003 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
moderateForest Road 137
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Forest Road 137 in Utah's Beaver County! This high-altitude beauty sits entirely above 7,200 feet, so prepare for some thin air! Snuggled within Fishlake National Forest, most of this scenic road is unpaved – just a little bit of pavement to tease you. It's a maintained one-lane road, thankfully with turnouts, that most 2WD vehicles can handle with care. I wouldn't recommend hauling a trailer, though. Keep an eye out for dispersed camping spots begging you to pitch a tent. Spanning almost 16 miles east to west, you'll climb to a breathtaking 10,082 feet! Heads up, it's a no-go in winter. Oh, and pro tip: this is bear country, so keep your eyes peeled! Seriously, though, this drive is a photographer's dream. Get ready for incredible vistas of LeBaron Lake, Upper Kents Lake, Kents Lake and Lower Kents Lake. Your Instagram feed will thank you!
hardTravel guide to the top of Coal Bank Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: Coal Bank Pass, sitting pretty at 10,640 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. You'll find it south of Silverton, right on U.S. Highway 550 – aka the legendary Million Dollar Highway! This pass is totally paved, making it a smooth ride for most cars. Think of it as the chillest of the three high-mountain passes around here, right after Molas and Red Mountain Pass. Heads up, though! The south side has some seriously steep sections dropping down towards Durango. We're talking a consistent 6.5% grade with some ramps hitting 8%! Thankfully, there's a runaway truck ramp, just in case. You can tackle this pass year-round, but winter is a whole different ballgame. Snowfall can get intense, leading to restrictions and closures. But hey, if you're lucky enough to catch it on a clear day, the views are unreal. The San Juan National Forest is pure eye candy – think American Alps vibes!
moderateWhere is Tombstone Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, fellow wanderers, let's talk Tombstone Pass in Oregon's Linn County! Nestled about 16.5 miles west of Sisters in the heart of Willamette National Forest, this beauty sits at 4,245 feet. There's even a parking lot up top big enough for about 50 cars — perfect for soaking in the views. Ever wonder about that name? Legend has it that back in 1871, a young man tragically lost his life in an accident here. His mother placed a tombstone in his memory, giving the pass its poignant moniker. The road itself? It's fully paved, smooth sailing on Highway 20. But don't get too comfy! Expect plenty of sharp twists, steep climbs, and jaw-dropping mountain scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera every few minutes. Clocking in at around 47.5 miles east to west, this drive is a decent chunk of time. And while Tombstone Pass is generally open all year, keep an eye on the weather, especially between November and May. Cascade Range winters can be fierce, leading to temporary closures. So buckle up, keep your eyes on the road, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
moderateWhere is Porphyry Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Wanna conquer a mountain in central Montana's Lewis and Clark National Forest? Porphyry Peak is calling your name! Perched right on the county line, this beauty tops out at a cool 8,202 feet (2,500 meters). At the summit, you'll find the Porphyry Peak Lookout Tower, the perfect spot to soak in those jaw-dropping views of the Little Belt Mountains. Now, about the road... Forest Service Road 834 is your path to glory. It's a decent trek to the top, and you'll definitely feel the climb. Heads up: even though this road is usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs. Make sure you're prepped for tough winter driving conditions before you head out!