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
hardWhy visit Stevenson's Creek Falls?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're heading to Fresno County, California, to check out Stevenson's Creek Falls, huh? Good choice! This hidden gem boasts a mind-blowing 1,280-foot drop, making it one of California's tallest waterfalls and the biggest in the county. You'll find it nestled in the San Joaquin River Canyon, where it tumbles down in four gorgeous tiers before joining the river. Now, about getting there... Million Dollar Road (aka Million Dollar Mile) is the way to go. It's mostly paved, but be warned: things get a little tight in spots, so keep your eyes peeled. This 7.1-mile stretch runs through the Sierra National Forest, connecting Big Creek Powerhouse #3 to #8, all thanks to Southern California Edison, who built it back in 1922. It got its name "Million Dollar Road" because it cost a fortune per mile to build way back then. Here's the catch: there's a gate at the beginning of the road. Only Southern California Edison vehicles, hikers, and cyclists are allowed to pass. So, ditch the car and get ready for a hike or bike ride to truly experience this natural wonder!
extremeWhere is Saline Valley Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Saline Valley Road is a very scenic drive in the Mojave Desert, in the US state of California. It’s one of the challenging Backcountry roads in Death Valley National Park Where is Saline Valley Road? The track is located in one of the most remote locations in the US state of California, running north-south through the length of Saline Valley, a large, deep, and arid valley in the northern Mojave Desert, within the Inyo Mountains Wilderness Area. No services are available. When was Saline Valley Road built? It was built in the early 1900s to transport borax and salt. How long is Saline Valley Road? The road runs from SR 168 in the north to SR 190 in the south. It is 95 miles (153 km) long and ranges in elevation from 1,094 to 7,593ft (333 to 2.314m). Is Saline Valley Road paved? The road is mostly unpaved, with some washboard sections, often heavily corrugated, sandy in places and sporadically maintained. The further up you go it gets curvy with drop-offs. It’s quite bumpy and rough with curves and drop-offs and deep loose sand in places. Required high ground clearance (but may require 4x4 in winter), off-road tires, and mounted full-size spare tires are strongly recommended. Come prepared and take breaks, your back will thank you. Officially, the entire length of the road is passable by non-4WD vehicles, but long stretches of road are extremely rough and surfaced by sharp-edged primitive rock gravel. Is Saline Valley Road open? The road is open year-round but subject to winter closures due to snow, ice, or washouts, and it can be closed anytime when the access is not cleared of snow. Best Oct.-May although higher elevations may be closed due to snow. It’s especially comfortable during spring and fall, with temperatures ranging from 50-85 degrees. The road is often signed as “CLOSED” by Inyo County Road Department after floods or winter snows. Visitors going past closed signs “do so at their own risk”. The "Road Closed" signs are often left in place year-round in an attempt to deter motorists who may not realize how treacherous the road is, and to limit Inyo County liability. It goes through two mountain passes: the Inyo Mountains in the north, and the Nelson Range in the south. The northern pass is higher but is better maintained and is about 20 miles (30 km) closer to the hot springs. It is not a Park Service Road, and Inyo County is responsible for its maintenance. Is Saline Valley Road worth it? The drive takes you through some of Death Valley's most fascinating terrain. It offers sweeping views of salt marsh, sand dunes, warm springs, and the stunning Inyo Mountains. Pic&Video: Buzzards on the Road Bloods Point Road in Illinois is the site of many hauntings and crimes Kelly Road in Pennsylvania is one of America's most haunted roads 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.
hardSlide Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, picture this: Slide Peak, sitting pretty at 7,841 feet in Southern California's San Bernardino County. You'll find it smack-dab in the San Bernardino Mountains. The road up? It's about 5.3 miles of mostly paved road (Keller Peak Road), but don't get too comfy, because the last mile or so is gravel. Heads up: typically, you can only cruise this road from around Memorial Day until mid-November, weather permitting. Keep your eyes peeled because you're in prime critter country here, think bears, mountain lions, and deer galore! It's a bit of a climb, too. Starting from CA-18, you'll gain about 1,850 feet over those 5.3 miles, making for an average gradient of around 6.6%. The views though? Totally worth the climb!
hardWhere is Tip Top Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Tip Top Mountain Road, smack-dab in San Bernardino County, California. We're talking a proper climb to a summit way up high. The road? Totally unpaved, baby! Forest Road 2N90 is a real rollercoaster, and honestly, even some 4x4s might struggle. Expect crazy inclines, seriously chunky rocks, and ruts that'll test your suspension. You'll find this gem nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest, roughly halfway between Big Bear and Pioneer Town. Word to the wise: this isn't a summer jaunt; avoid those scorching months. This place has history! It was mining central back in the day (think silver, lead, and gold!), and the trail winds past old mining relics. Watch your step though – many mines are blocked off for safety. The road stretches for what feels like forever from the pavement to the top, and let me tell you, it's narrow – basically a one-vehicle-wide shelf road. Front and rear lockers are your friend here, and be prepared to hop out and scout the path ahead. Is it worth it? Heck yes! The views are insane. We're talking 360 degrees of pure awesomeness, from the sun-baked desert to lush mountains (sometimes even snow-capped!). It's a true hidden gem and an exhilarating drive, but fair warning: this isn't for newbie off-roaders. You need a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious skills to tackle this one.