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
hardA steep unpaved road to Whitehorn Mountain in AB
🇨🇦 Canada
Alright adventure seekers, let's talk Whitehorn Mountain in Alberta, Canada! This peak hits a whopping 2,525m (8,284ft), making it one of the highest roads you can find in the country. Nestled in the southern part of Alberta, practically kissing the British Columbia border within Banff National Park, lies this gem. Now, hold on tight, because the road to the top is pure, unadulterated dirt. We're talking a service road for a chairlift, so expect some seriously steep climbs. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's essential. From the smooth paved Trans-Canada Highway, you've got about 7.0 km (4.34 miles) of rugged terrain to conquer before reaching the summit. Perched high in the Canadian Rockies, you can usually tackle this beast from mid-May to the end of November. Get ready for some breathtaking views!
moderateA delightful yet crowded road to Bear Lake in CO
🇺🇸 Usa
Bear Lake is an alpine lake at an elevation of 2.890m (9,481ft) above the sea level, located in Larimer County, in the U.S. state of Colorado. The road is usually crowded during peak tourist season. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO paved? Set high in the Rocky Mountain National Park, the road to the summit is and navigable by all passenger vehicles. It’s called Bear Lake Road. Starting at US-36, the drive is 15.12km (9.4 miles) long. It's a dazzling little drive, with a few hairpin turns. The road was constructed in 1928. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO open? Access to the lake is typically , with the occasional closure in winters due to dangerous weather conditions. At 2.890m (9,481ft), Bear Lake freezes in the winter. Is the road to Bear Lake in CO worth it? The drive is very scenic. It’s said to be one of the most famous roads in Rocky Mountain National Park . It has an estimated 2 million visitors each year. Traffic can be heavy especially in summer and on fall weekends and the Bear Lake parking lot often fills up by noon on busy summer days. It can be congested. Is the road to Bear Lake steep? The road to the summit is steep, hitting a 9% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps. Starting at US-36, the ascent is 15.12km (9.4 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 385 meters. The average gradient is 2.54%. 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.
moderateQuartz Mountain Pass is a drive worth taking in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Oregon Route 140 through Quartz Mountain Pass is calling your name! Nestled in Lake County, this beauty tops out at 5,508 feet. The entire route is paved, so no need to worry about those pesky gravel roads. Just a smooth ride as you climb through the Fremont-Winema National Forest. This pass, named for a quartz ledge, is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather in winter. Snow can cause temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. Clocking in at about 42 miles, the road connects Bly to Lakeview and it’s the highest point on Route 140. Expect stunning views and keep an eye out for wildlife. Get ready to cross this one off your bucket list.
easyWhere is MacDonald Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
MacDonald Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.930m (6,332ft) above sea level, located in the U.S. state of Montana. Where is MacDonald Pass? The pass is located just west of Helena, on the boundary between Powell County and Lewis and Clark counties, within the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. When was the road through MacDonald Pass built? The road to the summit dates back to the 1860s. It was originally a toll road. Is MacDonald Pass paved? The road to the summit, also known as McDonald Pass, is totally paved. It’s called U.S. Route 12. The drive, largely flat and pleasant, is very scenic. The road definitely has some twists and turns. How long is MacDonald Pass? The road is 70.81km (44.0 miles) long, running west-east from Garrison (in Powell County) to Helena, the state capital of Montana and the county seat of Lewis and Clark County. Is MacDonald Pass open in winter? Set high in the Rocky Mountains, on the Continental Divide, the road is usually open all year round but short-term closures are common in winter. CanAm Highway is a sensational drive from Mexico to Canada through the USA A memorable road trip to Paradise Basin in Colorado 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.