When was the road to Darland Mountain built?
Usa, north-america
51.33 km
2,129 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Yakima County, Washington, itching for an adventure. I've got just the thing – Darland Mountain! This beauty clocks in at a whopping 6,984 feet, making it one of Washington's highest roads.
The first road here was built in the roaring twenties, and there was even a lookout tower until '66. To get to the summit, you've got two options: a 31.9-mile trek from Rimrock or a 39-mile haul from Union Gap. Either way, get ready for an off-road experience!
This isn't your typical Sunday drive; the entire road is unpaved. It’s mostly smooth sailing, but the last few miles are seriously rocky, so a 4x4 is a must. You'll want to grab a Forest Service map before you go, too.
Keep in mind, Darland Mountain plays hard to get. This road is usually snowed in from October to June. Word on the street is that it's the highest point you can reach by car in Yakima County, so you know the views are gonna be epic.
And trust me, they are! You'll be treated to killer views and some of the best panoramas of the Cascade Range. It's a photographer's dream! On a clear day, you can spot Darland Mountain, plus Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, the Goat Rocks, and the Yakima Valley all in one glance! They say on a really clear day, you can see the whole Cascade chain from Oregon to the Canadian border. Seriously, don't miss this one!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 51.33 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,129 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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