Where is Austin Pass?
Usa, north-america
4.18 km
1,423 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Washington state? You HAVE to check out Austin Pass! This baby sits pretty high up in the Cascades, inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, at 4,668 feet.
You'll find it in the very northwest corner of Washington, practically waving to Canada. The drive up is totally paved on SR 542, so no need to worry about your tires. But don't get too comfy! It’s got some seriously steep parts and hairpin curves that'll keep you on your toes. The pass itself stretches for about 2.6 miles from the Mt. Baker Ski Area (Heather Meadows Base Area) all the way up to the stunning Artist Point — which, by the way, is even higher at 5,140 feet!
Word to the wise: because it's so close to the Canadian border, Austin Pass is only open for a short window. Usually, you can hit it up from July until the first big snowfall, which usually happens around late September or early October. Trust me, the views are SO worth planning your trip around!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,423 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateRuby Road is a beautiful drive with lots of historical sights in Arizona
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising Ruby Road in southern Arizona is an unforgettable experience, a real desert adventure straddling Santa Cruz and Pima counties. Named after a once-bustling mining camp along its path, this 37.1-mile route stretches from near Rio Rico, eastward to Arivaca, tracing the Atascosa Mountains' southern slopes through wild, untamed lands. You'll need a high-clearance vehicle for this trek. The first 12 miles are paved, leading to the serene Peña Blanca Lake, but after that, it transforms into a graded dirt road for the remaining 25 miles to Arivaca. Be prepared for varying conditions and some rough patches under the tires. Reaching a peak of 4,829 feet, Ruby Road demands respect. It's narrow, winding, and lacks guardrails in sections, featuring some serious drop-offs. Slow and steady is the name of the game. Watch out, too, because the unpaved sections can get slippery and rutted when wet. Don't go it alone! And definitely let someone know your plans. The drive demands your attention to avoid potholes and to watch out for other vehicles on the road. But oh, the scenery! Prepare to be wowed by rugged mountains, semi-arid landscapes, and abundant wildlife. Don't forget your camera! Set aside 2-3 hours of pure driving time to soak it all in, or more if you want to explore. Think rolling hills, towering buttes, a desert oasis teeming with life, two picturesque lakes, and the ghost town of Ruby. History buffs will love exploring the remnants of Ruby, Oro Blanco, and other abandoned mining camps. Arivaca is billed as a ghost town, even though people still live there. Ruby, the ghost town, was named after a pioneer resident. Located only 8 miles from the Mexican border, the best time to visit is late fall, winter, or early spring. Summer temperatures can be brutal, often exceeding 100 degrees. But anytime you go, watch out for the heat and drink plenty of water. And if you hike, take water, snacks, protective clothing, a flashlight, first aid kit, compass, and map. Protect yourself from the sun with light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Keep an eye out for snakes. There are a lot of rattlesnakes.
hardLeatherman Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering Idaho's highest peaks? Leatherman Peak, clocking in at a cool 8,996 feet, is calling your name! Nestled in the heart of Custer County, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking Forest Road 411, aka Sawmill Gulch Road, a gravelly, rocky, and sometimes wildly bumpy ride that'll test your mettle. Think 4x4 required – seriously! This baby climbs, and not gently. We're talking steep inclines that'll get your heart pumping. And did I mention the views? Absolutely breathtaking, if you dare to look while navigating the terrain. Word to the wise: winter turns this road into an impassable wonderland. And if you're not a fan of heights or unpaved roads, maybe stick to the scenic byways. But for experienced off-roaders, this is the ultimate Idaho adventure. Just be prepared for potentially muddy conditions if it's been raining.
extremeWhere is Sherman Peak?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you're up for an adventure? Sherman Peak in California's Tulare County is calling! This beast of a peak sits pretty at 9,914 feet above sea level, tucked away north of Lake Isabella on the eastern edge of Sequoia National Forest. Forget pavement – you'll be bumping along Forest Service Road 33E48, a completely unpaved path that demands a 4x4. Seriously, don't even think about attempting this in anything less. It's a short but intense climb of just over 3 miles, but get ready for a leg-burning ascent! You'll gain over 2,300 feet in elevation, making for an average gradient of over 14%. Translation: it's STEEP! Plus, this road is a no-go in winter, so plan accordingly. While the summit's fire lookout days are gone, replaced by radio towers, the 360-degree views are absolutely worth the effort. Picture this: the Great Western Divide, the Sierra Crest, and miles of breathtaking scenery stretching as far as the eye can see. Get ready to soak it all in!
hardWhere is the Madeline Island Ice Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Ever dreamed of driving on water? Seriously? Then buckle up (or maybe don't, more on that later!) for the Madeline Island Ice Road in Wisconsin. Located on Lake Superior, this isn't your average scenic byway. We're talking about a 3 km (1.9 mi) stretch of frozen lake connecting Bayfield to La Pointe on Madeline Island. It's a winter-only phenomenon that replaces the usual ferry, and supposedly even shows up on official state maps! This icy adventure isn't without its quirks. They mark the route with old Christmas trees, and the "road" is actually part of County Highway H. Sounds festive, right? But remember, this isn't a joyride. Speed limit is a crawl at 15 mph, and you need to keep a healthy distance from other cars. Now for the important stuff. Before you even think about hitting the ice, roll down your windows all the way and ditch the seatbelt. Why? Because if you break through (and the lake is seriously deep in spots, from 50 to 250 feet!), you'll need to bail out fast. The road can be slippery and unpredictable, and the conditions change rapidly. Keep an eye on weather updates before you go! The route will be marked with evergreen trees, so stick to the trail to keep your car above water!