
Where is Carson-Guler Road?
Usa, north-america
36.53 km
1,090 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a seriously gorgeous gravel road adventure in Washington's Skamania County! We're talking Carson-Guler Road, nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, practically kissing the Oregon border.
This baby’s a 22.7-mile stretch of pure Pacific Northwest bliss, blending Forest Road 24 and Forest Road 60. You can totally cruise it in a regular car, but take it slow and steady, folks – it's a gravel road, after all!
You'll kick things off near Peterson Prairie Cabin, hooking up with Route 141, and you’ll roll all the way to the Wind River Highway, also known as Forest Road 30. Along the way, you've GOT to check out Goose Lake and its chill campground, plus you can hop on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail or even hang with the horses at Crest Horse Camp!
Just a heads-up: this road climbs to a cool 3,576 feet, so it's a no-go zone from December 1st to April 1st due to snow. Plan your trip accordingly for the ultimate adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 36.53 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,090 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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