
Where is Mount Leecher?
Usa, north-america
7.9 km
305 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Mount Leecher, a 5,022-foot giant in Washington's Okanogan County. It's nestled in the North Cascades, offering killer views of the Chelan Sawtooth Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
The main attraction up top is a fire lookout tower, originally from Chiliwist Butte but moved here in '54. They gave it a major facelift in 2009, so it's looking pretty spiffy. Sadly, you can't go inside. But hey, there's another lookout too! Keep an eye out for an old pine tree that used to be a tree-based lookout back in 1918. Super rare, and a cool piece of history!
Now, about that road. It's almost 5 miles of pure, unpaved adventure starting from NF-4150. Expect sandy, rough terrain, so definitely bring your high-clearance vehicle or 4x4. The last mile is especially gnarly, so leave the low-riders at home.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 7.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 305 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in north-america
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Lucky Boy Pass in NV
πΊπΈ Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Lucky Boy Pass! Nestled way up in Nevada's Mineral County, this baby sits pretty at 8,034 feet. We're talking the Wassuk Range in the Toiyabe National Forest β prime Western Nevada scenery! The road? Well, it's all dirt, all the way to the top. Lucky Boy Pass Road is mostly graded, so in dry weather, your trusty two-wheel-drive should be just fine. You'll find it near Hawthorne, and usually, you can get through any time of year, though winter weather can sometimes throw a wrench in the works. Back in the day, prospectors carved out this path, so you're following in some historic footsteps! Now, heads up: this climb is STEEP. We're talking gradients hitting 14% in spots, so get ready for a workout! Starting from paved State Road 359, it's about 8.2 miles to the top, and you'll gain a whopping 3,051 feet along the way. That averages out to about a 7% grade, so buckle up and enjoy the views!
hardSaskatchewan Highway 955 is worth the white-knuckle drive
π¨π¦ Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Saskatchewan Highway 955 in Canada is calling your name β if you're up for a wild ride. Forget smooth asphalt; this baby is mostly unpaved, a real test of your vehicle and your nerves. Clocking in at 270 km (167 miles), this route snakes from Highway 155 at La Loche (right on the edge of Lac La Loche) all the way north to the abandoned Cluff Lake Mine. Get ready to tackle the legendary Semchuk Trail, an old winter supply route, that's still maintained (ish) as far as Carswell Lake. Now, let's be real: this road is ROUGH. We're talking sharp, jutting rocks, spine-rattling bumps, and sneaky patches of soft sand. Trust me, you'll want more than one spare tire. Since you're basically heading into the wilderness, prep is key. Load up on extra fuel, tools, and those spare tires β you'll thank me later! But hey, if you're craving an epic, off-the-beaten-path experience, Saskatchewan Highway 955 is where it's at.
hardIs the road to Tomichi Pass unpaved?
πΊπΈ Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Tomichi Pass! This beast of a mountain pass clocks in at a whopping 11,998 feet in Chaffee County, Colorado. Get ready for an *unpaved* adventure on Forest Road 888, stretching from Brittle Silver Basin to the old mining town of Whitepine. Heads up, this isn't your Sunday drive. We're talking steep, narrow shelf roads that'll test your nerves (especially if you're afraid of heights!). You'll want a high-clearance SUV with low-range gearing. Built way back in the 1870s, this historic route through the Gunnison National Forest is typically snowed in from late October to late June/early July. The climb is real. From Forest Service Road 839, it's just under a mile with a seriously steep 9.68% average gradient. The trickiest part? The *narrowness* of the trail. Passing other vehicles is a nightmare on the north side, and you might be doing some serious reversing. Keep an eye out for the dodgy bridge β itβs definitely seen better days! The southern approach is your standard forest road, but beware of rockslides. And the views? Totally worth it! Youβll be treated to incredible vistas of Hancock Pass and Middle Quartz Creek. The summit is super close to another fork in the road, so if you want to tack on a short side trip, you totally can. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road!
moderateTail of the Dragon
πΊπΈ United States
# The Tail of the Dragon: The East's Most Epic Drive If you're hunting for the ultimate driving road in the eastern U.S., look no further than the Tail of the Dragon β an 18-kilometer stretch of pure adrenaline that's basically a dream come true for motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts. Located along U.S. Route 129 between Tabcat Bridge in Tennessee and Fugitive Bridge in North Carolina, this legendary section winds through 318 curves with absolutely nothing in between β no intersections, no driveways, just uninterrupted, flowing twists that'll have your heart racing. The road hugs the Little Tennessee River and Cheoah Lake as it cuts through the Nantahala National Forest in the Cheoah Mountains. Picture yourself surrounded by dense hardwood forests creating a natural canopy overhead while you navigate everything from smooth, sweeping curves to tight hairpin turns. The elevation changes keep things interesting too, adding serious challenge to every lap. On weekends from spring through fall, you'll find the place packed with motorcycle groups and sports car clubs, and there's even a photography shop at the Deals Gap motorcycle resort that captures riders mid-corner β the walls are basically a gallery of action shots. Here's the real talk though: the Tail of the Dragon has earned a gnarly reputation for accidents, especially among overconfident riders who bite off more than they can chew. There's literally a "Tree of Shame" at Deals Gap decorated with twisted bike and car parts as a sobering reminder. Local cops are serious about enforcing speed limits here, so keep it legal. The road stays open year-round, though winter can throw icy patches at you up in the higher elevations. If you're in the area, the nearby Cherohala Skyway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park are solid bonus attractions worth checking out.