Where is Obstruction Point Road?
Usa, north-america
12.23 km
1,870 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're in Clallam County, Washington, and you're feeling brave? Obstruction Point Road might just be your ticket to a little adrenaline rush! Locals whisper it's Washington's "scariest road," so buckle up, buttercup!
This 7.6-mile dirt track claws its way west-to-east from a starting point to the Obstruction Point Trailhead, nestled deep within the Olympic Mountains.
Now, let's be real – "road" might be a generous term. It's a well-maintained, unpaved path, totally doable in your average car, but it's skinny! We're talking a backcountry 1.5-lane situation with some seriously steep drop-offs that'll make your palms sweat. Keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to squeeze by oncoming traffic. Leave the RVs, trailers, and motorhomes at home. Trust me.
This isn't a joyride for Sunday drivers. It's narrow with blind corners galore. Rain helps keep the dust down, but too much turns it into a slick, treacherous beast.
Reaching a lofty 6,135 feet, Obstruction Point Road is Olympic National Park's highest drivable point. Typically, it's open from mid-July to October, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can shut it down anytime.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Just allocate about an hour without stops. The scenery is mind-blowing. After cruising through trees, the road bursts open, hugging a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains that'll leave you breathless.
Fair warning: weekends, especially sunny ones, are packed! Get there early or hit it on a weekday. The parking lot at the end fills up fast. But that view? Totally worth the white-knuckle drive. You'll be gazing out over the rugged interior of Olympic National Park. Pure magic!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 12.23 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,870 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardGrutas de Bustamante Road
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: You're in Nuevo León, Mexico, ready to explore the Grutas de Bustamante, and the only way up is this crazy little road! Seriously, it's a wild ride. In less than a kilometer, you climb a whopping 500 meters! Think seriously steep inclines and seven hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. Word to the wise: leave your car in the parking lot at the bottom. This road is so popular (and space is so limited) that only the official bus service can make the trek. Trust me, though – the stunning views from the top and the incredible caves make it all totally worth it!
hardOsha Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you're looking for a real New Mexico challenge, Osha Mountain is calling your name. This beast of a road tops out at a breathtaking 10,629 feet in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, so yeah, it's one of the highest in the state. Fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. Expect a seriously rough, tippy, and bumpy ride. We're talking high-clearance vehicle REQUIRED. The trail gets narrow, making passing a bit of an adventure, and it's STEEP. Oh, and forget about it in the winter—snow often keeps it closed well into July. But here's the payoff: insane views and bragging rights. If you're an experienced off-roader craving a true test, Osha Mountain delivers!
extremeWhy is Lombard Street famous?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in San Francisco, California, and you absolutely HAVE to check out Lombard Street! Nestled in Russian Hill, specifically the block between Hyde and Leavenworth, awaits the "most crooked street in the world!" This isn't your average drive. We're talking eight crazy hairpin turns packed into just one block. Seriously, it's a slow crawl – think 5 mph max – but totally worth it for the experience (and the photos!). Why so twisty? Back in 1922, they realized the natural 27% grade was way too steep for cars, so they zig-zagged it into what we see today. Safety first, but make it fun! As you wind down this one-way street (downhill only!), you'll be surrounded by stunning Victorian mansions, bursting flower boxes, and incredible city views. It's picturesque AF. Word to the wise: expect some bumper-to-bumper action, especially during the summer. But hey, the anticipation just adds to the thrill. Lombard Street is so famous it’s even been featured in movies like ‘Vertigo’ and TV shows like ‘The Simpsons’ and ‘Monk’. Whether you’re behind the wheel or just watching from below, Lombard Street is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
hardRevelation Lift
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around San Miguel County, Colorado and craving some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out the Revelation Lift road. We're talking about reaching a whopping 12,588 feet above sea level – that's Colorado high country at its finest! Heads up, though: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road, snaking its way up through the Telluride Ski Resort, is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy affair. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one! Be prepared for some steep climbs and, if you're not a fan of heights, maybe sit this one out. Mother Nature calls the shots here, so expect it to be closed from October to June (snow, duh!). Even in the summer months, be ready for the chance of a snowy surprise. And don't forget that the wind up here is no joke; it's pretty much a year-round phenomenon! The views, though? Totally worth it!