
Where is Oldman Pass?
Usa, north-america
60.18 km
934 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Oldman Pass! You'll find this beauty tucked away in Skamania County, Washington, about 45 minutes from Stevenson, chilling out near the Oregon border inside the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It's right by the Indian Heaven Wilderness too, which adds to the whole mystical vibe. Locals say it's named after this mysterious "Old Man" figure from the area's past, maybe a hermit, maybe a guardian spirit – who knows!
The route itself, also known as Wind River Road, stretches for about 37.4 miles (60.18km) from Carson all the way to the Berry Fields Interpretive Site. The entire road is paved, so no need for a heavy-duty rig, but get ready for some seriously scenic views and playful curves! There are some steep climbs too, with grades hitting 10-15% in places. Pro tip: There's a cute little parking lot up top, perfect for snapping those summit pics.
Heads up though: This is the Cascades, and snow happens! They plow it, but only once a day if needed, and only after the other county roads get the all-clear. So, winter adventures are possible, just be prepared for potentially slow going.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 60.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 934 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
extremeRoute 61 in Centralia is consumed by an underground fire since 1962
🇺🇸 Usa
# Pennsylvania Route 61: The Graffiti Highway Buried beneath the abandoned mining town of Centralia in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, sits one of America's most eerie road stories. A 1.18 km (0.73 mile) stretch of Route 61 has been literally consumed by an underground coal fire that's been burning since 1962. Nobody's entirely sure how it all started, but the most likely culprit was a landfill fire near an old strip mine that eventually reached an exposed coal vein. From there, the inferno spread like wildfire through the maze of coal mines underneath the town. Today, the blaze continues to rage at depths of up to 300 feet across an eight-mile stretch covering 3,700 acres—and at its current pace, it's got another 250+ years of burning left to do. When things got too dangerous, locals packed up and left in 1984, and Centralia transformed into a genuine modern ghost town. The original highway section got so badly damaged by subsidence (that's fancy speak for the ground literally sinking and cracking) that they had to reroute traffic via Byrnsville Road instead. What's left of the old road? A buckled, cracked strip of asphalt that's constantly sinking, with smoke regularly pouring from widening fissures in the ground. The "Graffiti Highway," as it's become known, has become a magnet for urban explorers and photographers drawn to its apocalyptic vibe. But here's the thing—this place is genuinely dangerous. We're talking unstable ground prone to sudden collapse, toxic gases venting from below, and minimal warning signs. A car won't protect you much if the road gives way beneath you. Seriously, this isn't an official tourist spot, and visiting isn't recommended. The risks aren't worth the Instagram shot.
moderateMeadow Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Flathead County, Montana, you NEED to check out Meadow Peak. We're talking a summit sitting pretty at 6,709 feet! The road up? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bump and grind. Seriously, a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's practically mandatory. And heads up, this road's usually a no-go from October to June, thanks to Mother Nature's mood swings. But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you'll find an honest-to-goodness fire lookout tower (still active, built in '57!), and views that'll knock your socks off. We're talking a full 360 degrees of pure Montana bliss. Expect a steep-ish hike to the top, but those views? Totally worth the leg burn! Get ready for some serious Instagram-worthy moments!
moderateBingham Mine Overlook
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure awaits! If you're near Tooele County, Utah, and crave mind-blowing views, the Bingham Mine Overlook is calling. Just be warned, getting there is part of the thrill. First off, you're heading up to a lofty 9,015 feet! The 2.5-mile Copper Pit Overlook Road kicks off from Butterfield Canyon Road and climbs 374 meters at an average 9.35% gradient. Translation? Steep! The road is gravel, bumpy, and usually closed from October to June (depending on the weather gods). There are no guardrails, so keep your wits about you. The payoff? Stunning mountain views, possible wildlife sightings, and a peek at the largest manmade hole on Earth – the Bingham Canyon Mine, the richest copper mine *ever*. Seriously, this thing is massive. The drive itself is twisty-turny with blind spots galore, so take it slow. While you can probably make it in a regular car on a good day, be extra careful. Night driving is a no-go unless you know the road. At the top, you'll be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of northern Utah, with a view of almost 80% of the state's population on a clear day. It's pretty epic!
hardWhat is the Salton Sea?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising down to the Salton Sea? This bizarre, accidental lake in the California desert is a trip! Formed way back when the Colorado River went rogue, it's now California's biggest lake, sitting way below sea level at -227 feet! Want to check it out? You've got a couple of options for your road trip: **West Side (California State Route 86):** This is your classic north-south desert cruise, stretching 47 miles from Coachella down to Elmore Desert Ranch. Built back in '64, it's seriously low-lying, hugging the western edge of the Salton Sea. Keep an eye out for the otherworldly salt flats – you can literally crumble them with your hands! And don't miss the insane bird life! **East Side (State Route 111):** This route gives you a different perspective, winding along the lake's eastern edge. Prepare for some stark desert scenery, punctuated by quirky roadside attractions. Watch out for intense heat during the summer months!