Where is Santiam Pass?
Usa, north-america
29.12 km
1,471 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for a trip through Santiam Pass, a seriously gorgeous mountain pass in central Oregon! You'll find it straddling the line between Linn and Jefferson counties. Legend has it, Andrew Wiley stumbled upon it back in '59 and named it after the local Santiam Indians.
The whole route's paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader. Officially, it's part of the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway. We're talking about an 18.1-mile (29.12km) stretch of road that cruises from Santiam Junction in the west to Black Butte Ranch in the east.
Sitting pretty high up in the Cascade Range at 4,826 feet (1.471m), Santiam Pass is usually open year-round. That said, winter can throw some curveballs, so keep an eye on the forecast for possible closures. If you're a ski bum, take note: you'll spot the turnoff for Hoodoo Ski Area just before the summit. They're usually shredding powder from December to March!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 29.12 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,471 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
extremeHow to get by car to Badwater Basin, the lowest point of North America?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Death Valley National Park in eastern California, heading towards a spot so low, it's almost unbelievable. I'm talking about Badwater Basin, a vast salt flat sitting at a whopping 282 feet *below* sea level – the absolute bottom of the barrel in North America! The road in, Badwater Road (aka CA 178), is paved the whole way, so no need for a 4x4. You'll hop on from Furnace Creek (off CA-190) for a smooth 15.5-mile ride. It's mostly gentle, with a few short ramps kicking up to a 4% gradient. Keep an eye out for the "SEA LEVEL" sign high up on the cliffs – it really puts things into perspective, showing just how far down you are. The landscape is seriously surreal. This whole area used to be a lake, but over time, it dried up, leaving behind crazy salt formations. The name? Legend has it a thirsty traveler tried to give the water to his mule, but it was so salty, the poor thing refused to drink it! Hence, "Badwater." Now, Death Valley isn't messing around with its climate. It's one of the hottest places on earth, so come prepared. Major rainstorms can flood the valley floor, so be aware of your surroundings. If you're there in a downpour, get to higher ground pronto! And remember, cell service can be spotty, so don't rely on your phone. The drive itself takes about 30 minutes without stops, but you'll want to pull over and soak it all in. The basin itself is otherworldly. Word to the wise: it gets crowded, especially on weekends. You can see it from the parking lot, but make sure you check out Artist’s Drive along the way – more mind-blowing Death Valley scenery you won't want to miss. Trust me, Badwater Basin is a bucket-list destination!
moderateWhere Is Glacier Point?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in Yosemite National Park, California, heading for Glacier Point. This isn't just any viewpoint; it's *the* viewpoint, with panoramic, bird's-eye views of the valley. Think Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and the High Sierra stretching out before you! The road itself? It’s a 30-mile ribbon of asphalt, winding its way east from Yosemite Valley. The road climbs to over 7,200 feet, so the views just keep getting better. Heads up, though, this road is a bit of a diva. It's usually open from late May until October or November, but Mother Nature calls the shots. If the weather gets wild, she'll close it down. And yeah, it's super popular, so expect company!
moderateWhere is Juniper Lake?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Sierra Nevada in northeastern California, headed to the hidden gem that is Juniper Lake. This beauty straddles Plumas and Lassen counties, nestled in the southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The adventure starts just north of Chester (off Highway 36). The first six miles are smooth sailing on pavement. But then things get interesting! The next seven miles transform into a narrow, sometimes rough, and definitely dusty dirt road that hugs the northern shore of the lake. Don't worry, you usually won't need 4WD or high clearance in good weather, but be prepared for some tight squeezes — sections are barely wide enough for a single car. Just a heads-up: this isn't RV or trailer territory, and low-clearance vehicles might want to think twice. Keep in mind, because we are in the Sierra Nevada, this road is typically closed from November to May due to snow. But when it's open, the views of those beautiful mountains and lakes are totally worth it!
moderateDriving the Klondike Highway to White Pass on the Alaska-Canada border
🇨🇦 Canada
White Pass straddles the border between Alaska and British Columbia, lifting you to 1,010m (3,313ft) above sea level. This legendary pass is a true icon of the North, forever linked to the Klondike Gold Rush. Prepare yourself for dramatic landscapes within the Coast Mountains! This route carves through the same rugged terrain that countless gold seekers once braved. Today, it's a smooth, paved highway granting access to a raw wilderness of glaciers, roaring waterfalls, and deep, granite canyons. Clocking in at 34.4 km (21.37 miles), this stretch of the South Klondike Highway runs north from the charming coastal town of Skagway, Alaska, to the Canadian customs at Fraser, British Columbia. Be aware, though: "White Pass" isn't just a name! This road is steep – some sections hit an 11% gradient. Get ready for relentless climbs and descents that will test your brakes! Mother Nature throws curveballs, too. Even in summer, fog, heavy snow, and fierce winds can roll in fast, and visibility can disappear in seconds. The views are breathtaking as you climb from sea level. You'll pass through multiple eco-zones, from lush rainforest to windswept alpine tundra. Keep in mind, you're crossing an international border, so have your travel documents ready for customs! Along the way, you'll get epic views of the Skagway River and the historic White Pass & Yukon Route railroad. Stop at Moore Bridge for a photo op over a stunning gorge, and check out overlooks showcasing the infamous "Dead Horse Trail." This road trip is unforgettable, but stay alert! Those steep drop-offs and frequent tour buses demand your full attention.