Where is Siskiyou Summit?
Usa, north-america
6.4 km
1,314 m
extreme
Year-round
Siskiyou Summit, nestled in Oregon's Jackson County, is a real stunner! This mountain pass, soaring to 4,310 feet, straddles the Siskiyou Mountains just 4 miles north of the California border.
You'll be cruising on Interstate 5 (Pacific Highway), entirely paved, making it super accessible. Fun fact: it's the highest point on this major route!
Clocking in at about 51 miles, this stretch of road runs from Medford, Oregon, to Yreka, California, right through the beautiful Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.
But, heads up, it's not all smooth sailing! Depending on your direction, you'll either be gaining or losing a hefty 2,300 feet in just 6 miles, with some pretty steep 6% grades thrown in for good measure. There's a particularly intense part heading north from Milepost 18, where you're climbing 2,000 feet in a short 6-mile burst.
The descent can be tricky, especially when fog rolls in and visibility drops to near zero. Despite the challenges, you'll see a ton of trucks navigating this route daily!
Word to the wise: this is mountain country, so weather is always a factor. With its elevation and proximity to the Pacific, Siskiyou Summit sees a lot of snow and freezing rain, especially from November to April. Oregon D.O.T. might even shut down the whole highway during winter storms. Closures can happen even when the weather seems fine, so always be prepared.
Driving at night or early morning in winter? Maybe skip it. Definitely tune into weather updates and road conditions before and during your drive to stay safe.
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 6.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,314 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Kolokole Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk Kolokole Pass! This hidden gem sits way up in the Waianae Mountain Range on Oahu, Hawaii, clocking in at 504m (1,653ft). You'll find it connecting central and western Oahu. The road itself, Kolokole Road, stretches for about 22.20km (13.8 miles) from Wahiawa to Nānākuli. It's a fully paved ribbon of asphalt, but get ready for some twists and turns! Think steep climbs, tight corners, and some narrow stretches to keep things interesting. Now, here's the catch: access is usually limited to military personnel. But, rumor has it, the road sometimes opens to the public during emergencies. Keep an eye out, but be aware that heavy rains and rockslides can shut it down in a heartbeat. Oh, and movie buffs? You might recognize the scenery! This is the spot where those WWII Japanese fighters supposedly flew through on their way to bomb Pearl Harbor in that iconic war film. Pretty cool, right?
hardWhere is Mount Patterson?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, California dreamers, listen up! Wanna bag some seriously epic views? Then point your 4x4 toward Mount Patterson in Mono County. This bad boy tops out at a whopping 11,679 feet, making it one of the highest drives you can do in the Golden State. Tucked away in the Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border, this area’s got that old West vibe, with abandoned mines scattered about, relics from the 1880s. The 360-degree panoramas from the summit? Unbelievable! Heads up, though: this ain’t your grandma's Sunday drive. The road is completely unpaved and seriously rugged. You’ll definitely need a 4WD beast to tackle this one, especially since it’s an old mining road leading to the historic Montague Mine Cabin. The window to drive it is pretty tight—usually July to October, weather permitting. Snow's a big factor, so opening and closing dates are at the mercy of Mother Nature. And fair warning: the wind up there is no joke. It howls year-round, and the higher you climb, the more exposed you'll be. From US395, it's about 16 miles to the summit, gaining over 5,000 feet in elevation. That means some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting a max of 18%! Average grade is around 6%, so prepare for a workout, both for your rig and your nerves. White Mountain Road (Mount Patterson access road) has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers in California. But trust me, the views are worth every white-knuckle moment!
moderateParrott Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you’re craving a serious off-road experience, Parrott Peak in Colorado's La Plata County is calling your name. We're talking about a lung-busting climb up to 10,997 feet! The road, known as Road 316, is a beast - a mix of gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumps to keep you on your toes. Nestled in the San Juan National Forest, this route is seriously weather-dependent; aim for mid-summer unless you’re a fan of snowdrifts. You absolutely NEED a 4x4 to tackle this terrain. Forget about cruising; this is a slow and steady challenge that demands your full attention. We're talking steep grades, potential drop-offs, and that lovely head-spinning feeling. Keep your eyes peeled for spots to pull over because you might meet other adventurers in some pretty tight spots. Basically, this isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views? Totally worth it.
hardSunflower Hill
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, let me tell you about Sunflower Hill! This hidden gem sits high in California's Placer County, chilling at a cool 7,004 feet above sea level. You'll find it nestled within the Tahoe National Forest, but be warned: the road up, Foresthill Road (#88), is no walk in the park. We're talking gravel and rocks, so leave your fancy sports car at home. Seriously, a 4WD is your best friend here, and a spare tire wouldn't hurt either. This route is definitely not for the faint of heart – or those who get queasy with heights! Expect some seriously steep sections. Oh, and pro tip: winters here are a no-go. Trust me, you won't be getting through the snow. But if you're up for a rugged adventure, the views from the top are totally worth the bumpy ride.