Where is Washington Pass?
Usa, north-america
104 km
1,669 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Washington Pass, sitting pretty at 5,477 feet in the heart of Washington State! You'll find this gem straddling Chelan and Okanogan counties, practically waving hello to Canada.
The road? Oh, it's smooth sailing on fully paved State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway. This is the northernmost route that'll get you across those epic Cascade Mountains in Washington.
Get ready for a 65-mile adventure, from Diablo to Winthrop, with views that just won't quit. And don't miss the short side trip up NF-500 to the Washington Pass Observation Site at the very top—seriously, the panoramic views are unreal!
Now, heads up: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Being nestled high in the North Cascades, this road has a wild side, with a high risk of avalanches. Usually, the highway shuts down around late November/early December and doesn't reopen until sometime between April and early May. The closed section typically stretches between the Ross Dam Trailhead (MP 134) and Silver Star Creek (MP 171). Plan accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 104 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,669 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
easyPrinceton Summerland Road is a drive with superb views in BC
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising through British Columbia, Canada, you HAVE to check out the Princeton Summerland Road. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, connecting Princeton in the Similkameen region to Summerland on the west side of Okanagan Lake. Locals call the Princeton end "the Five-Mile," so keep an ear out! Clocking in at around 93 km (almost 58 miles), this route is a sweet mix of smooth curves and incredible views. About 60 km is paved, but the rest is packed gravel, so be prepared for some potentially bumpy sections. It's a backroad adventure, but not too wild. You'll climb to about 1,120m (over 3,600ft) above sea level, so hold on tight on those steeper sections! Just a heads-up: the area can get mudslides and washouts, so keep an eye on the weather. Without stops, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to soak it all in. This road traces the old Kettle Valley Railway, and the scenery is seriously stunning. Think wide-open spaces, crisp air, and views that will make your jaw drop. Trust me, this road is a photographer's dream come true!
easyWhere is Big Mountain Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Big Mountain Pass in Utah. This beauty sits high in the Wasatch Mountains, a whopping 7,437 feet above sea level, right on the border between Morgan and Salt Lake counties, just north of Salt Lake City. Fun fact: this pass is part of the OG route the Mormon pioneers used back in '47 on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. These days, it's a fully paved road, called Utah State Route 65 – built back in '31! The whole stretch is about 27 miles long, winding from the Lincoln Highway (I-80) near the Mountain Dell Dam all the way to Henefer, up in Summit County, near I-84. Heads up, though: this road is usually closed during the winter months due to all that lovely snow. Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The summit has a parking area, a couple of communication towers, and views for days. The drive itself is super scenic, and near the top, you’ll find some spots to pull over and soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want your camera ready!
moderateWhere is Fire Trail Road?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for a spooky drive down Marine Drive and Fire Trail Road near Marysville, Washington! This fully paved road, previously known as Marysville-Pilchuck Road, offers a seriously eerie vibe, especially after dark thanks to minimal streetlights. Beyond the pavement, this road has a haunted reputation and two prominent ghost stories. Drivers have reported seeing a mysterious figure in their rearview mirror, only to have it vanish when they turn around. Others claim to have spotted apparitions of Native Americans along the roadside, which makes sense given the road's location on the Tulalip Reservation. Legend whispers of the "Fire Trail Ghost," a man who tragically died speeding along a gravel section, crashing into a swamp or Cummings Lake. Keep an eye out for phantom lights atop a particular hill – glowing orbs that fade after about 30 seconds. Some say it's the Fire Trail Ghost warning drivers of danger ahead. And get this – some folks have even claimed to see someone running alongside their car at 35 MPH! There are also tales of spectral firefighters along the road. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this road is guaranteed to give you chills!
hardWhere is Hole in the Wall?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Hole in the Wall Road in Death Valley is calling your name! You'll find this wild ride smack-dab in Inyo County, California, right in the heart of Death Valley National Park. So, how long is this off-road escapade? It clocks in at about 6 miles, starting from CA-190 (just under 6 miles east of Furnace Creek Inn). The first 4 miles to Hole-in-the-Wall are doable with high clearance, but after that, you'll definitely need 4x4 to conquer the rough terrain. Word to the wise: it gets even tougher after you pass through the "hole"! The road eventually dead-ends at an old mining prospect, though it doesn't look like much ever came of it. Expect a totally unpaved surface. And here's the deal: flash floods happen, so road conditions can change on a dime. After a storm, even 4-wheel drive might not save you. Always check Death Valley's official website for the latest updates before you go. Double-check your vehicle, pack tons of water (for you and your radiator!), bring some grub, and take it slow and steady. The views are amazing, but safety first!