Where is Willamette Pass?
Usa, north-america
138 km
1,563 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Willamette Pass in Oregon is calling your name! This beauty straddles Klamath and Lane counties, about 65 miles southeast of Eugene, and it's been a vital link between the Willamette Valley and central Oregon for ages.
Since opening in 1940, the fully paved Oregon Route 58 (aka Willamette Highway No. 18) stretches for 86 glorious miles (138km) from Goshen to just north of Chemult. You'll climb to a cool 5,128 feet (1.563m) above sea level at the summit.
Nestled high in the Cascade Range within the Willamette National Forest, this road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to those pesky snowstorms!
But is it worth it? Absolutely! Think lush forests, sparkling lakes, and incredible wildlife. You'll find tons of spots to hike, fish, camp, swim, or just chill and soak it all in. Plus, there's a sweet backcountry trail system, shelters, and even a warming hut at Gold Lake Snopark during weekends. And for the thrill-seekers, there's a tubing hill at Salt Creek Snopark, and the Willamette Pass Resort ski area right above the pass. Get ready for some serious adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 138 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,563 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardHow to Get by Car to Punta Allen in Mexico?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Escape to Punta Allen, the hidden gem at the tip of the Boca Paila Peninsula in Quintana Roo! This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure along QROO 15, a 53 km (33-mile) ribbon of road snaking from Tulum down the Yucatán Peninsula's Caribbean coast to the doorstep of paradise. Prepare for a wild ride through the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve! This narrow, unpaved road, also known as Javier Rojo Gómez, cuts through seriously dense jungle. Dry conditions mean dodging potholes (watch out for those sneaky speed bumps!), but after rain, things get interesting. The southern stretch after Boca Paila bridge is the trickiest, demanding some off-road skill to avoid sinking in the sand. Seriously, leave your compact car at home. An SUV is a must. Keep your eyes peeled, especially after rain, as the road sometimes merges with the beach – 4WD might be your savior! With no lanes, it's a free-for-all to avoid potholes, so watch for oncoming traffic. Keep it under 40 km/h to protect the local critters trying to cross. They call this a journey to the end of the Earth, and they're not kidding! It's remote, so make sure your ride is ready. Fill up in Tulum (no gas stations in Punta Allen!), and start early to finish before dark. Remember, it’s a two-hour drive, and the only way back is the same road. The 2-3 hour drive (without stops) is worth every bump! Take your time and explore – stroll along untouched beaches, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and peek for crocodiles from the bridge. Keep an eye out for lizards, iguanas, crabs, and birds. Trust us, once you reach Punta Allen with its powdery white sand and emerald sea, you'll forget all about the challenging road. It’s paradise found!
easyHow long is the Silver Thread Byway?
🇺🇸 Usa
Get ready for an unforgettable road trip on the Silver Thread Scenic Byway in Colorado! This totally paved beauty stretches for 117 miles along Highway 149, winding through the Rio Grande National Forest and beyond. Starting near Gunnison at US-50, this route takes you all the way to South Fork, on US-160 in Rio Grande County, nestled within the stunning San Juan Mountain Range. You'll cruise through charming towns like Lake City, Creede, and South Fork. Good news, road trippers! This byway is maintained year-round, even in winter when snowplows keep it clear. Just be cautious of potentially tricky conditions during the snowy season. The road peaks at a lofty 11,574 feet above sea level, so be prepared for some serious altitude! While you could technically drive the whole thing in around 3 hours without stopping, trust me, you'll want to budget way more time. This route is packed with panoramic vistas, abundant wildlife (elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep!), and a fascinating history of Native Americans, early explorers, and Victorian mining. Prepare to be wowed! The Silver Thread Scenic Byway is a historical route boasting incredible beauty and outdoor adventures. Follow the path of old toll roads and stagecoach lines, and keep an eye out for those marked stopping points offering breathtaking views at every turn. As you go through the area, you will experience the colorful old mining and logging camps along the way offer a wealth of history, while the surrounding Wilderness and National Forest lands serve up a huge dose of scenic beauty. The heights around Creede and Lake City remain strewn with abandoned mining structures, most of them accessible via rugged backcountry roads. You'll also witness sparkling North Clear Creek Falls, the intriguing Slumgullion earth slide, and the distinctive Uncompahgre Peak. Grab a Silver Thread Guide at the Lake City Visitor Center for even more insider tips!
hardLake Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Lake Mountain in Idaho's Salmon River Mountains! This peak soars to a staggering 9,274 feet, making it one of the highest drives in the state. You'll find it deep within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Forest Road 389 is your path to the top, but be warned: it's a rugged mix of gravel and rocks. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride that's definitely not for the faint of heart! Winter makes it impassable, so plan accordingly. Experienced off-roaders will find this trail a blast. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Seriously, a 4x4 is a must. It's steep, and wet weather turns the road into a muddy mess. Oh, and if you're afraid of heights... yeah, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're up for an adventure, the views from the top are absolutely worth it!
hardWhere is Mineral Bottom Trail?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southeastern Utah, just outside Canyonlands National Park, no permits needed, baby! You're on the Mineral Bottom Trail (aka Horse Thief Trail), a 14.6-mile dirt track that's your ticket from UT-313 to the White Rim Trail. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. BLM129 starts as a wide county road, but quickly plunges down into the Green River valley via some seriously epic switchbacks. Seriously, these switchbacks can be intimidating! We're talking steep sections, up to 21% grade, right on the edge. High-clearance 2WD can handle it when it's dry, but 4WD is recommended because the surface is uneven. But, pro tip: avoid this road like the plague if it's wet! Those switchbacks get slick, and trust me, you don't want to slide off the edge. If it rains while you're down by the river, just chill for a couple of hours and let the road dry out. You can tackle this trail year-round, but avoid midday in July and August—it gets HOT! Plus, those summer thunderstorms roll in. Pack all the water you'll need and get ready for some incredible views of the surrounding area and mountains. Just be prepared for a wild ride!