Why is it called Sherman Pass?
Usa, north-america
59 km
1,684 m
easy
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Sherman Pass in Washington is calling your name. This isn't just any drive; it's a journey to 5,524 feet above sea level in the heart of Ferry County. And get this: it's the highest pass in Washington that's kept open all year round!
Nestled in the northeastern part of the state, a world away from the hustle and bustle, most of this gorgeous drive winds through the Colville National Forest. You're basically surrounded by epic scenery with hardly any other cars around. Plus, you're cruising along a historic route once used by Native Americans heading to the Columbia River for fishing! Later, wagons came rumbling through, and the whole thing was named after Civil War General William T. Sherman, who rolled through back in 1883.
The road? Paved, baby! State Route 20, also known as the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, is smooth sailing all the way to the top. Sure, it's steep in sections, but the views are SO worth it. Seriously, they don't call it "The Most Beautiful Mountain Highway" in Washington for nothing!
The whole shebang is just under 37 miles long, stretching from near Republic on WA-21 all the way east to Kettle Falls on US-395.
My advice? Hit this road between late spring and early fall for the ultimate escape. Trust me, it's the perfect way to ditch civilization and reconnect with nature (and some seriously stunning vistas).
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 59 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,684 m
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in north-america
hardWhere is Hat Point?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Hat Point in Wallowa County, Oregon, is calling your name. Perched at a dizzying 6,988 feet, this spot serves up views you won't believe, but getting there? It's part of the adventure! You'll find Hat Point tucked away in the northeast corner of Oregon, inside the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. Legend has it that the place got its name when a cowboy lost his hat to the brush while wrangling a wild horse. Now, about that road... It's a 22.8-mile gravel grinder starting from Imnaha. The good news? It's generally in pretty decent shape. The bad news? It's narrow, bumpy (think washboards galore), and oh yeah, it climbs a whopping 5,000 feet! That's an average grade of 4.13%, but buckle up because some sections hit a crazy steep 16%. While a passenger car with decent clearance can probably make it, a 4x4 is your best bet. RVs? Proceed with extreme caution, especially in the first six miles, and be prepared for some seriously tight turns. And here's where the fun really begins: the road gets even narrower, and if you meet another vehicle, well, let's just say you'll be holding your breath. No guardrails here, folks! But trust me, the payoff is HUGE. At the top, you're rewarded with mind-blowing panoramic views of Hells Canyon and the Wild and Scenic Snake River. Plus, you can check out one of Oregon's highest fire lookout towers, standing tall at 82 feet. Just a heads-up: this road is usually open from June to October, so plan accordingly. Be prepared for a slow, careful drive – patience is key. Watch those brakes, and if they start feeling weak, pull over and let them cool down. Low-clearance vehicles, RVs, and trailers should tread carefully, especially on the lower sections. And if it's wet or icy? Maybe save this adventure for another day.
hardDriving the wild Fisherman Road to Lake Owyhee in OR
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Fisherman Road in Oregon's Malheur County! If you're itching for a seriously off-the-grid experience, this is your jam. This unpaved, rocky road winds its way to Indian Creek Campground on Lake Owyhee, and trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride. We're talking about a full-on 4x4 situation here, high clearance essential. This isn't a Sunday drive – it's a slow and steady climb along a narrow, 11.8-mile (18.99km) stretch of pure wilderness. Fisherman Road starts off Succor Creek Road and twists its way to the Indian Creek Campground. The max gradient reaches a butt-clenching 18% in places and tops out at a lofty 4,612 feet (1.406m). Word to the wise: you will be completely cut off from the digital world, so download those maps and prepare to disconnect!
hardMedicine Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, folks, picture this: you're in north-central Wyoming, Big Horn County to be exact, and you're itching for an adventure. Look no further than Medicine Mountain! This peak clocks in at a cool 9,970 feet, and the views? Absolutely insane! You'll be cruising on Forest Service Road 12, which is an unpaved road snaking up the mountain, so buckle up for a bumpy ride. Heads up: this road's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. Keep an eye out for that massive, spherical FAA radar dome – you can’t miss it! Once you conquer the climb, you're in for a treat. The summit offers panoramic vistas of the Big Horn Basin and the Absaroka Mountain Range. But the real gem? The Medicine Wheel! This ancient stone structure, crafted from local limestone, is a testament to the Plains Indians' ingenuity. This nearly 80 foot diameter wheel with its 28 alignments is thought to have been built between 300-800 years ago, and some say it was used to predict astronomical events. Pretty wild, right?
moderateMt. Hamilton Road is a Californian drive with 365 curves
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Mt. Hamilton Road in Santa Clara County, California, ready for an epic mountain adventure. This isn't just any road; it's a 19-mile (31 km) ribbon of asphalt that some say boasts 365 curves - one for every single day of the year! This stretch is actually part of California State Route 130, and it's completely paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a twisty, turny challenge, climbing up to Mount Hamilton at a whopping 4,206ft (1,282m) above sea level. And guess what's waiting up there? The historic Lick Observatory! Watch out for cyclists sharing the road as you make your ascent. Fun fact: this route was built way back in 1875-76 to haul materials up to the observatory. The grade isn't too steep, but the road is narrow in spots, with some pretty tight curves thrown in for good measure. Perched high in the Diablo Range, Mt. Hamilton can get chilly. Pack a sweater, especially if you're heading up during the colder months. It even snows up there sometimes! But the views? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to incredible panoramas of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley spread out below. Just remember to fill up the tank and grab some snacks before you go – there are no services once you leave San Jose. On a clear day from the summit, you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Sierra Nevada. Trust me, this drive is spine-tingling!