
Willamette Pass is a classic road trip in Oregon
Usa, north-america
138 km
1,563 m
easy
Year-round
Hey, road trippers! Let's talk about Willamette Pass, a stunner nestled high in Oregon's Cascade Range. You'll find this paved beauty—also known as Pengra Pass or Willamette Summit—sitting pretty along Oregon Route 58, right on the edge of Klamath and Lane counties. We're talking about a scenic 86-mile stretch from Goshen (north of Chemult) that's been connecting the Willamette Valley to central Oregon for over a century and a half.
At 5,128 feet above sea level, this route, which opened in 1940, winds through the Willamette National Forest, offering up lush forests, shimmering lakes, and all sorts of wildlife sightings. It's a paradise for hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, or just chilling out.
Good news: It’s usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter. Short-term closures are common when the conditions get dicey. For you winter enthusiasts, there's a whole network of backcountry trails, shelters, and even a cozy warming hut at Gold Lake Snopark. Plus, there's a family-friendly tubing hill at Salt Creek Snopark, and the Willamette Pass Resort ski area is right there. So, pack your bags and get ready for an epic adventure!
Where is it?
Willamette Pass is a classic road trip in Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.1623, -97.0211
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 138 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,563 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 38.1623, -97.0211
Related Roads in north-america
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Arizona?
🇺🇸 Usa
Arizona, the sixth-largest state in the US Southwest, is a total showstopper with its crazy contrasts. Think scorching deserts, but also epic mountains! It's part of the Mountain West, so get ready for some serious elevation changes. Geographically, it's like three totally different worlds mashed together: the Colorado Plateau, the Transition Zone, and the Basin and Ridge Region, all climbing to some serious heights. This wild, rugged landscape, with peaks like the San Francisco Peaks and canyons so deep they’ll take your breath away, means Arizona's got some seriously challenging mountain roads. They're perfect for anyone looking to explore the state's vertical extremes. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
hardHow long is Carretera Federal 1?
🇲🇽 Mexico
Okay, picture this: a road trip stretching the entire length of Baja California on Mexico's Carretera Federal 1, aka the Transpeninsular Highway! This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 1,711 km (1,063 miles) from Cabo San Lucas all the way north to Tijuana, where it magically transforms into Interstate 5 once you cross the border into sunny California. They finished building this beauty back in '73, and while it’s paved, don’t expect a super-smooth cruise the whole way. Let's just say it's got a reputation. Think twisty two-lane roads with blind corners and zero shoulder. Yeah, you read that right – often no guardrails separating you from, well, everything. You'll be sharing the road with everything from massive freight trucks to oversized RVs, making those hairpin turns along the coast and through the mountains extra exciting. Accidents happen, and you might spot some guardrails that have seen better days. Keep your eyes peeled, especially around those blind corners, because some drivers like to put the pedal to the metal! But hey, it's not all white-knuckle driving. Get this: between El Médano and Las Barrancas, you'll find one of the longest straight stretches of road on the planet – a mind-blowing 169 km (105 miles) of pure, unadulterated asphalt. So, buckle up, buttercup, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!
easyBlue Ridge Parkway
🇺🇸 United States
# The Blue Ridge Parkway: America's Most Scenic Road Trip Picture this: 755 kilometers of pure driving bliss winding through the heart of Appalachia, from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia all the way down to Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina. Welcome to the Blue Ridge Parkway, aka "America's Favorite Drive"—and honestly, once you've experienced it, you'll understand why. Here's what makes this route so special: it was literally designed for leisurely cruising. No eighteen-wheelers allowed, a chill 45 mph speed limit, and pull-offs every few minutes so you can actually soak in the views. The scenery? Absolutely mind-blowing. You're driving through some of Earth's oldest mountains, surrounded by endless forests that release a natural compound creating that signature blue haze clinging to the ridges. It's like the mountains are winking at you the entire drive. Don't miss the Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain—it's an engineering masterpiece that literally curves around the mountainside like nothing you've ever seen. And if you're into authentic Americana, the Appalachian communities scattered along the route are brimming with folk music heritage and genuine culture. Time your trip for fall, and you're in for a real treat. The parkway becomes an explosion of crimson, gold, and orange that draws millions of visitors. Seriously—it's bucket list material, full stop.
hardDevils Head
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! We're heading to Devils Head in northern Arizona's Coconino County, a lava dome reaching a whopping 9,140 feet above sea level. This isn't your Sunday drive; Forest Road 557A to the top is a gravelly, rocky, and bumpy ride, so make sure your 4x4 is ready for some action! Winter? Forget about it – this road's usually snowed in. But when it's open, experienced off-roaders will be in heaven. The summit might be dotted with communication towers, but the views? Absolutely stunning! Think sweeping vistas of Flagstaff, the majestic San Francisco Mountain, and the whole of northern Arizona unfolding before you. Word to the wise: if unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, this might not be your cup of tea. It’s steep in places, and rain can turn the road into a muddy challenge. But if you're up for it, especially in the fall, it's SO worth it! The road is graded, but those switchbacks and hairpin turns demand your full attention. Keep an eye out for oncoming traffic and mountain bikers sharing the road. And near the top, you'll pass through an area still recovering from a massive wildfire back in '77 – a stark reminder of nature's power. Get ready for a memorable climb!