Driving the treacherously steep Bella Coola Road in British Columbia
Canada, north-america
454 km
1,524 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the Bella Coola Road – a 454-kilometer (282-mile) adventure across British Columbia that'll take your breath away! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience, linking Bella Coola with Williams Lake.
Also known as Highway 20 or the Chilcotin Highway, this route carves its way from the Central Interior to the Central Coast, serving up a hefty dose of the Coast Mountains and Chilcotin Plateau. Think dramatic landscapes: desert canyons echoing near the Fraser River, and soaring glaciated peaks.
The first 319 km is paved, taking you to Anahim Lake. After that, it's gravel road all the way. You'll definitely want to stay focused on those hairpin turns! This isn't a Sunday cruise; it's a "low gear, full concentration" kind of drive.
The real kicker? "The Hill," a set of switchbacks leading up to Heckman Pass at 1,524 meters (5,000 feet). Then brace yourself for a thrilling 43 km (27 mi) descent into the Bella Coola Valley, featuring grades up to 18% (yikes!), which some say is the steepest in BC. Remember, uphill traffic has the right-of-way on those single-lane bits!
Driving into Bella Coola is absolutely worth it! With limited services along the way, make sure you're prepared. Fill up the tank! You can make the whole trip in a day, especially in summer, but plan to take your time and soak in those views.
Fun fact: Built in 1953, the road is nicknamed the "Freedom Road" by locals, who remember how isolated they were before its completion.
Where is it?
Driving the treacherously steep Bella Coola Road in British Columbia is located in Canada (north-america). Coordinates: 56.2764, -104.7738
Road Details
- Country
- Canada
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 454 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,524 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 56.2764, -104.7738
Related Roads in north-america
hardCarr Canyon Road in Arizona: narrow and steep with no guard rails
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure time! Let's talk about Carr Canyon Road #368 in Cochise County, Arizona. This isn't just any road, it's a historic mining route revamped by the CCC back in the day. Picture this: you're in the southeast corner of Arizona, deep in the Coronado National Forest, ready to tackle 7.8 miles of winding road up the Huachuca Mountains. You'll start on some pavement, but soon you'll be kicking up dust on a dirt road that's mostly good for regular cars. Now, this isn't a Sunday drive. Get ready for narrow sections, hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel, and steep climbs that'll make your engine work. Oh, and did I mention no guardrails? Adds to the thrill, right? If you're rolling in something massive (over 20 feet long) or towing a big trailer (over 12 feet), you'll have to stop at the Carr Canyon Picnic Area. Give yourself about 40 minutes to cruise this road, but trust me, you'll want to stop. This is the only way to get to the top of the Huachuca Range. Pull over at the overlooks, because the views of Sierra Vista, the San Pedro Valley, and all those surrounding mountains are unreal. Up top, you'll find a basic campground and tons of hiking trails. Heads up: this road usually closes for the winter (mid-December to mid-March). The climb is no joke, hitting a max grade of 12% in spots! You'll gain over 2,500 feet from the start, averaging around a 6% grade. Get ready for an epic climb and unforgettable views!
hardWhere is Ebbetts Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Craving a seriously epic drive? Then you NEED to check out Ebbetts Pass! Nestled high in California's Alpine County, this road tops out at a cool 8,746 feet. Think tight switchbacks, charming little towns, and views for days – seriously, the alpine scenery is unreal. This 61-mile stretch of California State Route 4, also known as Alpine State Highway, winds its way from Arnold to Markleeville, making it one of the Sierra Nevada's best-kept secrets. Just remember, the pass is usually open from late spring (think Memorial Day, give or take) to the first big snowfall, usually around early November. Now, a word of warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart (or large RVs!). We're talking steep climbs, with some sections hitting a whopping 24% grade! Plus, those hairpin turns are seriously tight and sometimes blind, especially on the eastern side. You'll be hugging the road as you navigate those improbable switchbacks! So, leave the big rig at home and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Boy Scout Lane?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so there's this super creepy road in central Wisconsin called Boy Scout Lane, near Plover. It's a total backwoods experience. The whole legend revolves around a Boy Scout troop who met a seriously tragic end, and now, supposedly, their spirits roam the area. It's a short little stretch, only about half a mile, completely unpaved, and winds through the dense woods. Don't expect any scenic overlooks or anything – the atmosphere is the main attraction (if you're into that sort of thing!). The land around the road is private property now, so you can't go wandering off. But even just driving down it, you might feel a chill... or maybe that's just the Wisconsin air! Whether you believe the ghost stories or not, Boy Scout Lane is definitely a memorable, if unsettling, little detour.
extremeObstruction Point Road is Washington's scariest road
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Obstruction Point Road in Washington's Clallam County! Word on the street is this might just be the state's wildest ride. Nestled in the Olympic Mountains, this 7.6-mile stretch connects Hurricane Ridge to the Obstruction Point Trailhead. Forget pavement! This is a well-maintained dirt road, totally doable in your average car. But don't let that fool you—it's a classic backcountry road, barely a lane and a half wide, so keep your eyes peeled for wider spots to pull over. Now, for the nitty-gritty: this road is NARROW. Think single-lane gravel at times, with some serious drop-offs where the shoulder ought to be. RVs, trailers, motorhomes? Hard pass. It's best for drivers comfortable with VERY narrow dirt roads. Take it slow, especially around blind corners! Rainy conditions can make it slick, so be extra cautious. Built back in the 40s, this high-mountain route peaks at 6,135ft, serving up tight corners and steep drops. It's the highest road in Olympic National Park! Heads up: it's seasonal, usually open mid-July to October, but weather can shut it down at a moment's notice. The payoff? Mind-blowing views! Give yourself an hour for the drive without stops. Weekends can get crowded, especially on sunny days, so consider a weekday or an early start. After a couple of miles through the trees, the road bursts open, and you're cruising along a ridge with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Trust me, the view at the end is worth it, but don't skip the viewpoints along the way! You'll get incredible views into the heart of Olympic National Park.