How long is the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington?
Usa, north-america
84.49 km
718 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about the Mountain Loop Highway in Washington's Snohomish County! This scenic gem stretches for about 52.5 miles from Granite Falls to Darrington, nestled between the Pilchuck and Stillaguamish rivers.
Most of the road is paved, but get ready for a little off-the-beaten-path action! A 14-mile gravel section winds around Barlow Pass, offering a taste of adventure as it takes you past old town sites and historic claims. Prepare to be wowed by rushing rivers and views of glacier-covered peaks!
Heads up: This beauty is a seasonal treat. Sitting high in the Cascades, peaking at 2,355 feet, the highway closes each winter from Deer Creek to Bedal, typically reopening in May. And remember, mountain weather is unpredictable, so even outside winter, snow and ice can happen.
Good news: You probably don't need a super-rugged ride. Most cars can handle Forest Route 20, just take it slow and easy, especially on that gravel stretch.
This road has some history, too. Construction started way back in 1936 and wrapped up in 1941. Get ready for some serious Pacific Northwest beauty!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 84.49 km
- Max Elevation
- 718 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
hardEbbetts Pass is a very steep narrow road in Sierra Nevada
🇺🇸 Usa
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! You NEED to add Ebbetts Pass to your California road trip itinerary. This hidden gem, nestled in Alpine County, climbs to a breathtaking 8,746 feet! This road isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Picture this: you're winding through the Sierra Nevada on California State Route 4 (also known as Alpine State Highway and part of the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway) a completely paved, 61-mile stretch from Arnold to Markleeville. This is one of the quietest passes in the Sierras, so you might even feel like you have the mountains to yourself. Now, a little history: Back in 1851, John Ebbetts thought this route might be perfect for a transcontinental railroad but alas, it wasn’t to be. Today, the pass bears his name! Heads up, though: this road is not for the faint of heart. Expect seriously steep sections – up to a gut-wrenching 24% grade! And those hairpin turns? They're blind, they're tight, and they demand your full attention. Definitely not recommended for big rigs, buses, or RVs! Also, keep an eye out for when the snow starts to fall, usually in early November, as the pass is not plowed and will close. You can usually expect it to open again around Memorial Day. What you get in return are views that will blow your mind. Think soaring alpine vistas, charming little hamlets, and a raw, untamed beauty that's hard to find anywhere else. Just be prepared to downshift and hug those curves – this is one ride you won't soon forget.
hardWhere is San Miguel Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so you HAVE to check out San Miguel Mountain in sunny San Diego County, California! This peak sits pretty at 2,567 feet, and you'll find it nestled in Spring Valley, just a quick 15-mile jaunt east of downtown San Diego. Bonus: on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mexico! Heads up, though – the summit is home to a bunch of communication towers, so it's not exactly a pristine wilderness up there. However, the drive? Totally worth it. Millar Ranch Road is your path to the top. It's paved the whole way, but get ready for a serious climb! From CA-94, it's about 4.6 miles of winding, narrow road, gaining a whopping 2,227 feet in elevation. We're talking an average gradient of over 9%, with some sections spiking to over 20%! So buckle up, and get ready for some amazing views!
moderateWhere is Boreas Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising through central Colorado? You HAVE to check out Boreas Pass! This beauty straddles Summit and Park counties, connecting Breckenridge to Como. At a whopping 11,505 feet above sea level, you'll feel like you're on top of the world. This 20-mile stretch of road, officially known as Boreas Pass Road (County Road 10- Forest Service Road 404), has a rich history, once serving as a narrow-gauge railroad during the gold rush days. Nowadays, it's a well-maintained gravel road that's generally passable by 2WD cars in good weather – although you'll want 4WD if it's wet or snowy. Expect some rough spots! Give yourself about an hour to drive it without stopping, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop. The views are incredible, especially in the fall when the aspen trees are ablaze with color. You'll get stunning vistas of Mount Silverheels and the Tenmile Range. Plus, there's plenty of parking at the summit and a cool mountain hut called Ken's Cabin to explore. Heads up: the pass is closed to vehicles from October to May, so plan your trip accordingly. Also, keep an eye out for cyclists and be aware that this narrow road can get busy, especially during peak foliage season. Even with the other traffic, the scenery makes it one of the best places to see fall colors in the state! You might even feel like you're in a ghost town!
moderateWhere is Soldier Pass Utah?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Soldier Summit in Utah! This beauty sits at a cool 7,493 feet above sea level, right on the border between Utah and Wasatch counties in eastern Utah. Ever wonder about the name? Legend has it that back in 1861, a troop of soldiers led by General Philip St. George Cooke got slammed by a surprise snowstorm *in July* (crazy, right?) while heading to join the Confederate Army. Sadly, some didn't make it and are buried at the summit. Spooky, historical, and a little bit sad! The drive itself? It’s about 42.8 miles (68.87km) of pure, paved bliss on U.S. Route 6. Cruise from the ghost town of Thistle in Spanish Fork Canyon all the way to Castle Gate, another ghost town over in Carbon County. The road isn't too crazy, mostly flat with some ramps that get up to a 5% grade. Keep in mind, you're high in the Wasatch Mountains, so while it's usually open year-round, winter weather can cause temporary closures. At the summit, you'll find a ghost town (naturally!) that shares the name and a gas station if you need a top-up. Get your cameras ready for those views!