Is the road to Hart’s Pass open to passenger cars?
Usa, north-america
30.09 km
1,891 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers, because Hart's Pass in Washington State is calling your name! This isn't just a drive; it's an experience. Perched way up high—we're talking 6,204 feet!—on the edge of Okanogan and Whatcom counties, it's supposedly the highest point in Washington you can reach in a 2WD car. And if you hike past Hart's Pass to the gate to Slate Peak Lookout, you’ll be at a whopping 7,488 feet.
The road, also known as NF-5400 (Hart's Pass Road), winds its unpaved way through the North Cascades, opening up some seriously epic views. Think dramatic canyons and vistas that'll leave you speechless. Just a heads-up, though: trailers are a no-go, and RVs? Probably not your best bet, thanks to the tight squeezes and lack of wide turnouts. Passenger cars are generally okay, but get ready for a potentially nail-biting ride! The road is narrow, winding, and steep, with some serious drop-offs. Passing can be tricky, but the views...oh, the views!
Typically, you can hit this road from July to October, snow permitting. Built way back in 1893 to service the gold and silver mines, this road is a piece of history. Is it worth it? Absolutely! You'll be hanging along cliff walls, soaking in those magnificent vistas. If you're planning a sunset visit, pack a warm coat – even on a summer day, temperatures can dip into the 40s at night.
Starting from Mazama, you'll be climbing 1,244 meters over 30.09km (18.7 miles) of road, for an average gradient of 4.14%. It's steep! Prepare for some white-knuckle moments, but trust me, the unparalleled views from the "top of the world" are worth every single second. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 30.09 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,891 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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