Salmon River Road in California: You can’t be scared of steep narrow roads

Salmon River Road in California: You can’t be scared of steep narrow roads

Usa, north-america

Length

27.68 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, road trip lovers, let me tell you about Salmon River Road in Northern California's Siskiyou County. This one's a real gem hidden inside Six Rivers National Forest. Picture this: you're hugging a narrow, paved road carved into the side of a dramatic river canyon.

We're talking serious heights, people. Hundreds of feet straight down to the Salmon River with nothing but air between you and the bottom. No guardrails here! If you're afraid of heights, this might not be your jam.

The road clocks in at just over 17 miles, winding its way from Somes Bar (just off Highway 96) up to Forks of Salmon. You'll be tracing the river the whole way.

Keep an eye on the sky, because being so close to the Pacific means the weather can change on a dime. You might even see snow in the spring! It's mostly a one-lane affair, so take it slow, be courteous, and watch out for oncoming cars. This route demands your full attention.

And a word of caution: RVs need not apply. Rockslides are common, and the drop-offs are sheer. But if you're up for an adventure and some seriously stunning scenery, Salmon River Road is an unforgettable drive!

Where is it?

Salmon River Road in California: You can’t be scared of steep narrow roads is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 42.7441, -98.3970

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
27.68 km
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
42.7441, -98.3970

Related Roads in north-america

Where is Leviathan Peak?moderate

Where is Leviathan Peak?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Leviathan Peak in California's Alpine County is calling your name with killer remote views and a summit sitting pretty at 8,963ft. Find this gem southeast of Lake Tahoe, nestled within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the Nevada border. What awaits you at the top? A communication site that's been there since the 60s, and the old Forest Service Leviathan Fire Lookout. The 360-degree views are unreal – think Sierra Mountain range vistas, neighboring peaks, and the Nevada desert shimmering in the distance. Now, the road... It's Leviathan Peak Road (Forest Road 31057), and it's all dirt. Seriously, 4WD is your best friend here. You can cruise most of the way, then hike the last quarter-mile to the fire tower after you reach a locked gate. The tippy-top is service vehicles only. Clocking in at just 1.4 miles from California State Route 89 (Robert M. Jackson Memorial Highway), south of ..., this climb packs a punch with a 708 ft elevation gain and an average gradient of 9.6%. Heads up: this road is a no-go in winter (usually closed from late November to early April due to its location high in the Sierra Nevada). And, word to the wise, it gets seriously windy up there!

Is the road to Cebolla Pass in New Mexico paved?hard

Is the road to Cebolla Pass in New Mexico paved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so picture this: you're cruising through northern New Mexico on NM-94, a sweet stretch of paved road that climbs up to Cebolla Pass. We're talking a lofty 7,670 feet above sea level! This isn't some white-knuckle, cliff-hanging drive, though. The road's in good shape, mostly straight, but be ready for a few steep climbs. This gem is nestled right in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, straddling the Mora and San Miguel county line. The whole shebang is about 18.4 miles long, running north to south from Mora (the Mora County seat) down to Sapello. Get ready for some killer views!

Driving the scenic Six Mile Cove Road to Lake Mohavemoderate

Driving the scenic Six Mile Cove Road to Lake Mohave

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, so you're looking for a hidden gem in Nevada? Check out Six Mile Cove Road! It's your access to a sweet little cove on Lake Mohave, right down in the southeast corner of the state near the Arizona line. Now, fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth highway cruise. This road is a 6.3-mile unpaved adventure that can get a little washboard-y in spots. Most cars and RVs can usually handle it, but honestly, you'll have a much better time (and save your suspension) if you're rolling in a 4WD. The cove itself is stunning, but heads up, it gets *packed* in the summer. Pro tip: roll in early on a Friday to snag the best spot. There's tons of room once you get to the waterfront, with plenty of parking. Just don't expect to be glued to your phone—cell service is spotty. The road begins from Mead-Davis Powerline Road and ends at the Cove. Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path experience!

Is Bald Hills Road unpaved?moderate

Is Bald Hills Road unpaved?

🇺🇸 Usa

Okay, adventure awaits! Let's talk Bald Hills Road, a hidden gem snaking through Humboldt County, California, right in the heart of Redwood National and State Parks. Picture this: you're cruising along for about 31.7 miles, west to east, starting from Redwood Highway (U.S. 101) and eventually popping out on CA-169. But here's the thing – much of this road is unpaved, adding a real off-the-beaten-path vibe! Be warned, it's a climb! This road gets pretty steep, hitting a 15% grade as you wind your way up to a breathtaking 3,189 feet above sea level. I wouldn't recommend bringing a massive RV or trailer along for the ride. The payoff? Seriously stunning scenery. You'll be surrounded by ancient redwoods, gorgeous oak woodlands, and vast prairies. Keep your eyes peeled for elk – this area is prime viewing territory! Bald Hills Road is open year-round, so you can experience this beauty no matter the season. Get ready for a memorable drive!