Slate Peak is the highest road of Washington
Usa, north-america
4.18 km
2,271 m
hard
Year-round
# Slate Peak Road: Washington's Ultimate High-Altitude Drive
Want to experience the highest maintained road in Washington State? Slate Peak Road is calling your name. This unpaved gem sits right on the border between Okanogan and Whatcom counties, just 15 miles northwest of Mazama and practically kissing the Canadian border.
The adventure starts at Hart's Pass and stretches just 2.6 miles to a locked gate near the summit, with a short quarter-mile walk to reach the 7,450-foot peak. It's a beast of a climb—expect grades up to 17% as you gain 368 meters of elevation, though the average gradient sits around 8.8%. Your regular vehicle can handle it (as long as you've got decent clearance), but leave the RV and trailers behind.
The road's not for the faint of heart. It narrows considerably in spots, hugging a scree cliff with only pullouts for passing. That one-lane section without guardrails? Yeah, there's a few hundred feet of straight-down drop-off. It's legitimately hair-raising, but honestly, that's half the thrill.
Fair warning: this road's only open from early July through early October. Snow blankets the peak most of the year, making it impassable outside the brief window. Pick a clear day—trust us on this one.
The payoff? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. You'll find the highest fire lookout tower in Washington (built way back in 1924) and jaw-dropping 360-degree panoramic views of the Cascades. Bring your camera and grab the peak identification signs to help you spot all the major mountains stretching out before you. Few places offer views this spectacular without requiring a serious backcountry hike.
Where is it?
Slate Peak is the highest road of Washington is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 36.3883, -96.7349
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4.18 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,271 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 36.3883, -96.7349
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