Where is Willamette Pass?
Usa, north-america
138 km
1,563 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Willamette Pass in Oregon is calling your name! This beauty straddles Klamath and Lane counties, about 65 miles southeast of Eugene, and it's been a vital link between the Willamette Valley and central Oregon for ages.
Since opening in 1940, the fully paved Oregon Route 58 (aka Willamette Highway No. 18) stretches for 86 glorious miles (138km) from Goshen to just north of Chemult. You'll climb to a cool 5,128 feet (1.563m) above sea level at the summit.
Nestled high in the Cascade Range within the Willamette National Forest, this road is usually open year-round, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to those pesky snowstorms!
But is it worth it? Absolutely! Think lush forests, sparkling lakes, and incredible wildlife. You'll find tons of spots to hike, fish, camp, swim, or just chill and soak it all in. Plus, there's a sweet backcountry trail system, shelters, and even a warming hut at Gold Lake Snopark during weekends. And for the thrill-seekers, there's a tubing hill at Salt Creek Snopark, and the Willamette Pass Resort ski area right above the pass. Get ready for some serious adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 138 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,563 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in north-america
moderateWhen was the Cherohala Skyway built?
🇺🇸 Usa
Cruising between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Cherohala Skyway is one of the most stunning drives you'll find anywhere. This fully paved beauty stretches for about 52 miles (83km), linking Tellico Plains, TN, to Robbinsville, NC, as TN-165 and NC-143. It took a whopping 34 years to build, finally opening in 1996! The name? A mashup of the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests it slices through. Be prepared for some serious elevation! You'll climb to around 5,400 feet (1,600m) near the state line at Santeetlah Overlook, near Haw Knob. Even in summer, the weather can throw you curveballs – think dense fog, thick clouds, and chilly temps. Layer up! This mile-high route offers an unforgettable experience. It's a hidden gem with breathtaking overlooks around every bend. Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts love it for the long, sweeping corners. Just be aware that it can feel isolated at night and turn treacherous in winter. The two-lane road has wide shoulders and plenty of scenic overlooks (15!), so you can pull over and soak in the views. Give yourself two to three hours to drive it without stops, but honestly, you’ll want to take longer. Nestled amidst hardwood and evergreen forests, this easy drive delivers incredible mountain vistas, vibrant foliage, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a perfect taste of the southern Appalachian Mountains at their finest. Don’t forget your camera!
moderateWilliams Peak
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: Williams Peak, a killer mountain pass tucked away in Colorado's Grand County. We're talking serious elevation here, like 11,233 feet! The road's not exactly a walk in the park—think gravel and rocks, which means you'll need a decent SUV with some clearance. Winter? Forget about it. This road's a no-go when the snow flies. While it's not crazy technical, it's definitely not for the faint of heart, especially if heights make you queasy. Watch out for the trees too, they can get a little close and personal with your paint job! But, trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Absolutely spectacular. You'll be bragging about this one for sure.
hardReno Lookout
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, so picture this: you're in Arizona, craving epic views and a bit of an off-road adventure. You absolutely NEED to check out Reno Lookout. We're talking a seriously high-up spot in Greenlee County, clocking in at a whopping 9,104 feet above sea level! It's one of the highest points you can drive to in the whole state. The road up there, County Road 25C (aka Reno Lookout Road), is a well-maintained gravel forest road winding its way through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. Expect a climb! It’s pretty steep in sections. Heads up though, this road is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The lookout tower itself has been standing guard since 1965. And a quick safety tip: keep an eye on the weather. If storms are brewing, maybe save this adventure for another day. The views from up there are incredible, but lightning and exposed towers? No thanks!
hardWhere is Ophir Pass?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: you're in southwest Colorado, San Juan Mountains to be exact, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle Ophir Pass, a mountain road that tops out at 11,789 feet. This isn't your average Sunday drive! Ophir Pass Road, or Forest Road #630 if you're feeling official, stretches for about 10 miles, connecting CO-145 with the legendary Million Dollar Highway (US-550) near Silverton. You'll even cruise through the old mining town of Ophir – talk about a scenic detour! Keep in mind, this road is usually open from June to November, give or take, depending on the snow. And when they DO finally plow it open in June, expect some serious snow walls at the summit! Afternoon storms are pretty common too, so pack accordingly. Now, for the fun part: the drive itself. For the most part, it's a graded dirt road, but there are some narrow and rough patches that'll keep you on your toes. There's one particularly tight half-mile section on the Ophir side where passing can get tricky (uphill traffic yields, remember!). Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Some folks might find them a little unnerving. While you *can* technically drive it in any motorized vehicle, a 4x4 with decent clearance is highly recommended. Just a heads up: unlicensed OHVs aren't allowed within Ophir or on the road heading west towards State Highway 145. Expect the drive to take about an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak in those amazing alpine views of Ophir Valley and the surrounding peaks. Many people combine this route with either the Road or the Tomboy-Imogene Roads for an epic loop. Trust me, it's worth it!