The Road to Hat Point is the Scariest Drive in Oregon
Hat Point is an overlook located in Wallowa County, in the U.S. state of Oregon, at an elevation of 2,130m (6,988ft) above sea level. This is a journey that some will never attempt again because it frightened them so much: there are steep drop-offs and a very narrow road.
Where is Hat Point?
The peak is located in the northeastern part of Oregon, within the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
Why is it called Hat Point?
The name originated from a cowboy losing his hat in the brush while riding an unruly horse.
Is the road to Hat Point unpaved?
The road to the summit is a fairly bumpy, narrow gravel road in very good condition. It’s called Hat Point Road (NF-315). The harrowing road has a lot of washboards. It’s long and dusty, but it is definitely worth it.
How long is the road to Hat Point?
The road to the summit is steep. Starting at Imnaha, the ascent is 36.69km (22.8 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 1,518 meters. The average gradient is 4.13%.
How scary is the road to Hat Point?
This route is suitable for passenger cars with some clearance, but a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. RVs will find the road very steep for the first 6 miles (16% grade) and very difficult to turn around. The road narrows further. This is where you or your passengers might begin to completely freak out. While it's not a cliff (and no, there is no guardrail), it looks almost impossible to pass if you encounter another vehicle.
Is Hat Point worth the drive?
At the summit, there’s a lookout tower built in 1948. It’s said to be one of Oregon's highest fire lookout towers at 82 feet tall. The summit offers fantastic views of Hells Canyon and the Wild and Scenic Snake River.
Is the road to Hat Point open in winter?
It’s usually open from June through October. The drive will take some skill, patience, and tolerance for vertigo. It's very intense because there are no guardrails at the edge, and there is little room for error if oncoming traffic swerves in your direction. The road is very steep (16% grade) and narrow. To avoid brake failure, stop and allow the brakes to cool. Low-clearance vehicles, RVs, and vehicles pulling trailers are advised to use caution when traveling the lower sections of this road. The road can also be slippery when wet or frozen, and it is not recommended for trailers in the late fall and winter.
Pic: Jonathan Shafer