Can I drive the unpaved road to Mission Peak in Washington?
Mission Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,078m (6,817ft) above sea level, located on the border between Kittitas and Chelan counties in Washington. Reaching an altitude near the summit, it was historically one of the highest roads in Washington, but the driving route is now permanently closed to all motorized traffic.
| Road facts: Mission Peak (NF-330) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kittitas / Chelan Counties, Washington (USA) |
| Former Road Name | Forest Service Road NF-330 |
| Elevation at Summit | 2,078 m (6,817 ft) |
| Length | 1.8 miles (2.89 km) from Liberty Beehive Road |
| Average Gradient | 6.98% |
| Current Status | Permanently closed / Decommissioned (Impassable) |
| Access Route | Liberty Beehive Forest Service Road (NF-9712) |
Where is Mission Peak located?
The peak sits on the ridge dividing Kittitas and Chelan counties in central Washington, within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the Wenatchee Mountains.
Can you drive to the summit of Mission Peak?
No. Motorized access to Mission Peak is no longer possible. The former access track, Forest Service Road NF-330, was permanently blocked by the US Forest Service with an earth berm at its junction with Liberty Beehive Forest Service Road (NF-9712). Over the years, vegetation, severe erosion, and washouts have completely reclaimed the roadbed, making it impassable even for 4x4 vehicles.
What was the original road to Mission Peak like?
In the 1980s and 1990s, NF-330 was a rough, 1.8-mile (2.89 km) dirt track branching off NF-9712. The climb gained 280 vertical meters (919 ft) with an average gradient of 6.98% and featured 10 tight switchbacks before washing out near the top.
Is the route to Mission Peak open in winter?
No. Set high in the Wenatchee Mountains, the entire area around Liberty Beehive Road is unplowed and completely snowbound from late autumn through spring.
Road suggested by: Carl Buick
Pic: EV Backroads