Snow Mountain in Grant County: Driving the NF-215 to the Lookout
Snow Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,184m (7,165ft) above sea level, located in Grant County, in the US state of Idaho.
| Road facts: Snow Mountain (Grant County, OR) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Grant County, Oregon, USA |
| Elevation | 2,184 m (7,165 ft) |
| Road Name | NF-215 (from NF-43) |
| Length | 11.0 km (6.8 miles) |
| Avg Gradient | 5.47% |
Where is Snow Mountain?
The peak is located north of Riley, in the central part of Oregon, on the boundary of the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests.
Why is there a road to Snow Mountain?
The summit hosts an active fire lookout tower, a 14’x14’ R-6 flattop structure with a catwalk mounted on a 10’ treated timber tower. The current building dates from 1961 and remains staffed every summer due to the high fire activity in the Ochoco and Malheur National Forests. This structure replaced several previous lookouts, including a 1915 ground cab and a 1930 L-4 house, marking over a century of continuous surveillance from this 2,184m vantage point.
Is the road to Snow Mountain unpaved?
The road to the summit is called NF-215. It is entirely unpaved -dirt and volcanic gravel- and crosses sections of open rangeland and alpine forest. It features narrow parts and steep sections.
How long is the road to Snow Mountain?
The ascent to the summit begins at the junction with the NF-43 road. From this point, the route to the peak follows the NF-215 forest road for 11.0 km (6.8 miles). With a total elevation gain of 602 meters, the average gradient is 5.47%.
Can I drive my vehicle to Snow Mountain?
The NF-215 is a typical forest service road that is not maintained for standard passenger cars. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the potential for deep ruts, washboard sections, and fallen debris from the surrounding forest. Drivers should be alert for logging trucks and fire service vehicles that frequently use the road.
Is the road to Snow Mountain open year-round?
During the winter and early spring, the road is impassable due to deep snow accumulation. In summer, the dry surface can become very dusty, reducing visibility.