Trail Overview

This serpentine and scenic 6.2-mile climb transports travelers from the lowlands near Haynes Way Lane deep into the rugged heart of the Elliott State Forest. The road is a single-lane gravel track that winds through a dense, vibrant canopy of towering Douglas firs and moss-draped hardwoods. As the trail ascends toward its terminus at the 3000 Road near Trail Butte, the forest floor is carpeted in lush sword ferns and thick undergrowth typical of the Oregon Coast Range. Travelers will find numerous spacious pullouts and enchanting dispersed campsites nestled among the trees, offering quiet solitude away from the coast. The route offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest driving experience, transitioning from low-elevation wetlands to high ridgelines with occasional peeks at the surrounding rolling mountains.

Photos of Tenmile Butte Road - 3500

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Difficulty

While the road is primarily a solid gravel surface, it earns a "2" rating due to frequent rough patches and extensive standing water/puddles common during the winter months. The one-lane nature of the track requires drivers to be proficient in using pullouts for passing traffic. High clearance is recommended to navigate deeper potholes and soft shoulders comfortably, though technical 4WD is not needed.

Technical Rating