Overall Route Rating
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4.53 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.53
17 Reviews

The Devil's Tail

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Aug 31, 2008

Rider Reviews

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Guest
June 18, 2012
We are here on vacation and on our list is to see…
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Guest
March 22, 2011
Great road for bikers. A quick stop at Scotty's…
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Written Directions

To find the Devil's Tail, ride to Historic Baker City, Oregon then travel east on Hwy 86 along the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway to Richland, Halfway, and finally to Oxbow, Oregon - The Devils Tail starting point. Take the Devil's Tail (also known as National Forest Service Rd #454) from Oxbow, Oregon across the Snake river into Idaho, all the way to Hells Canyon Dam and the Hells Canyon Visitors Center. It's got hundreds of curves, spectacular views, and can be very dangerous if you are not paying attention.

Scenery

Riders from all over the world come to Hells Canyon to ride this famous motorcycle road. Located in Hells Canyon, this is the deepest motorcycle road in North America. 2000' deeper than the Grand Canyon. The road gets it's name from the fact that it forms the base of the Seven Devils Mountains and the eastern wall of Hells Canyon. The scenery is out of this world. Makes Deal's Gap look like child's play. Bring your camera and enjoy a special ride only a experienced by a few. There is a blog you can read about it: https://devilstailfaq.blogspot.com/ see you there, ride safe.

Drive Enjoyment

The Devil's Tail can be challenging, the road surface has tar snakes and rock falls. Hundreds of curves with posted speeds of 10 to 35 mph. Elevation rises from river water level at the Snake River until you reach a high cliff, then back to river level at the dam. .

Tourism Opportunities

Get gas at Scotty's Hells Canyon Supply. There is no fuel for 44 miles round trip. Hells Canyon Visitor Center is just after you ride over Hells Canyon Dam. The visitor center has a pop machine and washrooms. There is also a jet boat launch ramp there, it's fun to watch!

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather.
 

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Kevin Allen
April 22, 2022
16 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Other
So I don't ride a motorcycle I drive a Cayman but this is the best site for finding good roads, and this is IMO the best road in the USA. As twisty as the tail of the dragon, better scenery, & absolutely no one here ever
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tmurrayis
December 26, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Sport - Touring
We stayed in Cambridge and came into the canyon via highway 71. 71 is a great road in itself and Cambridge is a neat little town but with limited accommodation so beware or book ahead if you are wanting to overnight.
The canyon road was scenic no doubt but I found it's poor surface and off camber corners to require constant attention which took away from the ride. Views are spectacular of course but you must choose your stopping points for photos carefully as the road is narrow. At then end of the day my riding partner agreed it was nice but we had more fun on the way in and out on 71 than on the canyon road itself.
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DeDe
May 31, 2012
11 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Great Ride! Pavement is in good condition this year. Premium gas ???? none on Memorial wkend - call ahead to Scotty's or Gateway(on hwy 71)- so small HD tanks be ware. We took 71 east up & out of the canyon to ID Hwy 95. fun road as well and made for a great loop ride
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