The Historic Maryhill Loops Road
Good roads are more than my hobby, they are my religion.
 Constructed from 1909 to 1913 by Samuel Hill (1857–1931), founder of Maryhill Museum of Art, Maryhill Loops Road is located off Washington Scenic Route 14 just east of U.S. 97. As the first macadam asphalt-paved road in the Pacific Northwest, it served as the only road between the Columbia River and Goldendale, Washington prior to the construction of U.S. 97. The historic Maryhill Loops was a part of a larger road that encompassed several miles over which seven different experimental roads were constructed.
The road itself ascends 850 feet in a series of curves with a gradient of ascent at 5%. In 1998, a 3.6 mile section of the road was completely refurbished and received the Outstanding Project of Historical Significance Award from the American Public Works Association, Washington State Chapter. It consists of 25 curves, 8 of which are hairpins.
Today, this road is open to pedestrian and bicycle traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is free. At certain times of the year visitor may encounter cows grazing in the area. Maryhill Museum opens the road to the driving public in May each year.
The Maryhill Loops Road is available on a rental basis for special events, including tours by car and motorcycle clubs, as well as for bicycle, skateboard and car races. It is also used by the television and movie industries.
Interested individuals, including location scouts and other industry professionals, interested in touring the road and other sites on the museum’s 5,000 acres should contact the museum directly.
Funding for the restoration of Maryhill Loops Road was provided by the Washington State Good Roads and Transportation Association; City of Goldendale; Goldendale Chamber of Commerce; and the Maryhill Community Council. Major support was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation Enhance Program through the Intermodial Surface Transportation Efficiency Act through the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Klickitat County Road Department.
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