Forest Service Road 15 – French Pete Creek to Cougar Reservoir

Forest Service Road 15 winds through some of the last uncut old-growth Douglas fir in the Oregon Cascades, climbing from French Pete Creek at 1,200 feet to Cougar Reservoir at 4,200 feet. The route follows an old logging grade that was abandoned when the area gained protected status, leaving behind technical rock gardens and washouts that’ll test your suspension. Key challenge is the Devils Backbone section at mile 8, where loose shale and off-camber turns demand careful tire placement and momentum management.

This is legitimate technical 4×4 territory requiring high clearance, skid plates, and aggressive tread. Best tackled June through October when snow clears from the upper elevations. No permits required, but fuel up in McKenzie Bridge as there’s no services for 40 miles. Multiple dispersed camping spots near the reservoir reward those who make the climb with views across the Three Sisters Wilderness and zero cell service.