Fandango Pass

Fandango Pass Road, also known as County Road 9 and Forest Road 9, crosses the northern Warner Mountains from Fort Bidwell in Surprise Valley to Goose Lake Valley. Traveling east to west, the road climbs from the open sagebrush landscape of Surprise Valley toward Fandango Pass at approximately 6,135 feet. Along the way, sweeping views reach across the valley toward Nevada before the route enters pine forest, rocky slopes, and quiet mountain meadows.

The road follows the path of an important nineteenth-century emigrant crossing. Remnants of the original wagon trail, old wagon ruts, a military road retaining wall, and a historical marker can still be found near the pass. The name Fandango may have come from stories of travelers dancing either in celebration or to stay warm during harsh weather.

Beyond the summit, the road passes near Fandango Peak and continues west through the forest toward Buck Creek Guard Station and Goose Lake Valley. In dry conditions, Fandango Pass Road is an easy and enjoyable drive, although it remains narrow, winding, and steep in places. Snow, mud, fallen trees, loose rock, and washouts can make it more difficult during wet weather and early spring. There are no designated campsites along the route.