The route begins at the concurrent LA 8 and LA 28, east of US 171 in Leesville. Eastbound LA 28 connects to Alexandria in neighboring Rapides Parish. LA 185 heads south and intersects LA 468 (Slagle Road). later, it reaches the guard house at the entrance to Fort Polk. State maintenance ends a short distance later at an intersection with Pendleton Drive, which leads to a residential area within the base.
