B
BACKROAD.ADV
Guest
B]Day 1:[/B]
Just got back from a three day road trip to northeastern Oregon. The weather was near perfect and I was able to explore a few roads that I had not been on before.
The one disappointment was that the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway on Forest Service Road 39 was still closed due to flood damage about 39 miles south of the northern starting point of FR 39. But still it was an enjoyable journey.
I departed Ellensburg on Saturday and proceeded east on the Vantage Highway. This way I was able to avoid I90.
MY first stop was the Wildhorse Windfarm located 14 miles east of Ellensburg. I wanted to see if Mt Rainier and Mt Adams were viewable from the Visitor Center.
Those wind turbines sure are big!
View from Visitor Center-unfortunately it was a little to hazy to get a good view of Mt Adams.
My next two stops along the Vantage Highway were the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Park and the Columbia River at Vantage.
Ginkgo Park
Vantage Boat Launch on the Columbia River
After Vantage I crossed the Columbia River on the I90 Bridge and proceeded eastbound to Othello on Highway 26.
After Othello I turned south on Hwy 17 past the Scooteney Reservoir and again turned east after Connell on Hwy 260. Hwy 260 takes you through the Washtucna Coulee as it winds its way to the town of Kahlotus.
Kahlotus is a dying town none of the stores there are operating-but the town is fun to photograph-sort of a living ghost town----but..
City Hall
Jail
Wall Art
Local Brands
From Hwy 260 I picked up Hwy 261 which takes you to the town of Starbuck. Before getting to Starbuck you cross the Snake River at Lyon Ferry. This is a very interesting area. First there is a big railroad bridge that crosses the Snake and there is a State Park, and a Marina/RV Park as well.
After Lyons Ferry is the town of Starbuck. Here are some pictures from downtown Starbuck. The town has fuel and cafe.
After Starbuck I worked my way north to Colfax were I wanted to spend the night but the town was having its fall Fair and all rooms were full.
I ended up going down to Clarkston were I got a room and spent the night.
The next day would be a great ride on Hwy 129/Hwy 3 down to Enterprise Oregon.
End Day 1.
MkD
Just got back from a three day road trip to northeastern Oregon. The weather was near perfect and I was able to explore a few roads that I had not been on before.
The one disappointment was that the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway on Forest Service Road 39 was still closed due to flood damage about 39 miles south of the northern starting point of FR 39. But still it was an enjoyable journey.
I departed Ellensburg on Saturday and proceeded east on the Vantage Highway. This way I was able to avoid I90.
MY first stop was the Wildhorse Windfarm located 14 miles east of Ellensburg. I wanted to see if Mt Rainier and Mt Adams were viewable from the Visitor Center.
Those wind turbines sure are big!
View from Visitor Center-unfortunately it was a little to hazy to get a good view of Mt Adams.
My next two stops along the Vantage Highway were the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Park and the Columbia River at Vantage.
Ginkgo Park
Vantage Boat Launch on the Columbia River
After Vantage I crossed the Columbia River on the I90 Bridge and proceeded eastbound to Othello on Highway 26.
After Othello I turned south on Hwy 17 past the Scooteney Reservoir and again turned east after Connell on Hwy 260. Hwy 260 takes you through the Washtucna Coulee as it winds its way to the town of Kahlotus.
Kahlotus is a dying town none of the stores there are operating-but the town is fun to photograph-sort of a living ghost town----but..
City Hall
Jail
Wall Art
Local Brands
From Hwy 260 I picked up Hwy 261 which takes you to the town of Starbuck. Before getting to Starbuck you cross the Snake River at Lyon Ferry. This is a very interesting area. First there is a big railroad bridge that crosses the Snake and there is a State Park, and a Marina/RV Park as well.
After Lyons Ferry is the town of Starbuck. Here are some pictures from downtown Starbuck. The town has fuel and cafe.
After Starbuck I worked my way north to Colfax were I wanted to spend the night but the town was having its fall Fair and all rooms were full.
I ended up going down to Clarkston were I got a room and spent the night.
The next day would be a great ride on Hwy 129/Hwy 3 down to Enterprise Oregon.
End Day 1.
MkD
