This Google Earth screenshot is of the high desert rolling hills eastern side of Wy’East (Mt. Hood), seen upper left as a white spot.
My route was from Terrebonne (lower center) north to The Dalles, by way of Smith Rock, Lone Pine Road, OR 26 W, Madras, Maupin, and Dufur, along OR 97 N then OR 197 N.
From The Dalles, the dog and I turned left and took US 84 W directly home to Harrison Street, Portland.
My route was from Terrebonne (lower center) north to The Dalles, by way of Smith Rock, Lone Pine Road, OR 26 W, Madras, Maupin, and Dufur, along OR 97 N then OR 197 N.
From The Dalles, the dog and I turned left and took US 84 W directly home to Harrison Street, Portland.
The small town of Dufur, with its own main road set off from OR197, is an eddy of peace amidst the majestic swirl of steep hills, nevertheless farmed in many cases, with the tracks of farm equipment visible amidst the tall grasses.
I left Sydney in the Nissan while having delicious fresh-made cranberry bread slices, in a bakery with high capacity bread making going on. I sat at a large indoor wooden table looking through a view window across the street at the Dufur Market with its own tables and hot food menu, amidst well-stocked grocery shelves.
I left Sydney in the Nissan while having delicious fresh-made cranberry bread slices, in a bakery with high capacity bread making going on. I sat at a large indoor wooden table looking through a view window across the street at the Dufur Market with its own tables and hot food menu, amidst well-stocked grocery shelves.
The drive itself is a destination and a joy as long as you don’t mind a double yellow line amidst twisting climbs and drops, along with lengthy straight hauls on wide open plains.
Season matters: I saw lots of signage about snow and chain up areas, which didn’t pertain in late October.
I enjoyed plenty of lonely open road with scarcely another vehicle visible, little need for passing, with long intervals of natural silence along highway, at spectacular pull offs, where we’d stretch and take these pictures. The descent into Maupin, before Dufur coming north, is spectacular.
Sydney, just turned 14, was my back seat companion, mostly snoozing in old dog style. We started in Terrebonne that morning, making a stop at Smith Rock.
Multnomah Falls along the Oregon bank of the Columbia Gorge, is favorite stop for tourists, including day hikers and cyclers, but also short stopover people like me this time, eager for a great view amidst light refreshments, a souvenir merch gift.
We were coming west from The Dalles on OR84 W. I’ve since learned that during the height of the visiting season there might be some need to schedule in advance for valved access to available parking (?).
The above Google Earth picture shows the parking island design, with OR84 E and W parting widely to accommodate it. I can well imagine all the slots filling.
We were coming west from The Dalles on OR84 W. I’ve since learned that during the height of the visiting season there might be some need to schedule in advance for valved access to available parking (?).
The above Google Earth picture shows the parking island design, with OR84 E and W parting widely to accommodate it. I can well imagine all the slots filling.
We had no problem slipping in and out. My camera battery was dead and my cellphone has a bum lens cover, so instead. I took the classic shot with my iPad from the parking island. Then we shoved on, with Portland less than an hour away.
