Exploring Oregon

 So last summer, sometime in late July or early August, I took a day trip out to the Western edges of Central Oregon, since I realized that in eight years in the area, and all the exploring I had done, this was a region I had yet to explore.Those of you who haven't ventured over there before, or who think of Oregon as nothing but lush forests, towering mountains, and endless rains, will be amazed and enchanted by the sights to be found over there. If you love geology, history, or just plain exploration, this is a trip I highly recommend.

Pick a clear summer day (early summer if you have a low tolerance to heat) and head East up the Gorge on 84. When you reach The Dalles head South on 197. You'll have realized by now that this is not the wet green Oregon that many of us are used to. The terrain in this area is a geological wonder: layer after layer of basalt, flood plains, ash deposits, you'll see it all as you wind through this harshly beautiful landscape. Pillar basalt is one of the more fascinating volcanic structures, and there's plenty of it to be seen.

This area also hosts stretches of the Oregon Trail, and I had to wonder what it must have been like to try to make a living in such a rocky, dry, somewhat inhospitable place. The heat was truly brutal when I was in the area, easily over 100, and I can't imagine farming, plowing, harvesting, herding in such a climate. As I understand it cattle ranching became one of the primary means of subsistence out there, but I am certainly no expert on the history of the area.

Keep heading South until you see signs for 97, or for the town of Shaniko. It's one of many little towns in the area that have maintained some of the frontier feel, and a few of the frontier buildings. All the buildings I saw were either restored for people to visit, or sitting on someone's private land. I always try to respect other people

 Past Shaniko you hit the town of Antelope and head East again on 218. This will take you past some State-managed fossil beds, which are well-marked and worth pulling over for. Wander on 218 for a while and you'll go through the town of Fossil. At this point, if you want to start wandering home, look for signs for 19 North toward Mayville and Condon. This will get you back to 84.

There are all sorts of lovely sights along the way. I fell in love with this old barn and fence. There were the most wonderful smells in the air that day, brought out by the heat perhaps: mountain sage, dust, dry grass, the occasional whiff of cow, hints of pine and rust.

Along the way I caught sight of the rare Mountain Cow. They looked vicious so I kept my distance. They have those long, pointy teeth, you know........

Like I said, if you love geology this is the place to be. My untrained eye determined these gorgeous crags and spires to be old ash deposits, but please correct me, or add more info if you know it.















 On the way back you might also see the wind farms rising over these glowing hilly fields. And If the timing and the weather are right you might get to watch a gorgeous sunset as you make your way back up the Gorge.







I can't describe how wonderful and lovely and eye-opening it was to go from green trees and mossy hills to stark yet lush hills, painted gold and red and deep green. Do it this summer. You won't be sorry.

P.S. If anyone's wondering, I did in fact take all the photos here, and I'm rather proud of some of them. I'm not ashamed to admit I like to show off from time to time :) Yes, they're clickable if you want larger views.