Near the Clarno Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds. Very cool rock formations.
The beautiful John Day river. We did a 4 day float trip on this river once. Seriously great time.
I took a short hike here at the Sheep Rock Unit of the John Day Fossil Beds. There were painted hills here, mostly green in color that were pretty impressive.
More green, some red, painted hills at Sheep Rock.
Red painted hills.
Very cool rock formation at the intersection of rtes 19 and 26 (John Day Hwy).
Crossing rock creek at the rte 19/26 intersection. Next stop, the town of John day.
My modest lodging in John Day. There were probably 5 motels there, and plenty of restaurants. A nice town indeed.
Up early the next day (days are short this time of year), and after dodging some deer while exploring twisties on 395 south out of John Day, headed east on 26 over the moutains east of Prarie City. Golden Tamarak trees lined the roadside. Very pretty, especially in the fog/clouds at the pass.
Over the pass it was sunny. Great for doing DOOLEY MOUNTAIN (Rte. 245). This is one of the best roads in the state for back to back twisties up and over a mountain. If you're ever in the area...
Heading east on Rte. 86 out of Baker City. Nice sweeper road through plenty of canyons along a river. Again, no traffic.
Looking down into the farm valley around Halfway, OR. Now within 20 miles of Hell's canyon.