Maverik
09-19-2008, 08:41 PM
I finally got a time to sit down in front of a computer, wanted to tell you about my last trip to OR, ID, and WA last week.
Day 1, 9/9:
I couldn’t get up early, I ended up leaving home at around noon. I had a late lunch at Tulalip Casino (http://www.tulalipcasino.com/dining_eagles_buffet.aspx). Then kept going south on I-5, the sun already start to set near Kelso, so I decided keep going and skip Skyline Blvd. this time. I had a light dinner at Baja Fresh (http://www.bajafresh.com)near Portland. By the time I got to Salem, it was already 10pm. It was a warm night, though.
Day 2, 9/10
After I picked up brake pads from Cycle Gear (http://www.cyclegear.com), I suddenly started not feeling well. I ended up in a motel in Vancouver, WA (don’t ask me why Vancouver) early afternoon. The weather was great, but I had a great sleep day and night. Luckily Baja Fresh was just across the street, another BJ dinner.
Day 3, 9/11
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=45.096791,-120.992432&spn=2.295591,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574c9163570ce9343
I was hoping to get some breakfast around I-205 before heading east, but all there was a McD. Nah, I kept going, then suddenly the road was going thru farmland. Portland is much smaller than I thought. I arrived a small city called Estacada, where there are A&W and Subway. A&W didn’t have any breakfast menu, I found a local bakery café. I asked a wait staff if they have any americanos, she didn’t know what that is. I didn’t bother explaining, I just took a ‘mocha’ from menu. My ‘mocha’ was so weak, I should’ve taught her how to make an americano. Their pastry was ok, not too different from those from Superstore. This was the beginning of bad-food-in-rural-America.
I continued SR224 east, then NF57 and 58. Very few traffic on NFs. Somewhere along NF58, the road ended as an T intersection, The sign only said US26 to the right, or High Rock to the left. I didn’t know which way NF58 continues, so I took it to left. The road was good, and great view of Mt. Hood.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture054.jpg
Then the pavement ended, but the road was going downhill. I kept going that gravel road for 10km, some part was really rough with deep bush. The road simply ended!!
I made a U turn, I was glad that I had plenty of gas. After that, I took US26, then SR216 to Maupin. SR216 was rather boring and straight, but the farmland was now completely gold, which is to me pretty exotic.
I was hungry for lunch in Maupin, it seems like the only restaurant is a bar / restaurant. Everybody was smoking including the lady inside the counter. Living Vancouver makes me forget this is how it’s like most part of world. I had a burger and fries, a burger was fine, but fries were pretty greasy…
I was heading to Shaniko, but wanted to make a shortcut thru Bakeoven. This little 2-lane county road turned out to be one of the highlight of my trip, the asphalt was fresh, and roads were twisty just outside of Maupin. It’s going uphill, and at the end I was able to see Maupin below and Mt. Hood in distance.
Then I took SR218 thru Shaniko, Antelope, then Fossil. One of the best roads of this trip. From Fossil, I took SR19 to Kimberly. The weather was pretty nice high 20s. It was already 5pm, and wasn’t sure if gas stations are open in the evening in this region, so I filled it up in Spray. From Kimberly, I took SR402, then US395 north.
I was hoping to stay at Ritter Hot Springs, but there’s no lodging nor even stores near by. The little county road from US395 to the hot spring was another good twisty road along river, but there are SO MANY deer.
To my disappointment, Ritter Hot Spring was closed for the season, but I wanted to check it out. I crossed the gate, the pool was empty but water was running. The gate for the pool was unlocked, so I got in the pool. I learned it was hot water. I did a skinny dipping, great experience!
By the time I finished bathing, the sun was setting. I continued US395 north OUT of NOWHERE. No gas stations, no stores, no motels, no nothing. There are many deer as well. Luckily, there was a car coming behind me, I let it pass, and I just followed it. Brilliant idea!
I arrived another little town called Ukiah, and I see a lodging sign! I was so happy to see it, as there’s no other city within 100km radius. It was already 9. I went to the only place to eat, again a bar. So the same deal, everybody’s smoking, there’s no non-smoking section. A lady at the counter told me the kitchen is already closed, but she had some bar food. I ordered a polish sausage and fries…. Very bad choice! Both were from microwave oven, and they’re $5!!. I wonder how veteran riders get by with bad foods when touring thru rural America.
Day 4, 9/12
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=45.073521,-117.817383&spn=1.148263,2.285156&z=8&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574ce33b8cfa129d2
I took another NF roads from there to Haines. About 100km of riding, I got to a big city called Baker City. I was excited to know there’s a McD there, as I didn’t see any fast-food since I left Estacada yesterday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t big enough to have a Starbucks.
Then I took SR86 to Hell’s Canyon. The road was going thru golden farmland, a bit boring till Richland. After that, it started being twisty. Hell’s Canyon itself was fairy impressive, but maybe not as much as other sites like Grand Canyon. It’s the road which is attraction itself for us. Here’s the little twisty near Hell’s Canyon Overlook.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture055.jpg
I got to a nice little town Joseph, I wasn’t expecting any touristy place like this. I had a nice dessert. I wanted to stay there, but it was fully booked, so I continued to Enterprise.
Enterprise is much bigger, with a few motels, but with no fast-food. I head to the cheapest looking place, and I was told it’s $75 a night. I couldn’t believe that I said ‘I take it.’. I must’ve been too tired to shop around. The room wasn’t too different from other $40/night rooms in other USA countryside. When I went out for dinner around 8pm though, all other 2 motels had ‘no vacancy’ sign, so maybe it was indeed a going rate, and I was there for peak time.
This city didn’t have any fast-food, but had a couple of Mexican and one Chinese restaurants. I went to one by my motel, it turned out to be really good. So yes, if there’s a choice, I usually stick with Mexican when I’m on the road.
Day 5, 9/13
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=46.141783,-117.883301&spn=2.253213,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574cfe46be3a2d3ec
I was hoping that restaurant would be open for breakfast, and wanting to have some huevos rancheros, but my hope was in vain. I didn’t find anything interesting in that town for breakfast, so I just drank some juice and took SR3. Some parts of that road was awesome! The road changes its name to SR129 after crossing WA border. SR129 is pretty good for a while, but it then runs thru farmland, boring and straight.
Looking towards OR:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture056.jpg
Mi moto esta en Washington, y estoy en Oregon. Probably one of the best places where 'Welcome to Washington' sign sits:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture057.jpg
And look that road that continues below the cliff:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture058.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture059.jpg
In Clarkston, WA / Lewiston, ID, I was excited to find a Starbucks and a Jack In the Box. I had some burgers at the JIB. After that, I hit Spiral Hwy north of Lewiston, chasing some local squid riders.
Then I took US12 west, then SR261 going thru Starbuck. That road is another gem. There’s actually a café in Starbuck, but it was closed. Then I stayed the little farming town Connell, a town with a few motels, but again with no fast food. I’ve stayed there last year, the motel was good, so I stayed there again. Again the choice was from burgers from burger stand or Chinese buffet. There’s also a diner, which I tried last year and it was terrible. I went to check out Chinese buffet…the food looked awful. Just across the road, I see mobile taco vendor! It was actually my first time trying one of them in US, and my first experience was a positive one.
Day 6, 9/14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=47.249407,-120.959473&spn=2.207476,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574d0cc8eab5f2243
A day to go back home. I’ve heard there’s a breakfast buffet at that diner for $9 or so. I went to check it out, the buffet selection was poor, that made Gilnetter’s look much much better.
I continued SR260, 17, 26, then had breakfast at a McD in Othello. Those 3 roads are such boring roads, but still better than freeways. I briefly took I-90 to cross Wanapum Lake (Columbia River), then took a little road pararel to Ellensburg. I went thru the site of Ginkgo Petrified Forest, I wanted to stop by and explore, but I wanted to arrive home early, so maybe next time. That road wasn’t twisty or anything, but it was just a good alternative to I-90.
In Ellensburg, I saw an Italian caffe, I wanted to try, but I wanted to stay ‘safe’, and had burgers at BK. From here, I took US97 to Peshastin. It was just ok, with traffic so heavy. I went thru Leavenworth, I wasn’t hungry or thirsty, I just passed thru. Continued US2 west, I thought I liked that road, but it’s NOTHING after riding those road in OR and southeast WA. The traffic was pretty heavy, everybody speed up on passing zone, then go really slow soon as that zone ends. I don’t understand those people. I should’ve taken I-90 instead.
Once in Monroe, I was looking for a sign for Granite Falls, but I didn’t see any. I was too lazy to pull Destination Highways from my saddle bag, I just kept going till SR9. SR9 all the way to Arlington is quite boring, I learned. After that, it was pretty fun. I wanted to go thru Cain Lake Rd. and other fun backroads all the way to Bellingham, but I didn’t have much time, I just took I-5 from Bow.
Conclusion:
Interior like east of Cascades in WA, and east of Willamette Valley in OR is now the season for riding. The temperature is in perfect 20s, very few traffic. I always love smelling sage or some kind of herb when riding those dry lands.
Day 1, 9/9:
I couldn’t get up early, I ended up leaving home at around noon. I had a late lunch at Tulalip Casino (http://www.tulalipcasino.com/dining_eagles_buffet.aspx). Then kept going south on I-5, the sun already start to set near Kelso, so I decided keep going and skip Skyline Blvd. this time. I had a light dinner at Baja Fresh (http://www.bajafresh.com)near Portland. By the time I got to Salem, it was already 10pm. It was a warm night, though.
Day 2, 9/10
After I picked up brake pads from Cycle Gear (http://www.cyclegear.com), I suddenly started not feeling well. I ended up in a motel in Vancouver, WA (don’t ask me why Vancouver) early afternoon. The weather was great, but I had a great sleep day and night. Luckily Baja Fresh was just across the street, another BJ dinner.
Day 3, 9/11
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=45.096791,-120.992432&spn=2.295591,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574c9163570ce9343
I was hoping to get some breakfast around I-205 before heading east, but all there was a McD. Nah, I kept going, then suddenly the road was going thru farmland. Portland is much smaller than I thought. I arrived a small city called Estacada, where there are A&W and Subway. A&W didn’t have any breakfast menu, I found a local bakery café. I asked a wait staff if they have any americanos, she didn’t know what that is. I didn’t bother explaining, I just took a ‘mocha’ from menu. My ‘mocha’ was so weak, I should’ve taught her how to make an americano. Their pastry was ok, not too different from those from Superstore. This was the beginning of bad-food-in-rural-America.
I continued SR224 east, then NF57 and 58. Very few traffic on NFs. Somewhere along NF58, the road ended as an T intersection, The sign only said US26 to the right, or High Rock to the left. I didn’t know which way NF58 continues, so I took it to left. The road was good, and great view of Mt. Hood.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture054.jpg
Then the pavement ended, but the road was going downhill. I kept going that gravel road for 10km, some part was really rough with deep bush. The road simply ended!!
I made a U turn, I was glad that I had plenty of gas. After that, I took US26, then SR216 to Maupin. SR216 was rather boring and straight, but the farmland was now completely gold, which is to me pretty exotic.
I was hungry for lunch in Maupin, it seems like the only restaurant is a bar / restaurant. Everybody was smoking including the lady inside the counter. Living Vancouver makes me forget this is how it’s like most part of world. I had a burger and fries, a burger was fine, but fries were pretty greasy…
I was heading to Shaniko, but wanted to make a shortcut thru Bakeoven. This little 2-lane county road turned out to be one of the highlight of my trip, the asphalt was fresh, and roads were twisty just outside of Maupin. It’s going uphill, and at the end I was able to see Maupin below and Mt. Hood in distance.
Then I took SR218 thru Shaniko, Antelope, then Fossil. One of the best roads of this trip. From Fossil, I took SR19 to Kimberly. The weather was pretty nice high 20s. It was already 5pm, and wasn’t sure if gas stations are open in the evening in this region, so I filled it up in Spray. From Kimberly, I took SR402, then US395 north.
I was hoping to stay at Ritter Hot Springs, but there’s no lodging nor even stores near by. The little county road from US395 to the hot spring was another good twisty road along river, but there are SO MANY deer.
To my disappointment, Ritter Hot Spring was closed for the season, but I wanted to check it out. I crossed the gate, the pool was empty but water was running. The gate for the pool was unlocked, so I got in the pool. I learned it was hot water. I did a skinny dipping, great experience!
By the time I finished bathing, the sun was setting. I continued US395 north OUT of NOWHERE. No gas stations, no stores, no motels, no nothing. There are many deer as well. Luckily, there was a car coming behind me, I let it pass, and I just followed it. Brilliant idea!
I arrived another little town called Ukiah, and I see a lodging sign! I was so happy to see it, as there’s no other city within 100km radius. It was already 9. I went to the only place to eat, again a bar. So the same deal, everybody’s smoking, there’s no non-smoking section. A lady at the counter told me the kitchen is already closed, but she had some bar food. I ordered a polish sausage and fries…. Very bad choice! Both were from microwave oven, and they’re $5!!. I wonder how veteran riders get by with bad foods when touring thru rural America.
Day 4, 9/12
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=45.073521,-117.817383&spn=1.148263,2.285156&z=8&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574ce33b8cfa129d2
I took another NF roads from there to Haines. About 100km of riding, I got to a big city called Baker City. I was excited to know there’s a McD there, as I didn’t see any fast-food since I left Estacada yesterday. Unfortunately, it wasn’t big enough to have a Starbucks.
Then I took SR86 to Hell’s Canyon. The road was going thru golden farmland, a bit boring till Richland. After that, it started being twisty. Hell’s Canyon itself was fairy impressive, but maybe not as much as other sites like Grand Canyon. It’s the road which is attraction itself for us. Here’s the little twisty near Hell’s Canyon Overlook.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture055.jpg
I got to a nice little town Joseph, I wasn’t expecting any touristy place like this. I had a nice dessert. I wanted to stay there, but it was fully booked, so I continued to Enterprise.
Enterprise is much bigger, with a few motels, but with no fast-food. I head to the cheapest looking place, and I was told it’s $75 a night. I couldn’t believe that I said ‘I take it.’. I must’ve been too tired to shop around. The room wasn’t too different from other $40/night rooms in other USA countryside. When I went out for dinner around 8pm though, all other 2 motels had ‘no vacancy’ sign, so maybe it was indeed a going rate, and I was there for peak time.
This city didn’t have any fast-food, but had a couple of Mexican and one Chinese restaurants. I went to one by my motel, it turned out to be really good. So yes, if there’s a choice, I usually stick with Mexican when I’m on the road.
Day 5, 9/13
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=46.141783,-117.883301&spn=2.253213,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574cfe46be3a2d3ec
I was hoping that restaurant would be open for breakfast, and wanting to have some huevos rancheros, but my hope was in vain. I didn’t find anything interesting in that town for breakfast, so I just drank some juice and took SR3. Some parts of that road was awesome! The road changes its name to SR129 after crossing WA border. SR129 is pretty good for a while, but it then runs thru farmland, boring and straight.
Looking towards OR:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture056.jpg
Mi moto esta en Washington, y estoy en Oregon. Probably one of the best places where 'Welcome to Washington' sign sits:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture057.jpg
And look that road that continues below the cliff:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture058.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-6/1265557/Picture059.jpg
In Clarkston, WA / Lewiston, ID, I was excited to find a Starbucks and a Jack In the Box. I had some burgers at the JIB. After that, I hit Spiral Hwy north of Lewiston, chasing some local squid riders.
Then I took US12 west, then SR261 going thru Starbuck. That road is another gem. There’s actually a café in Starbuck, but it was closed. Then I stayed the little farming town Connell, a town with a few motels, but again with no fast food. I’ve stayed there last year, the motel was good, so I stayed there again. Again the choice was from burgers from burger stand or Chinese buffet. There’s also a diner, which I tried last year and it was terrible. I went to check out Chinese buffet…the food looked awful. Just across the road, I see mobile taco vendor! It was actually my first time trying one of them in US, and my first experience was a positive one.
Day 6, 9/14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=47.249407,-120.959473&spn=2.207476,4.570312&z=7&msid=104557049596695212817.0004574d0cc8eab5f2243
A day to go back home. I’ve heard there’s a breakfast buffet at that diner for $9 or so. I went to check it out, the buffet selection was poor, that made Gilnetter’s look much much better.
I continued SR260, 17, 26, then had breakfast at a McD in Othello. Those 3 roads are such boring roads, but still better than freeways. I briefly took I-90 to cross Wanapum Lake (Columbia River), then took a little road pararel to Ellensburg. I went thru the site of Ginkgo Petrified Forest, I wanted to stop by and explore, but I wanted to arrive home early, so maybe next time. That road wasn’t twisty or anything, but it was just a good alternative to I-90.
In Ellensburg, I saw an Italian caffe, I wanted to try, but I wanted to stay ‘safe’, and had burgers at BK. From here, I took US97 to Peshastin. It was just ok, with traffic so heavy. I went thru Leavenworth, I wasn’t hungry or thirsty, I just passed thru. Continued US2 west, I thought I liked that road, but it’s NOTHING after riding those road in OR and southeast WA. The traffic was pretty heavy, everybody speed up on passing zone, then go really slow soon as that zone ends. I don’t understand those people. I should’ve taken I-90 instead.
Once in Monroe, I was looking for a sign for Granite Falls, but I didn’t see any. I was too lazy to pull Destination Highways from my saddle bag, I just kept going till SR9. SR9 all the way to Arlington is quite boring, I learned. After that, it was pretty fun. I wanted to go thru Cain Lake Rd. and other fun backroads all the way to Bellingham, but I didn’t have much time, I just took I-5 from Bow.
Conclusion:
Interior like east of Cascades in WA, and east of Willamette Valley in OR is now the season for riding. The temperature is in perfect 20s, very few traffic. I always love smelling sage or some kind of herb when riding those dry lands.