Three days in eastern Oregon - Nyssa / Ontario - August 10-12

[szurszewski]

I've a week or so over in eastern Oregon next month for work, and just found out I have three days off in the middle. So, August 10, 11, 12, I'm free, and I figure by then I'll have exhausted the night life in Ontario. I was already planning to ride the bike over from Portland, but I wasn't planning to have play time while I was there.

 

So, what's to do, where's to ride in that part of the world? I've heard of John Day in Oregon and Craters or some such thing in Idaho, but I don't know much other than they are geologically neat/pretty. I will have from 5ish pm Thursday until 8ish am Monday, so I can certainly travel a day in any direction if it's worth it.

 

Suggestions? Thoughts? Anything interesting going on that weekend in that part of the world?

 

thanks,

josh

[MikeRC]

Josh:

 

You have lots of choices getting to/from Ontario and in the Ontario area. Check out the Idaho and Oregon (maybe even SE Washington) sections of America's Byways as well as Idaho's Scenic Byways and Oregon Scenic Byways. You can even plan a trip based on Idaho Natural Hot Springs.

 

Some of my favourite rides are in the area: Banks-Lowman Road (Widlife Canyon), Pondorosa Pine Scenic Byway, Salmon River Scenic Byway, Hell's Canyon Scenic Byway, OR3/WA 129 Enterprise to Asotin, FS39 Oxbow to Enterprise.

 

Mike Cassidy

[mbelectric]

Said it before, and will say it again:

 

Spend a night in the Wallowa area. SO nice.

 

Very close to Hell's canyon area. Hwy 3 north is a good one.

 

MB.

[elkroeger]

I've always wanted to spend some more time down there. My wife won't agree to go anywhere called "Malheur" though....

 

If you're motelling it, stay at the Geiser Grand in Baker City.