Photo's from Hell's Canyon and Oregon

 

 

If you remember you drive into Hell's Canyon while in Idaho and cross over into Oregon as you drive out of the area.  Both drives are beautiful.    

 

 

The drive into the canyon

Snake River

An early settler had planted fruit trees in the canyon and used pack animals to deliver the fruit over the mountain pass.  Legend has that the climb out was "hell" and hence the name of Hell's Canyon.  The trees and bushes still bear fruit.  The apricots were not ripe for picking while the black raspberries were delicious.  So good on cereal for breakfast!

The drive out and into northeast Oregon was spectacular.  Forests lined with healthy trees of different varieties  There had been a fire at one time and so much new growth is evident.

 

 

If I remember correctly the drive took almost 2 hours to go 62 miles.  Once we exited the Wallowa-Whitman Nat'l Forest the valley opened up before us.  Pretty nice view for these folks.

We had reached our destination of Jerome, OR.  We thought it was just a little town but it is quite the tourist attraction.  Bronze sculptures line the streets and we were entertained at the farmers market. 

 



Wallowa Lake, the State Park, and the Wallowa Lake Tram to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Oregon are just some of the attractions.  We thought about camping there but they were full which was a good thing.  The area was so busy we couldn't wait to leave, however we did stop for lunch.

We found a very nice "rural" campground just outside of town and went for a hike in the Eagle Cap Wilderness on Hurricane Creek Trail.  Our map gave this description " View massive granite and limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and an abundance of wildflowers along the trail.  Gradually climb across subalpine meadows alternating with timbered areas.  You will see panoramic views of Sacajawea, Matterhorn, and Eagle Cap Peaks"  That is exactly what we saw!

 

 

It was a perfect hike to welcome us into Oregon!