September 2106 Motorcycle Ride

Saturday, September 10 - Baker City to Hells Canyon Dam and back - 199 miles

Another clear blue sky morning. I had breakfast at the cafe next to the motel and then chatted with others from the group for a bit.

Several people were heading toward the Anthony Lakes ski area. I was planning on riding this road the following day on my return journey so I decided to head to the Hells Canyon dam. I headed east on 86 through some beautiful countryside taking me past Halfway to Oxbow.





The sign says "Hells Canyon Recreation Area 48 Miles".


A small valley and farm extending to the south off of 86. Just add water and that brown land turns green.



Highway 86 passes through the very small town of Oxbow then crosses the Snake River turning into NF-454 heading north (also known as Hells Canyon Road). The pavement changes becoming a bit worse than a normally maintained highway. There are some sections of asphalt missing on the right and side so a bit of attention needs to be given to the road surface.



Once you gain some elevation you are riding above the river enjoying more twists in the road. The constant series of signs warning of falling rocks should temper one's speed.



Hells Canyon Dam with Idaho Power and Light hard at work.



The ride back, looking up river toward the dam.

Lunch stop between Oxbow and Halfway.

And the store next to the cafe. I wasn't in need of anything so I did not stop in to check out their wares.

Back to the wide open spaces of highway 86. Quite a contrast to the narrow confines of the canyon.





On highway 86 I passed under three large pipes such as would be used to make road culverts. The pipes were far larger than would be needed if pumping water across the road and being on a rise a stream would not be flowing here. The concrete columns on each side took considerable work to make. I would like to know the purpose. It was warm and I was dressed in full gear so I did not go exploring to try and learn more.



Back in the parking lot riders visited and talked about the day's rides before walking downtown to dinner.



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September 9 - Heppner to Baker City September 11 - Baker City to Prineville

Back to September ride report.