Willow Creek Trail No. 3063 and Bald Mt Trail No. 3058

After unsuccessfully attempting to run 100 miles at IMTUF in Idaho, I had some time to kill before I had to be home and energy in my legs to burn.  The Eastern part of Oregon has been on my list of places to run since I moved to the state a few years ago.  One route popped into my mind and I had to do it. The Elkhorn Crest is a point to point trail in the Blue Mountains just outside of Baker Ci...

Van Patten Lake is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Haines, Oregon.

Taking a drive off the main highway that connects Umatilla, Oregon to the popular wine town of Walla Walla can lead to some very scenic views of the Stateline Wind Farm. On Gerkling Flat Road outside of Athena, Oregon you can drive right next to these colossal towers and see how a growing renewable energy is generated. One of the best times to go is when the Walla Walla Valley fills with fog, a...

Starting near the entrance to the fee-free Cottonwood Canyon State Park, which is one of Oregon's newest state Parks, find the large sign for the start of the Pinnacles Trail.  This park was formerly a ranch, and this largely flat trail runs along an erstwhile ranch road that follows the John Day River. Undulating 4.3 miles into the canyon, you may catch glimpses of wildlife like elk, big horn ...

The Painted HIlls is the most dramatic of the three units that make up John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Any trip to Eastern Oregon via Rt 26 requires a stop at the Painted HIlls to take in the unique landscape.John Day Fossil Beds are fee-free and as you enter you will see an area with bathrooms, picnic tables, and water fountains. This is the only place to find them, so stop there first...

To get to the trailhead, use the US highway 26 which is the only way you can go to the Painted Hills Unit. Make a turn when arriving at Burnt Ranch Rd junction. Drive up and follow the sign around 6 miles. The trail junction is where you passed the Carroll Rim Trail and Painted Hill Overlook. Turn right at the junction then drive around 1 or 2 miles and you are there. If you need an exact coord...