solo trip to hells canyon in northeastern oregon last week in july. any advise

 

Don't know what your return plans are but a swing up through North Idaho (Macall and points north) on Hwy 95 and then a return through North Washington (north of the Columbia River) covers some really nice country. The North Cascades Hwy out of Winthrop (Methow Valley) is worth the trip, there is no prettier way across the Cascades back to the westside.

 

i went through there in 01.started at the s end.where theres a sighn that reads no rv s or trailers beyond this point.my heritage weighed a 1000 lbs.some of the road was nice gravel some was like 4wd trail some had big rocks all over.it was a challenge but a good road and a fun ride didnt make many miles that day.i did a big loop.came into idaho on 12 lolo pass to lewiston then up to courde lane hwy3 back south.went through lowman craters of the moon.id love to live some place in idaho.just doesnt seem like theres alot of jobs there

 

From Clarkston Wa take Rattlesnake pass to Enterprise Or then on to Joseph OR great little town to stay in or camp at the lake. Then drop down thru Hells Cayon on Wallowa MT Loop RD to Oxbow OR then north to Riggins ID another great place to stay then back to Lewiston ID.
Here is a link to a map


http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sour...98&ie=UTF8&z=8

 

I did the Rattle Snake Pass last week form Enterprise (route 3) to Clarkston great ride it was paved last year. If you are in Clarkston head over to Lewiston ID it is a mile or so away and take the Old Spiral Highway. If you are camping there is a Campground at Obow ID that is very nice. Out there retaraunts close at 8PM and Scotties the only place for gas closes early also. You can ride the Devil's Tail out to the dam from Oxbow that is a great ride. If you are in Lewiston and decide to head to the Lolo pass 77 miles of twisting road there is a great Motel in Orifino that caters to motorcylcist. The Konkolville Motel AAA rated and they have a great stake dinner.
Pretty much any road out there will be scenic. I drive an 04 Teal and SIlver Ultra maybe I will see you out there as I head out for a 3 week ride.

 

Just got back from Hells Canyon. Road is washed out between oxbow and Joseph/Enterprise. Had to reroute, check with locals before heading south from Joseph...

Tom

 

Just did a similar trip last week. I highly recommend US 395 from Mt. Vernon to Ukiah (endless sweepers just south of Ukiah---a blast), across 244 into LaGrande. Then into Enterprise/Joseph via 82. From there, as mentioned, enjoy the Rattlesnake Pass. Can't speak for the road wash out, we didn't go all the way down into Hells Canyon, but it doesn't suprise me. I would heed Panels advise, maybe call the DOT in Oregon to find out if there's been any progress.

 

That washed out road will not effect your plans on going to the canyon BUT if you want to go to Joseph/Enterprise area you will have to head out to 84 from the canyon then west to La Grande. It is a long way around but if you have time it is scenic.

 

Mesh jacket and lots of water!

 

Thx for the input. That sucks about the road. Was kinda thinking of coin in from Joseph take the loop , come out at baker and head over to painted hills. I will take advice check dot and go from there. Again thanks, last time I tried the canyon they had a fire and had to turn around at joseph