Road Trip Through the Blue Mountains

Looking northwest from Spanish Peak

It was a perfect weekend for a long road trip.  Perfect weather, a 4wd full size truck, and a good friend were the only ingredients needed.  Our route took us through nearly all of the sub-ranges of Oregon's Blue Mountains; the Ochocos, the Aldrich, The Strawberries (barely), and the Elkhorns.  It was the beginning of bow hunting season so we were not lonely, but I got to see some places that have been on my list for decades, such as the summits of Vinegar Hill (8,200') and Spanish Peak (6,900').  I also got to see Greenhorn (pop 3) for the first time.  Oh, and brewpubs including Ochoco (Prineville), 1188 (John Day), and Side A (La Grande).  All-in-all a successful road trip.

View from Vinegar Hill

Mountain Goat on Vinegar Hill