USA NORTHWEST 2014
~PART 4: OREGON~

Photos © R.Leeuw

 

Granite,OR - established 1873 and supposedly a ghost town. But people had moved back in and the road
leading to Granite was a very nice black top. Even ghost towns bounce back to the world of the living.

Dark clouds over a fairly primitive cabin. Driving up to Granite we even saw some snow fly.

A true remnant of the Ghost Town era. Mind, there is also a Granite Ghost Town in Montana.

First established by miners after the discovery of gold along Granite Creek on 04July1862, the area was originally called Granite Creek Mines. During the following year, a settlement called Granite City was established about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) downstream of where Granite City is now. It was moved to its current location in 1867 and renamed Independence after the date—July 4, or Independence Day—of the earlier gold discovery. However, when the community's post office was established in 1878, it could not use the name Independence because that name was already taken by another Oregon city. Instead, the name Granite was chosen. The post office closed in 1957, but the city retained the name. Granite,OR had a population of 38 in 2010, up from 24 in 2000.[3] In 2010, it was the fourth-smallest incorporated city by population in Oregon.[6] The smaller cities were Shaniko (36 people), Lonerock (21), and nearby Greenhorn (0). (Source: Wikipedia)

 

The day we came to visit was sunday (early morning), and nothing stirred.

 

 

We had to backtrack on the Granite Hill Road, to Sumpter, there we headed south on US 7, Sumpter Stage Hwy.
But first a look at Sumpter, a very nice looking town with a western appearance. Pity so late in the season, on
a sunday morning, nothing was open to have a coffee or something. So we rolled along.

Sumpter Valley Dredge State Park, a superb relic of a gold mining time here kept in good shape. Pity we did not
have the time to await opening times and have a look inside (the upper levels are closed to the public, due to rotting
floor boards). Same went for the short trails surrounding the dredge (exploring rock waste from the dredge), we had
to make tracks for I intended to visit an air museum at Madras at the end of the afternoon (did not make it though).

Must return one day for a closer look and visit.

The sun returned but the signs of autumn were evident.

A fort? No, a motel..!

US 7

I was not looking for my dreams to interpret my life, but rather for my life to interpret my dreams.
- Susan Sontag

I am happiest when on these road trips, escapism in the most tangible, genuine form!

US 26, John Day Highway a.k.a. Old West Scenic Bikeway.

Prairie City

Only logical to find the John Day Highway passing through Dayville; we stopped for lunch.

 

US 26 had changed its name to Ochoco Highway. In the
middle of nowhere we came across this tree with 'decorations'.
Its location: 44 33 10.9 N / 119 48 12.7 W

Mitchell,OR

 

Our visit to the recently relocated Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras,OR. I had hoped to make it the day before
but we got to Madras late in the afternoon and my satnav misdirect us to the wrong adress. So we lost valuable time
and I did not want to rush my visit. We reported here at opening (09:15) and I could start my photography. The
museum had very little memorabilia on display, which is something that can keep Ada occupied (sort of). By the time
I get these glances I know my time is up! See my report on my 2014's visit to Erickson Aircraft Collection.

Opposite to the airport entrance is this cabin. Mount Hood in the background.

 

Heading for Mt. Hood is heading for Portland! And look, bright blue skies again!

We continued on US 26 and while passing this deserted gasstation I quickly got it on camera.

Unfortunately I did not have my gps gadget attached to my camera, but this must be the river crossing where
one enters the Warm Springs Reservation; it is occupied and governed by the Confederated Tribes of
Warm Springs. Three tribes form the confederation: the Wasco, Tenino (Warm Springs) and Paiute.
Since 1938 they have been unified as the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The reservation
was created by treaty in 1855. Not a good place to get gas, I found: expensive!

The final miles to Portland.

Final shopping at Powell's Books in Portland.

We flew back on Delta. Another splendid roadtrip had come to an end.
Eighteen days on the road, 14 different motels, we drove 5.216 kms (3.260 mls), the car: Dodge SXT (Alamo rental).

USA NORTHWEST 2014
THE START: OREGON & WASHINGTON
PORTLAND, OR
WHALEWATCHING FROM ANACORTES
PAGE TWO: IDAHO & MONTANA
NATIONAL BISON RANGE
PAGE THREE: WYOMING
YELLOWSTONE NAT'L PARK
JACKSON,WY
PAGE FOUR: IDAHO
CRATERS OF THE MOON
THE END: OREGON

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INDEX TO MY TRAVEL PAGES

Reactions / comments welcomed.