April 24, 2011
Eastern Oregon
This week we toured quite a bit of eastern Oregon. Here are some highlights.
Owyhee Canyon and Lake
This 52 mile long lake is remote and very scenic, and so is the canyon leading up to it. There's an Oregon State campground on the shore.
More about Owyhee Reservoir, Owyhee River, and Owyhee Dam.

Owyhee Canyon

Down it Goes ....
The unique "Glory Hole" inlet to Owyhee Dam's Spillway. A huge volume of water was flowing through the spillway when we visited.

An Out it Comes!

A View of Owyhee Lake
Hells Canyon
The Snake River flows through Hells Canyon between Idaho and Oregon. In the middle of the summer it's as hot as it's namesake, but it was much cooler while we were there.
More about Hells Canyon.

Hells Canyon Below Hells Canyon Dam

Lots of Water Coming Through the Spillway

View of the Lake Above The Dam

See That Snow on The Mountains Above?

Canyon Wildlife
John Day Country
John Day is famous for it's fossils. The place is like a piece of the desert Southwest that's been moved to Oregon.
More about John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Southwest Shore Campground on Phillips Reservoir
Between Baker and Sumpter as we approach John Day from the east.

Entering John Day Country

John Day Fossil Beds

Hiking In To Blue Basin, Sheep Rock Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

How's This for a Great Campsite?
Lone Pine BLM Campsite on the John Day River.

Palisades, Clarno Unit, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
Beautuful rock, and lots of Swifts and Canyon Wrens!

Canyon Wren