Hells Canyon
Saturday - 28 June 2003: Joseph, Oregon -
This morning we drove (in the Honda) to
Hells
Canyon, which, at 7,800 feet deep, is the world's
deepest river gorge. Imagine this unique feature right in our own
Little State? Of course, since it IS in our state - it is totally protected
and is a wilderness area and river (Snake) access if very restricted. The
edge of this canyon is about 30 miles east of Joseph, so we took the drive.
This area is prime bear habitat and home to one of the largest elk herds in
the United States. What did we see? One chipmunk. A photo cannot do justice
to the beautiful view - the wildflowers were incredible, absolutely
carpeting the slopes and the blooms were covered with thousands of busy
bees.
Hells Canyon
After reaching the vista point, we went north, along a 30
mile gravel road that follows the Imnaha River to Imnaha, Oregon. This was a
magnificent drive - through another deep gorge. Rocky cliffs with open range
lands, plus the rare ranch. It would be a very long winter up here, as I
imagine the road isn't plowed. It was easy to know when you were coming to a
ranch or farm house - the road in front of the homestead was paved in order
to keep the dust down. We saw many old, abandoned homesteads along the way,
and I took a photo of this once-beautiful place.
Imnaha River Homestead
Once we found Imnaha - a town so small, the post office
looks like a large outhouse - we headed west back to Joseph along Lost
Creek. This paved road was also a beautiful drive. How lucky are Oregonians?
This part of Our State is so isolated, few venture here and maybe it will
remain rural and rare.
Back in Joseph, we were starving and found the last remaining seats at
The Embers Brew House. The place was very busy, but we did
get a beer and menus. Our waitress, the Young and Lovely Nadine, took our
order. We waited. And waited. The Embers is called so because there once was
a fire in the building next door, which left the tavern (which was at the
time a private home) badly charred on one side. Not only that - according to
the story on the menu - in the 1950's a resident of the house was so angry
at a neighbor for constantly parking in front of the house, she set herself
on fire. Ouch. So, in some sort of sick tribute, the tavern is called The
Embers. We were still waiting for our food. Nadine, apologetic, offered free
beer while we waited. DT
was trying the local brew from the
Terminal Gravity Brewing Company in Enterprise, Oregon - 6
miles up the road. Well, to make a long story short, we finally enjoyed our
lunch - at 3:00 and then had to go home and take a nap - but it was a cheap
lunch.
In the evening, we took a walk up the road to check-out the trail head, look
at the cabins for rent, look at the other RV Park (yuck), pet the horses in
the stables, look at more restaurant menus and watch grown men play like
kids at the Go-Kart concession. We stayed in again tonight, watching the
Mariners lose, had popcorn for dinner, and read.
The weather here is cooperating - it is hot and sunny, with barely a breeze.
We have no cellular service here. I am updating from a modem connection at
the campground office.
RV Park:
Park at the River - Eagle Cap Chalets
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