The following is a trip to the Gifford Pinchot (pronounced pin-cho) National Forest, between Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams, in south central Washington. The weather was not as clear as the forecast, but it didn't rain. The fall colors (several weeks ago now) were at their peak!
After crossing the Columbia into Vancouver, WA we headed east on 14 through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - or so we thought. Somehow we ended up at "Cape Horn" which is supposed to be at the tip of South America!
My friend Gary checked the GPS on his F800GS - No, still in North America.
Great view from here - Washington on the left, Oregon on the right.
This converted old gas station in Stevenson, I believe, looked like the perfect stop for brunch.
We left the highway at Cook and the road soon turned to gravel. This was the first of many small lakes on our route.
Some day, I tell myself, I'll get an inflatable kayak and strap in on the back for these lake runs!
We passed through a portion of the "Big Lava Bed." Not a very creative name, but an interesting place where the trees grow right out of the old lava flows.
Great camping spots like this one abound throughout the Gifford Pinchot, but we didn't see hardly anyone that day.
This historic Forest Service cabin at Peterson Prairie can be rented for a unique getaway.
Riding north from there, road conditions improved as we approached the Indian Heaven Wilderness Area.
A rough rendition of Smokey Bear was the only one to greet us at this empty campsite / wilderness trail head.
It was nice to have these beautiful routes mostly to ourselves on a crisp fall day.
The vine maple was exploding in oranges and yellows!
This lake was a bit off the main road, down a steep rutted path.
Just before the pavement resumed, we diverted up a narrow route towards the top of a rounded knoll, in search of a good view. The road soon turned to mud however, and we turned around right after this picture was taken. You have to save something for next time, after all.
Passing through the tiny town of Trout Lake, we spotted a sign promising food and lodging that lead us to this 100 year old structure.
Inside was the original bar and stools and the printed history of the establishment. Over the decades, it had been just about everything including dance hall, movie theater, post office, and of course hotel, bar and restaurant. The food was amazing! I had a meatloaf burger with the thickest, spiciest bacon I have ever tasted.
The ambiance was, shall we say....laid back! There are even a couple of couches on one end of the room in front of a big-screen TV. Bikers are most definitely welcome, as evidenced by the Harley-rider boots you see in the photo. Let me know if any of you are interested. I'll take you back there any time!
Returning by a different route, we crossed the steel-grate toll bridge at Stevenson, back into Oregon. At the park under the bridge, you can see this detailed mural of Louis and Clark, and buy Salmon from local Native Americans.
We made it home just after dark that day - pretty ideal fall day-trip!
