Lower Deschutes River

Posted on September 13, 2015 by siteadmin

Lower Deschutes River scenic byway is 40 miles south of The Dalles in north-central Oregon. Travelers can begin in Maupin and travel north for 28 miles or south for eight miles. The byway follows Deschutes River Road for a total of 36 miles. The road is an old railroad grade that is mostly unpaved. Only nine miles of the byway is paved. Most vehicles can complete the byway; those pulling trailers are discouraged from traveling the route south of Maupin. Also, there are some narrow, sharp curves along the unpaved portion. Lower Deschutes River is generally open all year.

This back country byway cuts through the scenic canyon created by the Deschutes River as it twists its way to the Columbia River. Native Americans used to fish for salmon here at the beautiful Sherar’s Falls. Peter Skene Ogden came exploring the Deschutes River Canyon in 1826 and was followed by John C. Fremont and Kit Carson in 1843. Today the river is part of the National Wild and Scenic River System and is used by rafters for its challenging white-water rapids. There are several good spots along the byway for watching these rafters or you may decide you’d like to float the river yourself.

If you’re not interested in floating the river, then perhaps you would like to spend some time trying to pull rainbow trout, steelhead, or Chinook salmon from the river. Or you may be interested in finding a quiet, secluded spot to read and enjoy a picnic lunch. There’s a variety of wildlife to be looking for, too. The watchful eye may catch glimpses of mule deer, osprey, or the great blue heron.

There are two developed and numerous primitive campgrounds along the byway for those interested in extending their stay. The two developed campgrounds are Beavertail and Macks Canyon. Beavertail Campground has 20 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings. Macks Canyon Campground offers 16 sites, also with picnic tables and fire rings. Drinking water and pit toilets are provided in both campgrounds. Both also provide boat access to the river. A small fee is charged for the use of each campground. The remains of a prehistoric pithouse village can be seen at the Macks Canyon recreation area.

This back country byway is heavily used by outdoor enthusiasts during spring and summer months. Exercise caution while driving the byway.

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Highway of Legends

Posted on September 12, 2015 by siteadmin

Highway of Legends is in southern Colorado about 50 miles south of Pueblo. The byway forms an open loop beginning in Walsenburg and ending in Trinidad. It follows US 160 and CO 12 for 82 miles. Both highways are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. The highways are usually open all year.

Highway Of Legends crosses San Isabel National Forest through the Sangre de Cristo (“Blood of Christ”) Mountains. The Spanish Peaks and a variety of unique geological formations are seen from the byway. Some of the more interesting formations are: Stonewall, Dakota Wall, Devil’s Stairsteps, and the Profile Rock.

Sitting quietly among the pine trees near the byway’s midpoint is Monument Lake, one of many high altitude lakes along the drive. In the center of the lake is a rock formation jutting 15 feet above the water’s surface. This is the “monument” for which the lake is named. It’s a natural rock formation said to represent two Indian chiefs. Camping and picnicking facilities may be found around the lake.

A short side trip on FSR 413 takes you along the Cuchara River to Blue Lake and Bear Lake. Blue Lake is known for its beautiful blue color and shoreline covered with spruce trees. Beyond Blue Lake lies pristine Bear Lake. San Isabel National Forest manages campgrounds around each lake. A total of 30 RV and tent sites are available. There are also several nature and hiking trails in the area. Camping is also available in Lathrop State Park and Trinidad State Park.

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Brian Head – Panguitch Lake

Posted on September 10, 2015 by siteadmin

The Brian Head – Panguitch Lake scenic byway is located in southwest Utah. It begins in Parowan and travels south to the Cedar Breaks National Monument where it then travels northeast to Panguitch. The 55-mile route follows UT 143, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is usually open year-round.

From Parowan the byway climbs through Parowan Canyon to Utah’s highest incorporated city of Brian Head. Nearby is 11,305-foot Brian Head Peak. From here the byway cuts through the northeastern corner of Cedar Breaks National Monument, turns northeasterly and continues on to pass the shores of Panguitch Lake before descending into the town of Panguitch. The waters of Parowan Creek will guide you from Parowan to Brian Head, tempting the angler to pull over and attempt to catch a rainbow trout or two. Autumn is a good time to drive the byway as aspen leaves display their colors of gold.

Those wishing to prolong their stay in the area will find several public campgrounds. Vermillion Castle Campground is located a short distance east of the byway. There are 16 sites, suitable for tents and RVs up to 24 feet long, sitting on the banks of Bowery Creek among Douglas fir and pinyon pines. Drinking water and flush toilets are available.

Panguitch Lake is in a sagebrush basin with aspen and pine trees covering the surrounding hillsides. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout. There are two campgrounds nearby, Panguitch Lake North and Panguitch Lake South. The northern campground has 49 sites suitable for tents and RVs, drinking water, flush toilets, and a dump station. The southern campground has 18 sites for tent campers only. Drinking water is not available, but there are comfort stations.

Farther up the byway from Panguitch Lake is the White Bridge Campground. Campers will find 28 sites among cottonwoods lining Panguitch Creek that are suitable for tents and recreational vehicles up to 24 feet. Drinking water and flush toilets are also provided.

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Lewis and Clark

Posted on September 8, 2015 by siteadmin

Lewis and Clark forms a loop beginning and ending in Tendoy, which is located in east-central Idaho. The byway is nearly 40 miles long and follows Old Highway 28, FSR 185, Warm Springs Road, and Lewis and Clark Highway. The roads are primarily single-lane, gravel-surfaced roads suitable for passenger vehicles. In some areas, grades exceed five percent. Lewis and Clark is normally closed to vehicles November through early June but remains open for snowmobiles.

The Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway passes through stands of fir and pine trees, across mountain meadows, and rolling hills as it climbs the Bitterroot Range to the Continental Divide and Lemhi Pass. The byway offers magnificent views of the Bitterroot and Beaverhead Mountains and the Salmon and Lemhi Valleys.

President Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition to explore and map the vast new territory west of the Mississippi River acquired by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The Lewis and Clark expedition began in May of 1804 and crossed Lemhi Pass late in the summer of 1805. Here the expedition unfurled the flag of the United States for the first time west of the Rocky Mountains, laying claim to the Pacific Northwest. At the top of Lemhi Pass is a memorial to the one woman of the expedition who served as a guide and interpreter.

The byway passes the site of Fort Lemhi, built in 1855 by Mormon missionaries. The remote outpost once had over 100 inhabitants before being abandoned in 1858. The remains of the fort are on private property, obtain permission from the landowner before inspecting!

Agency Creek Campground is a small campground maintained by the BLM. There are four campsites, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Pit toilets are also provided. There is no drinking water or trash receptacles.

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Natchez Trace Parkway

Posted on September 4, 2015 by siteadmin

This historic route generally follows the old Indian trace, or trail, between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi. This portion of the byway cuts across northwestern Alabama for 33 miles. The parkway is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles and is open year-round.

Once trekked by Indians and trampled into a rough road by traders, trappers, and missionaries, the Natchez Trace Parkway is now a scenic 445-mile route traveling from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, “Kaintucks,” as the river merchants were called, would float downriver on flatboats loaded with their merchandise to be sold in New Orleans. Since there wasn’t any practical way to return by river, the boats were dismantled and the lumber sold. The Natchez Trace would be the only pathway home.

At that time, the Trace was a dangerous path to take. Travelers waded through swamps and swam streams and fended off attacks by wild animals and poisonous snakes. It was also necessary to keep an eye open for murderous bandits and Indian attacks. The terrain of the trace was rough, too. A broken leg of a lone traveler would often mean certain death. The dangers of the route earned the Trace the nickname “Devil’s Backbone.” Modern-day travelers don’t have these dangers to face as they travel this historic route.

The Alabama portion of the Trace offers a variety of outdoor activities. Bear Creek, near the Mississippi state line, has picnic facilities and access to the creek for canoeing. Colbert Ferry, on the banks of the Tennessee River, has a picnic area, restrooms, telephone, and boat ramp. A ranger station is also located here, where George Colbert once operated a stand and ferry. Mr. Colbert is reported to have once charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his army across the river. Lauderdale Landing is also a nice spot for a picnic.

A steep quarter-mile trail in Freedom Hills Overlook will take you to the highest point of the parkway in Alabama. Also worth stopping for is the Buzzard Roost Spring area. An exhibit here tells the story of Levi Colbert, a Chickasaw chief who owned a nearby stand. A short trail leads to the spring. A nature trail follows Colbert Creek at the Rock Spring area, milepost 330, and will take about 20 minutes to complete.

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