Fort Churchill to Wellington

Posted on August 13, 2015 by siteadmin

Fort Churchill to Wellington is in west-central Nevada ten miles east of Carson City. The eastern terminus is near Fort Churchill State Historic Park off US 95A. The byway heads west to Dayton and then south to end at the junction with NV 208 near Wellington. It follows NV 2B, Como, Sunrise Pass, and Upper Colony Roads for a total of 67 miles. The roads vary from relatively smooth gravel to rough dirt roads. The graveled sections are mostly two lanes while the rougher segments are single lane with steep grades. A four-wheel drive vehicle is necessary to complete the byway; a two-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle can travel most of the route. Most of the byway is passable year-round. The portion through the Pine Nut Mountains is usually closed in winter.

Fort Churchill State Historic Park is the site of a military establishment that was erected in 1860 to defend settlers and riders of the Pony Express Trail. The stone buildings were used for less than a decade and abandoned in 1869. The fort once had more than 60 buildings; the remains invite exploration. A visitor center has more information on the history of the fort.

Leaving the fort, you continue west along the banks of the Carson River, retracing the Pony Express Trail for 21 miles. From Dayton, the byway heads south across the rugged Pine Nut Mountains. This region is home to wild horses, mountain lions, mule deer, bobcats, and coyotes. Once across the mountains, the route smoothes out a bit and continues south to Wellington.

Camping facilities can be found in Fort Churchill SHP and Dayton State Park. The ten-site campground and picnic area in Dayton SP were built on the site of Rock Point Quartz Mill, which dates to 1861.

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Lakeview to Steens

Posted on August 12, 2015 by siteadmin

Lakeview to Steens is in southeast Oregon and begins five miles north of Lakeview. It travels northeast to the junction with OR 205, south of Frenchglen. The 90-mile byway follows OR 140, CR 3-13, and CR 3-12. Oregon Highway 140 and CR 3-13 are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Country Road 3-12 is a gravel road that requires a high-clearance vehicle. Vehicles pulling trailers are not recommended on this portion. Lakeview to Steens is usually open all year, but severe winter storms can result in rough driving conditions or temporary closure.

Lakeview to Steens Back Country Byway crosses a portion of the Fremont National Forest through the Warner Mountains and crosses a vast expanse of high desert country. After crossing the mountains, the byway descends into Warner Valley and crosses the Warner Wetlands. Spring and fall brings hundreds of migrating birds to this area including cranes, herons, egrets, ducks, and swans. The route then climbs the escarpment of Hart Mountain through the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. In addition to herds of pronghorn antelope, the refuge provides habitat for sage grouse, burrowing owls, and coyotes in the lower elevations and mule deer, bighorn sheep, and prairie falcons in higher elevations.

Developed recreational facilities are nearly nonexistent along the byway. A primitive campground is located in the antelope refuge a few miles south of the refuge headquarters. Dispersed camping is permitted nearly anywhere on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Check with the district office in Lakeview regarding any private land that may exist along the byway before choosing your campsite.

Fremont National Forest offers Mud Creek Campground, which has eight campsites and drinking water. The campground is a few miles north of OR 140. About fifteen miles south of Lakeview off US 395 is Goose Lake State Recreation Area. Visitors will find 48 campsites with electric hookups. The park also has shower facilities, picnic areas, and a trailer dump station.

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State of Jefferson

Posted on August 11, 2015 by siteadmin

This byway is in northwest California near the Oregon border. The byway’s southeast access is in Yreka off I-5. It heads northwest, crosses into Oregon, and ends at the junction with US 199. State of Jefferson follows CA 263, CA 96, and Grayback Road. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. The byway is 108 miles long and is generally open year-round but temporary closure is possible during winter.

State of Jefferson has an interesting footnote in history. On Thursday, November 27, 1941, the State of Jefferson “seceded” from California and Oregon to form the 49th state of the Union. Several counties in northern California and southern Oregon proclaimed their independence to protest the lack of good roads and other basic services. Armed miners displaying the State of Jefferson seal stopped traffic at the “border” on US 99 (now CA 263) to distribute the “Proclamation of Independence.” The proclamation declared an intent to “secede each Thursday until further notice.” Movement for secession, however, was stopped abruptly by the attack on Pearl Harbor. Nowadays the byway traveler is free to cross this beautiful territory known as Klamath National Forest.

Much of the byway follows the meandering Klamath River, a National Wild and Scenic River. Anglers may wish to spend some time attempting to catch salmon or trout. The river is also enjoyed by rafting, canoeing, kayaking, and tubing enthusiasts. Several campgrounds are situated along the banks of the river. Among the wildlife inhabiting the area are deer, otters, geese, ducks, and bears. Bald eagles have occasionally been seen riding the wind currents.

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North Shore Drive – Gunflint Trail

Posted on August 9, 2015 by siteadmin

North Shore Drive / Gunflint Trail is in northeastern Minnesota about 80 miles northeast of Duluth. The North Shore Drive portion begins in Schroeder and travels northeast to the national forest boundary, east of Red Cliff. The Gunflint Trail section starts in Grand Marais and travels northwest to the road’s end near the Canadian border. The scenic drive follows US 61 and Gunflint Trail, which is also known as CR 12. Both roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles and remain open year-round. North Shore Drive is officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.

Travelers to this scenic drive are treated to spectacular views of Lake Superior to the south and a vast expanse of hardwood forests to the north. US Highway 61 follows the lake’s shoreline as it crosses Superior National Forest. The forest offers numerous opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing. During winter, this area becomes a haven for snowmobile and cross-country ski enthusiasts. Opportunities also exist for watching deer and moose make their way through the woods or gazing at eagles soaring gracefully above.

Many side roads tempt the traveler to turn off the main route and explore the wilderness. If you do find yourself tempted, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery. These side roads also provide access to miles of hiking trails and crystal-clear lakes for paddling a canoe.

The Gunflint Trail will take you through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and deeper into the national forest. It offers anglers the opportunity for trying their luck at catching brook and rainbow trout, walleye, bass, and northern pike. Those interested in hiking will find access to the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, and Kekekabic Trail. In winter, there are miles of well-groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.

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Wyoming Centennial

Posted on August 6, 2015 by siteadmin

Wyoming Centennial is in northwest Wyoming. It begins in Dubois and ends in Pinedale, a distance of 161 miles. The byway follows US 26 and US 191, which are two-lane paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Delays are possible in winter, otherwise the byway is open year-round. The portion from Moran Junction to Moose is part of the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.

Travelers can begin their scenic journey in Dubois and climb through the mountains to cross 9,658-foot Togwotee Pass. Reaching the pass results in spectacular views in all directions. From this mountain pass you’ll continue through a mixed conifer forest, rising and descending through meadows and mountain valleys. You’ll turn south in Moran Junction and follow the path dictated by the winding Snake River. The byway will then take you through Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Continuing southeasterly you’ll drive through the canyon walls of Hoback Canyon with Hoback River accompanying you. After 161 miles through beautiful mountains and valleys, the byway ends in the community of Pinedale.

Recreational opportunities abound all along this scenic drive. The huge 585,468-acre Teton Wilderness is to the north and provides nearly unlimited exploration possibilities for the hiker, backpacker, and horseback rider. The 287,000-acre Gros Ventre Wilderness is embraced by the byway and also offers its own hiking opportunities. There are many public campgrounds situated along the banks of meandering streams and rivers or placid mountain lakes. Some offer short nature trails taking you among wildflowers or cascading waterfalls.

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