Rogue – Coquille

Posted on June 2, 2015 by siteadmin

Rogue – Coquille is in southwest Oregon approximately 25 miles southeast of Coos Bay. It is 83 miles long and follows OR 242, CR 219, CR 595, and FSR 33. The roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles and are usually open all year.

Rogue – Coquille National Forest Scenic Byway travels alongside the Wild and Scenic Rogue River between Gold Beach and Agness, then leaves the river to climb over the gentle divide and descend into the Coquille River Basin. Here the byway begins to follow the course dictated by the Coquille River through a narrow canyon rimmed with high cliffs. The river canyon eventually gives way to the wide open valley near Powers to the byway’s northern end. Rogue River was one of eight rivers initially included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and is popular with anglers, river rafters, and photographers.

There are numerous pullouts along the byway that provide beautiful panoramic vistas of the forest’s rivers and surrounding mountains. These places are always good spots for enjoying a picnic, taking photos, or looking for wildlife. Siskiyou National Forest supports a variety of wildlife including deer, bobcats, mountain lions, bald eagles, and river otters. You’ll also find hiking trails at some turnouts that invite you to explore the forest. There are some short hiking trails that reward you with a cascading waterfall.

There are several national forest campgrounds along the byway that provide the perfect spot for an overnight stay. To the west of the byway are state parks with hundreds of developed campsites.

Near the byway’s southern terminus is Battle Rock, located at the mouth of Lobster Creek. This was the site of a bloody battle between settlers and Native Americans living in the Rogue River corridor in the 1800s. Nearly all the Indians involved in the battle lost their lives.

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South Fork Alsea River

Posted on May 29, 2015 by siteadmin

South Fork Alsea River is in northwest Oregon about 30 miles northwest of Eugene. It travels between Alpine and Alsea, a distance of 19 miles. It follows Alpine Road, South Fork Access Road, and CR 48200. The roads are a combination of paved and gravel roads that are suitable for all types of vehicles. Travelers should be on the lookout for logging trucks in the area. Eleven miles are officially designated a Back Country Byway. The byway’s roads are maintained throughout the year.

The South Fork Alsea River scenic byway follows the path dictated by the twisting and turning river flowing through Oregon’s Coastal Range. It passes through a Douglas fir forest where some trees may reach heights of 200 feet. Some of these old-growth trees have attained the honorable age of 400 years or more. From mid-summer through autumn, red vine maples proudly display their color. The competing wildflowers bloom much of the year and need not beg for your attention.

The beautiful waterfalls of the South Fork of the Alsea River is perhaps the byway’s main attraction. Here the water tumbles over a 20-foot series of rock steps to the pool formed below. Visitors will find a 16-site BLM campground here, all with picnic tables and fire rings. Drinking water and comfort stations are also provided. Take some time and spend a few days relaxing here. A trail nearby will lead you to the base of the waterfalls, a nice spot for reading a book or enjoying a picnic. Anglers can spend their days attempting to pull coho salmon, Chinook salmon, steelhead, or cutthroat trout from the river. Wildlife observers can enjoy the byway in search of deer or elk. Black bears and bobcats also inhabit the area but are not seen very often.

To the south of the byway is a Corps of Engineers project, Fern Ridge Lake. There are day use parks surrounding the lake that offer swimming beaches and picnic areas. There’s also a campground situated on the south shore that has campsites with hookups, drinking water, restrooms, a swimming beach, and a boat ramp. The lake is also a popular spot for sailboating, waterskiing, and fishing.

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Mount Baker Highway

Posted on May 28, 2015 by siteadmin

Mount Baker Highway is 35 miles east of Bellingham in northwest Washington. It begins in Glacier and travels east to the road’s end at Artist Point. The byway is 24 miles long and follows WA 542, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. Portions of the byway are subject to closure by snow from November to mid-July.

Travelers of Mount Baker Highway are treated to beautiful mountain scenery as you cross Mount Baker National Forest. You’ll climb through the narrow valley of Nooksack River to the rugged timberline of the North Cascades. Artist Point is the destination. From there you’re treated to spectacular views of Mount Baker and the wilderness that encompasses the mountain peak. North Fork of the Nooksack River flows alongside the byway for much of your journey. Be sure to take in one of the prettiest gifts the river has to offer, thundering Nooksack Falls.

Mount Baker Wilderness envelops the mountain peak for which it is named and nearly 118,000 acres of mountain streams and lakes. It is a haven for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, and photographers. There are a lot of trails accessed from the byway that will guide you through this pristine land. There’s also several trails that provide the hiking novice a pleasurable and easy-going walk. In winter, cross-country ski enthusiasts will find miles of groomed trails.

Two national forest campgrounds are on the byway: Douglas Fir and Silver Fir. Douglas Fir Campground is east of Glacier and has 30 campsites situated under Douglas fir and cedar trees on the banks of Nooksack River. Farther east is Silver Fir Campground, which has 21 RV and tent campsites. A picnic area built by the Civilian Conservation Corps is also in the campground. Drinking water and comfort stations are available in both campgrounds. There are no hookups.

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Mountain Loop Highway

Posted on May 28, 2015 by siteadmin

Mountain Loop Highway is in northwest Washington about 35 miles north of Seattle. The byway follows FSR 20 between Granite Falls and Darrington, a distance of 55 miles. From Granite Falls to Barlow Pass, the byway is a two-lane paved road. From Barlow Pass to the confluence of Sauk and Whitechuck rivers, a distance of 14 miles, the road is primarily a single-lane gravel road. The rest of the byway into Darrington is a two-lane paved road. The roads are suitable for all types of vehicles. Mountain Loop Highway is open year-round from Granite Falls to Silverton; the remaining portion is not maintained in winter.

Mountain Loop Highway travels through the heart of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The byway first travels across rural countryside dotted with farmland before climbing into dense forests. Scenic turnouts along the route provide views of the surrounding wilderness. Flowing alongside the byway from Granite Falls to Barlow Pass is South Fork of the Stillaguamish River. Once beyond the pass, South Fork of the Sauk River accompanies you until it reaches its parent river near Bedal Campground. From here on out its the Sauk River you’ll see flowing beside you.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation are abundant. Several trails can be accessed from the byway. Many lead to the seclusion found in Boulder River Wilderness. Other trails take you to scenic viewpoints of the surrounding mountains. Numerous public campgrounds invite the byway traveler to stay awhile. Verlot Campground has 26 campsites among trees near the Stillaguamish River. Gold Basin Campground has 94 sites; Turlo has 19. All three campgrounds have drinking water and comfort stations but no hookups. At Boardman Creek Campground, you’ll find 18 sites along the river. There’s good fishing for trout here. Nearby Red Bridge Campground has 16 sites. All the campgrounds are open May through September.

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Inner Loop – Gila Cliff Dwellings

Posted on May 27, 2015 by siteadmin

The Inner Loop – Gila Cliff Dwellings scenic byway is in southwest New Mexico about 100 miles northwest of Las Cruces. It begins in Silver City and heads east to San Lorenzo. It then travels northwest to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. From here the byway heads south, retracing part of the byway, to end back in Silver City. The byway is 110 miles long and follows NM 15, NM 35, NM 152, and US 180. All the roads are two-lane paved roads. Vehicles over 17 feet long should not attempt NM 15 between Pinos Altos and the junction with NM 35. This portion of the state highway is narrow and has many sharp curves. The byway is open year-round.

This scenic drive travels across the Gila National Forest through a high desert and mountainous landscape, crossing the Continental Divide twice. Located all along the byway are scenic turnouts that provide panoramic views of the surrounding mountains or a nice spot to enjoy a picnic lunch. New Mexico Highway 15 to the Gila Cliff Dwellings NM is enshrouded by the pristine Gila Wilderness.

Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is the site of six cliff dwellings inhabited by the Mogollans in the late 13th century. Over 40 masonry rooms were built within six caves. A moderately easy trail takes you through these historic cliff dwellings. Hiking trails in the area take you into the Gila Wilderness.

Wildlife observers will want to remain alert for bald eagles flying overhead. Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks can also be seen. In the mountains and valleys of Gila National Forest you’ll also find elk, mule deer, and wild turkeys. Black bear also inhabit the area.

There are numerous national forest campgrounds along the byway. Most are set among trees alongside bubbling streams or rivers. Mesa and Upper End Campgrounds are situated on the shores of Lake Roberts. Those interested in a more primitive setting are invited to explore the Gila Wilderness area and may camp anywhere they desire.

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