You won't hit the Columbia River Gorge at all that way. Or are you going to do a day trip west to see it? If you have the time make sure you take the Scenic Byway through the gorge--not the freeway. Yes, take 97 and 140. Great trip. And honk when you come through Klamath Falls to 140!
Depending of how far you drive from the Dalles you you can stay at Lake of the Woods or Fish Lake going over 140. Forest camps and beautiful.
2008 Keystone Springdale 252
2004 Chevy Silverado, 5.3 L V8
Prodigy brake control and Equal-i-zer
Retired and traveling all we can!
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, they were very helpful. The way it looks now, we'll be spending the first few nights at Bridge RV in Hood River. That will give us a few days to do some scenic day driving around the gorge area as well as visiting some local wineries.
Then we'll head south on 35 to 26 then on to 97 where will detour for a few nights at the Mountain Shadow RV park near Sisters, assuming they are "more in the woods" than anything around Bend.
The Diamond Lake campground sounds like a nice place to spend a few more days before heading south.
Someone asked... "where next?", well, we're eventually heading back home in Ft. Worth, Texas but want to spend some time in eastern Utah and Durango, Colorado first so a general southeast trek is our goal.
Again, thanks for all the suggestions.
2006 Duramax Diesel 1 ton dually tugging around a 2006 Mobile Suites 36TK3 #2609. Retired and just travelling around now and then seeing the sights.
Sounds like we are doing similar routes. Except we are at Diamond lake now going up to LaPine then to Columbia Gorge. We will then head down the 84 Stopping several places on our way to Boise and Twin Falls then down and over to SE Utah ( Arches, Canyonlands etc), Page, Flagstaff, Laughlin and back to Vegas for the Holidays. Maybe our paths will cross. We have a 40' Monaco Diplomat with a tow dolley and red Honda Civic. If you see us stop and say "Hi".
Take care and travel safe, Janet
West on I-82 to the Granger Exit (58)
South on WA SR 223 to SR 22
West on SR 22 to the first stop light at Toppenish
Left at the light puts you on 97.
Cross the Biggs Bridge and head to The Dalles on 84.
Or you can take SR 14 from 97 on to US 197 and The Dalles.
Couple of hills to go over, the highest being Satus Pass at 3,200'.
Might consider staying a night or two at Maryhill State park, if you're there during the week. Several sites that'll accomodate you.
Neat things to see include:
1. Stonehenge replica -- started as a WWI Memorial constucted through Sam Hill of Railroad notariety.
2. Maryhill Winery, great wine.
3. Maryhill Museum -- built as a home for the afore mentioned Sam Hill's wife Mary (she came, she saw, she left). Great museum in the middle of nowhere.
4. Casade Cliffs Winery -- the owner is a hoot.
5. Stop at the view point as you head down to the Columbia on 97 and check out Maryhill Loops -- oldest paved road in Washington and home this year to the International Gravity Sports Association's World Cahmpionships (gravity bikes, skate boards, long boards, etc.)
By the way, items one through four are all along SR 14.
As said, 197 out of Maupin is a hard pull with sharp curves. Its probably about 2 miles, I'm guessing. You will be on the inside away from the drop however.
There's a city RV park right on the river if you're inclined to linger.
2002 Ford F350 Crew, LB, DRW, 7.3L
Jayco Designer 34RLQS
Just returned last week from Portland, Oregon area. I always take 97 southbound, good two lane highway, and lots of passing lanes. I stayed at Cascade Meadows for two nights; long, wide spaces. I've also stayed at LaPine SP and Diamond Lake RV Park, both very good places. You don't say where you are going after turning east on 140. Northbound I came up 395 from Carson City, NV past Goose Lake and Lakeview and northwest on 31 to 97 just south of LaPine. Beautiful drive but very remote, extremely little traffic and was able to travel at 45 mph. Great for sightseeing and gas mileage. If you are on 395 south of Alturas there is a gem of an RV and Golf Resort at Likely, CA. Enjoy your trip.
1999 31' Gulfstream Yellowstone Country Club
2000 Mazda B2500
Two traveling kitties, Zoe and Scooter
A couple of highlights on 31 (Outback Byway) between LaPine and Lakeview are:
- Fort Rock SP (and some other volcanic features in Christmas Valley area)
- Summer Lake Hot Springs (with old time cowboy bathhouse)
- Abert Rim
Even more sights if you are willing to leave the paved state highway.
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