Motorcycle Trip From North Bend, WA to John Day Fossil Fields then Hells Canyon and back to North Bend 22023-07-09 to 2023-07-13



A map of the Route I took from North Bend Washington, down to Pendleton Oregon. After that I continued on to the John Day Fossil Beds to see all three units, the Painted Hills is the prettiest unit. After that I went to see Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, then back home. A total of 1,400 miles on the 2005 Harley Road King. During much of the ride, as the saying goes 'You will probably be on either side of comfortable', cold in the morning hot at the end of the day. MOST of the ride was 2 lane roads, short trips on the Interstate highway when I had to and for my last day when I rode home.

I was a *little* worried as I had heard that many of the national parks were overcrowded. LOTS of people taking vacations. Not so with any of the roads or any of the places I visited. A handful of cars at every parking lot, lonely roads and lonely parks. PERFECT place to go, see a national monument and hang out. HIGHLY suggested. My only other suggestions is to make reservations if you can. The KOA appeared to be booked and the motel at the end I stayed at had a 'No Vacancy' sign lit.

Painted Hills is amazing, the landscape is beautiful. Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America, deeper than the Grand Canyon. Yet these two recreation areas appear to be overlooked somehow.

This was also a trip to try out motorcycle camping with a tent. What would it be like? Would I be able to sleep easily? During the trip the only Internet connectivity was at the hotel, so I had to use the phone data. I recommend making reservations well ahead of time because during the summer these can fill up fast. The KOA had all the motorcycle camping filled up. The first night was spent at a KOA, power, water, shower all relatively close by. This was about $35 for the night. The second night was at Muleshoe Campground run by the BLM (Bureau of Land Management). No reservations here, just show up. This was $5 for the night, honor system, as there was nobody there to take / verify you paid. No power or water either so you need to bring that with you. The third night was Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site, Oregon State Park system, $45 for the night for a 40 foot camper pull in (which I obviously didn't need). Clyde Holliday also has Hiker/Biker camping (electricity, water) for $8 / night but I missed that on the site before I made my reservations. Oregon State Parks from all experiences are very nice. Power, water and showers. Last night was at a hotel in Joseph Oregon. All the amenities. Restaurants in walking distance.



The five day (July 9 Thru 13th, 2023) trip



Motorcycle Trips


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