Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/787665
58 nMarch 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS tunities for camping; campsite after campsite offered itself as we zipped through the thick pine forest. It was clear that campsites were for the tak- ing, but despite excellent weather, very few folks were taking advantage of these simple primitive camping loca- tions. Despite the waning light, I pushed forth hoping to make it to the other side of the forest and perhaps a nice spot with a few more amenities than a rustic camping spot. A little more than two hours since leaving Ontario I made my way down the Strawberry Mountain range and into the welcom- ing historic town of Prairie City. It was nearly dark by the time I pulled in and parked my trusty steed. A welcoming little neon sign caught my attention. A room, it advertised, the fi rst one of its kind in over 100 miles. Wasting no time, I moseyed up to the front door of the aptly-named Hotel Historic Prairie. Opening the door, I was met by the friendly concierge offering me the last room she had. My lucky day, I thought, as I looked around, soaking in the antique furnishings and subtle lemon oil that had polished the gleam- ing oak to a perfect shine. Built in 1905, this small but comfortable hotel once hosted cattle barons and railroad tycoons in its heyday. Now, it is a pleasant mix of old and new, offering nine quaint rooms, plush furnishings and the modern touch of some of the fi nest craft brews and wines our region has to offer. I passed up the offer to partake in the social hour and instead headed out to explore the tiny town of less than 900 folks. The main drag is only three blocks long, but hosts a variety of shops and restaurants and even an old general store. Once I had made the rounds taking in the historic brick facades that reminded me of the Gold Rush town I grew up in, I selected the Oxbow Restaurant and Saloon for some grub. Did I mention this is a sleepy town? I was the only person walking the streets so you can imagine my surprise when I opened the door into this historic saloon and found it packed to the gills. Securing the last available seat at the bar, I began to take it all in. This seemingly quiet spot turns out to be the restaurant to hit on Saturday night for top-notch steak and desserts to die for. All home- made on the spot, be sure to try the pie; you will not be disappointed. Early Sunday I packed up and hit the road to ensure I had time to visit Portland Vancover Ontario Prairie City Dayville 19 Painted Hills Mitchell Prineville Mt. Hood 26 84 97 197 97 19 395 35 John Day John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Ochoco National Forest Mt. Hood National Forest Malheur National Forest 84 84 26 26 26 Eastern Oregon Continued from page 52 Descending from Strawberry Mountain, Highway 26 offers expansive views of golden plains Nestled at the base of Sheep Rock, the restored Cant ranch complex offers folks a glimpse back in time T O U R I N G W I T H T H U N DE R P RE S S L I F E I S A H I G H W A Y