Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/787665
59 www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS nMarch 2017n some of the more famous spots along this historic highway. Leaving at dawn gives one the opportunity to watch the sun come up over the mountain range, sparkling this vast valley with warm hues of orange and gold. The hawks were out looking for a little breakfast and I was fortunate enough to see an eagle soaring above me in the early morning light. This is truly untouched territory and nature abounds. Once you are past John Day and Dayville the road begins to twist and turn as you work your way through a beautiful outcropping of rocks that make up part of the fossil beds. Opting for a side trip, I headed north on Highway 19 for another 10 minutes to stop at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Nestled beneath the Sheep Rock Unit of the fossil beds, this museum not only gives you a detailed geography lesson on how the beds were formed, but it also pays homage to the rich history of its native inhabitants. The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition never explored this area, instead, it was "discovered" by Pete Ogden from the Hudson Bay Company. If you have time, take a few minutes to travel across the road to the James Cant Ranch House. Tar grounds have been carefully restored to replicate this modern ranch complex nestled beneath some of the most majestic rock outcroppings found within the monument. The views are spectacular. The fi nal destination for this trip was one of my favorite spots in all of Oregon, the Painted Hills. Once you pass Mitchell, Oregon, follow the signs that take you north on Highway 19. It's about nine miles up to the mon- ument and the last few are gravel. Even if you have been to the Painted Hills before, take the time to stop by once again if you are on this route. Considered one of the seven wonders of Oregon, these gold- and red-striped hills were formed in an area that was once a river fl oodplain. Hard to imag- ine now, given the arid nature of the landscape. Most striking on the hills are the large bands of red laterite soil, which is high in iron and aluminum. If you are lucky enough to visit the hills after a rainstorm the range comes alive with a sea of tiny yellow fl ow- ers and rich green grasses. Quite the contrast to the moonscape of the hills' normal setting. If you are seeking the deepest color of the hills, visit in the late afternoon when the forma- tion takes on deep copper and gold hues. I found on this trip, the quiet of the early morning, all alone with what Mother Nature had to offer was equally majestic. Fortifi ed by nature, I fi red up my trusty friend and we headed west once again towards home. Our last stop on the trip was in Prineville at the Tastee Treet. Right along the main drag, this 50's-style café offers a bit of nostalgia, with locals enjoying a 50-cent cup of coffee and the best milkshakes you can fi nd on the east side of the state. Fully rejuvenated, we headed home passing the snowcapped peak of Mt. Hood. It was time for that last leg of the trip, up over Mt. Hood and down into the valley. We left behind the rich his- tory of yesteryear making the journey back into the modern day fortifi ed by the wonders of our rich and glorious landscape. Historic Highway 26 is defi - nitely a "must do" for this year's riding season. Make it your own rustic adven- ture; you won't be disappointed. 4 The historic Cant Ranch house offers visitors a taste of 1800s luxury living Cathedral Rock is just one of the striking formations seen along the scenic byway Breathtaking views abound at the Painted Hills, just one spectacular portion of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument