Okay, so I don’t have the words to describe how incredible this place is. And it’s huge! The 7 mile loop drive highlights a lot of the most interesting areas. There’s a number of trails off this road and are well marked. The campground is first come, so no reservations but I scored a great site for 2 nights at $4.00 a night. Got to love the Lifetime Senior Pass.

I finally made it out of Oregon and am now getting a little more of Idaho. This was a Harvest Hosts ranch who run a 501 non-profit for veterans who are struggling with life back in the US. That was the main reason I chose to stay here. Beautiful cause, beautiful people, beautiful animals and parking spot for the night.

This was a cool little Interpretive site with a lot of articles on the Chinese gold rush workers and two men who found a way to thrive in this new world. Hopefully you can enlarge the pictures to read them.

I am so glad my camp host Roger told me to go here. I spent the whole day wandering around the visitor center, the old homestead and doing a couple of the trails in the park. I went overboard on the pictures again but hopefully what I post here gives you an idea of how cool this place is. I would love to hit the other 2 portions of the park.

Such a great little campground! With a very sweet camp host, Roger. I received great advice about the John Day Fossil National Monument and Kam Wah Chung State Historic site.

As I started east towards warmer weather, I made a quick stop at these lava caves. Too cool. Only problem was I bift it in the 2nd cave and put a hurting on my big toe. It made walking hard as every step pressure was put on that toe. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to all 5 caves.

Wow! What an incredible experience. I was here for over 4 hours and could have stayed longer. From all the exhibits inside to everything outside, it was amazing.

I wanted to drive some of highway 101 in Oregon but didn’t want to go all the way down to Cresent Beach in California. This was my last coastal drive for awhile. I can honestly say it was much nicer than 101 in California. A number of state parks all along the way. Some with camping, others just day use areas to enjoy the beach. This place did not disappoint. I had a great time walking the shore and enjoying the waves and sunsets.

So before leaving Tillamook, I had to do the Creamery tour. What an eye-opening experience.

After traveling across the northern route following a lot of Lewis and Clark’s route to the Pacific Ocean and being able to see a small portion of Alaska, it was time for me to start my way south towards warmer weather. First stop, Tillamook in Oregon.

Of course I stayed at a cheese place. Blue Haron French cheese company was a Harvest Hosts farm and store. They really cater to their customers. The parking area for us ‘overnight’ guests was very well laid out and huge. My guess is there were about 20 vehicles staying the night.

The cheese was delicious. The wine selection was ok but I bought a couple of better wines to savor along my journey.