 The center of Mt Angel Oktoberfest at Garfield & Charles. A useful pamphlet and info booth are available here. Getting to Mt Angel Oktoberfest Traveling south on I-205 from Portland OR, there's more than one choice for getting to Mt Angel. Google says it's about a 45 min drive at best, but one day it took me an hour, and Saturday it took me an hour and a half (when I thought there wouldn't be as much traffic!) If you prefer countryside driving vs the freeway, I suggest going south on Hwy 99E from Hwy 205. It skirts Oregon City and wends its way along the Willamette River awhile, traverses Canby & Barlow, Hubbard & Woodburn (all towns I'd like to explore more sometime), and then you turn southeast on Hwy 214, which will come into Mt Angel from the north. Turn east on Palmer St to get to handicapped parking: there's parking in that first block off Hwy 214, but better than that is the parking lot of St Mary Church--take Palmer to Oak St and go south to College St. The Church is to the east, and it has plenty of paved parking, free for disabled permits. If you don't have a disability permit, parking is at a premium. Friday it was bad enough, but on Sat every street was lined with cars. Ordinarily it's a town of less than 5000. Some places offer $7 parking, official parking areas are $10. There are shuttles to and from the official parking lots (which fill fast, of course), as well as the shuttle to the Abbey, but they did not appear wheelchair accessible to me. St Mary Catholic Church, 575 E College St, Mt Angel, OR 97362
Kindergarten, across the street from St Mary Catholic Church Bouncy house, carnival rides, pony rides, etc.--all for free. Military Vehicle Display, Sat 9am-3pm at the Legion Hall, 740 E College St, Mt. Angel, OR 97362 I saw some of these vehicles down the hill in the main festival area on Fri, but didn't have a chance to get any photos. On Sat I was anxious to get up to the Abbey before the museum closed, so had to pass (opportunity cost), and by the time I returned, they were done. Cruz 'n Car Show, 9am til whenever; St Mary's Public School--590 E College St, Mt Angel, OR 97362 Rollin' down College & Church St, Mt Angel Oktoberfest 2022 One might speculate whether whoever laid out the town had indulged a bit much in the spirited festivities . . . St Mary Catholic Church is on College St. But as you head downhill toward the center of town, College St leaps north a block at Oak St, and continuing west on what was College St you are suddenly on Church St. The Center of Mt Angel Oktoberfest was at Garfield & Charles streets. From College St I turned on Garfield and worked my way north a block, past the City Hall and the Souvenir booth. At Garfield & Charles was the information booth, and a shelf of free, informative booklets with a map, schedule of events each day, info about the events and venues (like what spirits are served at each, with prices), free family fun, etc. I recommend planning to spend 2 days at least, and if you haven't been before, you can peruse the booklet even further before the 2nd day. If you plan to imbibe, I suggest making a reservation to stay over well in advance. *Note: although most places accept credit cards, there a some that only take cash. ATMs are sprinkled around in cute little "houses", but it costed me $4.50 to use one, and I had to ask a kind person to help me because it was too high for me to reach some of the buttons. People were very nice to me at the festival. Charles Street Dancers, Performers at the Bandstand, Charles St & Cleveland I took SO many photos, because obvioiusly it's difficult to get a good shot while people are in motion--especially at night. I liked some of the shots, even though there were not crisp. Organizing, labeling, and choosing the best out of over 500 shots takes a lot of time and stamina itself! I so enjoyed the beauty of the colorful costumes and complexions--it's so great when we can celebrate each others' cultural heritage. Spectators were so kind to let me up front so I could see, as they stood because the seating was packed. Hoop Dance--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Moms & Daughters Dance--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Dads & Daughters dance--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Boys' Dance--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe 9th Graders--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Young Adults Dances--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Maypole Dance--Webertanz, Mt Angel Dance Troupe Marion County Citizens Band Tirolean Dancers Dances from Denmark, Austria, Germany, N Germany, Bavaria . . . including one called Horseshoes, one called King's Cross, another based on the skills of miners. "The Schuhplattler is a traditional style of folk dance popular in the regions of Bavaria and Tyrol (southern Germany, Austria and the German speaking regions of northern Italy). In this dance, the performers stomp, clap and strike the soles of their shoes (Schuhe), thighs and knees with their hands held flat (platt). There are more than 150 basic Schuhplattlers, as well as marches and acrobatic feats that are often interspersed with the basic dance in performance. They may be seen today in Europe and in German immigrant communities around the world. While the Schuhplattler is still largely performed by adults, it has become increasingly popular with youngsters, who love its colorful costumes and its bouncing, leaping, kicking and choreographed horseplay." Arts & Crafts booths were on College St between Main & Cleveland, and Cleveland St between College & Charles St, and on the north end of Garfield from College to Palmer St. The map had them colored in green and labeled, but for a first timer, there was a lot of information on the map to assimilate. Food booths and Drinking venues were mostly along Garfield Street, but a few were sprinkled about--esp snacks. A few more things to explore in Mt Angel Sorry, I didn't get a photo of the lovely fountain . . . but, here's what I did manage. Mt Angel Abbey
The museum is very different than I expected . . . it's not simply full of religious icons, but has lots of natural and local history exhibits, as well as art and historical artifacts that have been donated. If you are squeamish about the fact that in nature some animals eat others, you may find some of the displays unsettling. Nothing gory, but predators attacking or chasing prey along with more placid scenes. As with most museums, it's difficult to get photos without annoying reflections--these are only to whet the appetite to see for yourself.
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July 2022 update After a couple years' cancellation due to COVID, the Hawaiian Festival ("4 Days of Aloha") returned to Esther Short Park in 2021, which I missed. In 2022 it was held the weekend of July 21-24. The first 2 days were classes & workshops, Thurs night was a party, Fri night was a concert. Saturday festivities were performers & dancers all day, as well as vendors. Sunday was a 5K/10K run, and a multi-cultural program representing the many peoples of Hawaii. All events/days had a ticket price. I had determined to go on Saturday. In previous years the Saturday festivities were free, but it costed me $10 to get in. I got my ticket ahead online, but plenty of people were buying them at the gate. On my way into downtown at 6th St, I saw a handicapped sign with an arrow. Considering the amount of traffic and the probable difficulty of finding parking, I followed the sign. Not only did I encounter handicapped parking, it was in a garage (costed me $4 for the day), so that my car was protected from becoming an oven. Part 1 of the Oregon Trail took us as far as Baker City OR. The state of Oregon has provided great Oregon Trail pavilions/kiosks all along the ways to the End of the Oregon Trail. This next section of the trail includes info/photos from Haines OR to Fort Vancouver WA via the Columbia River, including:
Here are some links for a quick review/overview of the Oregon Trail:
Haines OR An option to driving west from Baker City on I-84 (actually, 84 is traveling north-south between Baker & La Grande), is to travel the back way (Hwy 30) to get to the tiny hamlet of Haines OR. Along the main street is a long park or two that have historic cabins and historic information, as well as picnicking and a bus stop. Turn east on 3rd St to get to Eastern Oregon Museum. It has such limited hours I haven't managed to get there yet.
North Powder OR--roughly 1500 mi from Independence MO on today's roads, about 1700 mi on the OR Trail Travel north on Hwy 30 from Haines, or north on I-84 from Baker City to the small community of North Powder. As you exit I-84, you'll be on 2nd St. A left on E St takes you past the library, the fire dept, and a cute little church. Continue north on 2nd St and it becomes Hwy 237, the back way to Union OR. See also Union OR--Union County Museum Union has a great museum (3 or 4 buildings) of local history, including a good collection of cowboy displays, Victorian life, antiques, and exhibits highlighting natural and Native American history. They had a copy of the excellent reference Maps of the Oregon Trail by Gregory M. Franzwa, copyright 1982, and Powerful Rockey: The Blue Mountains and the Oregon Trail by John W. Evans, copyright 1990, (which I bought, it also includes maps). For more info and photos of Union OR, see Charles H. Reynolds Rest Area just east of La Grande OR Located just at the foot of the mountains as you enter the Grande Ronde Valley on I-84, it's a little east of where Hwy 203 from Union OR meets I-84. About "the Blues", the Blue Mountains: La Grande OR--25 mi through Ladd Canyon from North Powder OR I tried to follow the signs from I-84 to the Oregon Trail site . . . it was confusing. I finally found the little marker at B Ave & Cedar St: it's just on the corner of somebody's yard. Very near there is Birnie Park, with a path of Oregon Trail monuments and a symbolic (un)covered wagon climbing structure.
Hilgard Junction State Park OR Their site says the restrooms are flushing and accessible. There are two parts of the park--one on either side of the road. The park is right on the Grande Ronde River, swim with care.
Blue Mountain Crossing, 9 mi west of La Grande OR I had a hard time finding this place, instructions don't seem clear. Here's my stab at it: take exit 248 off I-84; at the stop sign veer to the right toward Kamela, going NW on Old Emigrant Hill Scenic Frontage Rd a ways til it goes under the highway and crosses Dry Creek, then take a right on Oregon Trail Road, 1843--it's not far off I-84, only 3 mi total, I think. I was so enthused because it's supposed to be a handicapped accessible trail with interpretive signs, but I was sadly disappointed, because unfortunately it was closed when I went. Meacham OR--20 to 25 mi west of La Grande OR, mountain town near the pass I've seen the signs for Meacham indicating an Oregon Trail site, but with no mention how far off the highway it is, I didn't dare start a tangent I'd be sorry for. On the map it doesn't look that far. Take exit 238 off I-84 and follow the signs to Meacham, the road to Meacham parallels the highway for awhile, becomes old Hwy 30. There is a sign "Historical Marker Ahead" as you round the bend and come downhill to parallel the RR tracks. A little further there's a sign for the historical marker pointing to the right off the road (before you come to Main St which is to the right and crosses the RR tracks). 
Emigrant Springs State Park--26 mi west of La Grande, 24 mi east of Pendleton (2.5 mi west of Meacham) Mid way between Pendleton & La Grande, up in the cool (or cold snowy) mountains, Emigrant Springs is a pleasant place to visit in summer, picnic, learn more about the Oregon Trail, camp, ride horses, take in the beauty of tall timber . . . Deadman Pass Rest Area--just before heading down the steep hills into the Pendleton area Whitman Mission and Fort Walla Walla, Walla Walla WA The Whitmans were important in the development of the Oregon Trail from a trader/trapper track to a wagon road. After only a couple years the main Oregon Trail did not include the tangental trip to the mission, except for those in necessity. After the mission was attacked through the clash of cultures and misunderstandings, it was abandoned. There are yet a few memories of the genesis of the Oregon Trail in the Walla Walla area, and at Fort Walla Walla museum. Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla WA Fort Walla Walla Museum, Walla Walla WA The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute and Pendleton OR Descending Emigrant Hill has improved even since I was a child, imagine how it would have been in a covered wagon without a paved road or an efficient braking system! But no doubt the view was as spectacular then as it is now. At the bottom of that hill is the comprehensive Arrowhead Travel Plaza, Wildhorse Casino Resort, and the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, a museum of the region's Native Americans. Part of its presentation is the effect of the Oregon Trail on Native Americans. Very interesting exhibits, including both sights and sounds. Unfortunately, they ask that no photos or recordings be taken of the exhibits. They generally have an annual Pow Wow, and other events. I believe they participate in the Pendleton Round-up each year. Pendleton celebrates its heritage, and one of the highlights is The Heritage Station Museum: really worth visiting. Right next to the museum, and the RR tracks, is Museum Park, with the Oregon Trail pavilion, and the Chamber of Commerce is handily by. For more info and photos of Pendleton and The Tamastslikt Cultural Institute, see Echo OR (a bit south of I-84), and Echo Meadows (where ruts can be seen) Last I was there, Echo was a pretty cute little town. There's an Oregon Trail driving tour through Echo, I tried it 2-3 times and was only partly successful. Not enough signs and no mileage clues. A map with key and annotations/directions is available from the the city and/or museum (which has limited hours--you can request them to mail brochures), but I haven't had a chance to try it out since I obtained the brochure. I did at least find Echo Meadows, though I didn't have the energy to get out of the car at the time.
Stanfield Rest Area, 20 mi west of Pendleton on I-84 I happened to have gone to the eastbound pull-off when I stopped for photos. Here's a link to a map of Oregon Rest Areas, listed by route, with amenities: Cecil OR--14 mi south on Hwy 74, from I-84 (between Arlington and Boardman) I saw the sign for an Oregon Trail site 13 mi south on Hwy 74 (not every sign is so nice about giving mileage), so on a whim I took off. I didn't know at the time that Cecil was only another mile, and might have had some kind of marker. But, I got some photos of the one 13 mi from the freeway. Arlington OR--73 mi west of Pendleton via I-84 If you and/or the kids need a nice break on the drive along the Columbia River (I-84), Arlington has a great park with lots of fun amenities. Of interest to this post is the Oregon Trail pavilion. For more info and photos of Arlington, see the beginning of the topmost post below. From Arlington you can take Hwy 19 south to get to another Old Oregon Trail site, and off 19 it looks like you can get to the Oregon Trail Fourmile Canyon Historic Site Note: more info/photos about several of the places below can also be found at Columbia Hills State Park, Maryhill Museum, & Maryhill State Park WA Across the Columbia River from the Oregon Trail are other views of the trail. For more info, see Biggs Junction OR & Deschutes River State Recreation Area Biggs Junction is mostly a travel & truck stop with appropriate services thereto. Dated 7-16-2022: EZ Trip travel plaza had Shell gas (I think), convenience store, and Subway. Pilot Trave Center had gas, convenience store, McDonalds, and Cinnabon. TA Express had Chevron, convenience store, Krispy Krunch Chicken, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell. Dinty's Market & Deli, across from EZ Trip travel plaza, also had a motel. Circle K with 76 gas (I think) is next to Dinty's. Next to TA Express is Three Rivers Inn. All the travel centers had facilities and space for trucks/big rigs. Up the hill from EZ Trip was a truck repair. The Mini Mart was closed. Biggs Nu Vu motel looked like wasn't open, but was being painted, so maybe it was. Deschutes River State Recreation Area seems an oasis--a pleasant green place to picnic, camp, hike on the east side of the Deschutes, boat ramp on the west side of the Deschutes. Waterfowl to be seen either side. The Dalles OR--126 mi west of Pendleton via I-84 The Dalles has a series of murals, some of which depict the Oregon Trail. On the west end of town the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center shares a building with the Wasco County Historical Museum. The former covers a wide range of historic, prehistoric, natural and human history. The latter focuses more on local history. They have a raptor program as well. The space is available as an event venue. Check out the upcoming cool public events they are sponsoring! Memaloose rest area & campground, west of The Dalles OR Access is only westbound. If traveling east, take exit 76 and travel west on I-84 for 3 mi. There are picnic tables, including at least a couple with windbreaks, right along the river, but high above it. There's an accessible picnic table right at the parking lot of the rest stop, to get to the ones along the river involves some fairly steep declines (inclines on the way back to your vehicle), so a person in a wheelchair may need a pusher or a motor. More about the campground at Hood River—about 150 mi west of Pendleton by modern roads, that is, I-84 The 4-fold flyer “End of the Oregon Trail Loop Tour” says there’s a “Dog River” (now called “Hood River”) interpretive exhibit the Hood River Info Center can give information about, and “Hood River County Historical Museum--The Oregon Trail is featured including an exhibit of covered wagon models,” in Hood River. My annotated map “The Oregon Trail: Following the route of the Oregon Trail in Oregon” also mentions Hood River.  Display at Bonneville Dam, the Oregon side visitor center, Helpful info at https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/bonneville/ Cascade Locks “End of the Oregon Trail Loop Tour” says there’s a “Cascade Wayside Exhibit –Interpretive exhibit of the treacherous voyage down river.” There’s a Historical Museum in Cascade Locks, but it’s not wheelchair accessible. “The Oregon Trail: Following the route of the Oregon Trail in Oregon” says, “Many emigrants portaged their goods around the Cascades of the Columbia. It is difficult to imagine the treacherous series of rapids and cataracts quieted today by dams.” Troutdale OR “The Oregon Trail: Following the route of the Oregon Trail in Oregon” says, "By the late 1840s, most emigrants choosing the water route moved away from the Columbia at the mouth of the Sandy River and continued overland. Two interpretive signs at the main entrance to the Columbia Gorge Factory Stores and another at the Harlow House, one of Troutdale’s oldest homes, describe Troutdale’s place on the Oregon Trail and its history as the gateway to the eastern Willamette Valley.” Fort Vancouver WA Many pioneers of the Oregon Country stopped over for supplies at Fort Vancouver on the north side of the Columbia River (goods raised or made at the fort, or shipped there by ship). Remember, many had had to lighten their load and leave precious items along the trail or barter them with Native Americans. From Fort Vancouver folks could cross the Columbia River to the south and make their way to settle in the fertile Willamette Valley. For more info and photos about Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, see We finally got a much anticipated reservation for the Petroglyph tour at Columbia Hills State Park. They start early to beat the heat (9am is early for me when I have a couple hours' drive to get there--we were warned to include extra time for roadwork or other delays). Tours last up to 2 hours, and that left us time to explore more of Maryhill a little further east on Hwy 14. Columbia Hills State Park There are 4 roads off Hwy 14 in the Columbia Hills State Park, listed west to east: 1. Dalles Mtn Ranch--trails, historic buildings, vehicle, fantastic views of Mt Hood on the way back to Hwy 14 2. Columbia Hills Historical State Park/Horsethief Lake--picnic, camp, boat launch, petroglyphs, etc. 3. Horsethief Butte Trailhead--trail & rock climbing, interpretive sign, vault toilet 4. Crawford Oaks Trailhead--trails, sheltered picnic tables, vault toilet Dalles Mtn Ranch Hardly off Hwy 14 a sign announces 3 mi to get to Dalles Mountain Ranch, just as the road turns to dirt/gravel, winding washboards. I kept going and going up into the hills (losing sight of the river and Mt Hood), but when I finally got to a fork in the road, wasn't sure which way to go, and after choosing left (because to the right looked like someone's ranch), I saw another sign for another mile to get somewhere, and I decided it was time and opportunity to turn around. From the map I see if I'd gone a bit further on the right hand of the fork I would have come to the Dalles Mountain Ranch Trailhead. Apparently that ranch is historic, not a currently working one. The excellent views of Mt Hood are breathtaking as you drive back down to Hwy 14. Columbia Hills Historical State Park/Horsethief Lake Family & group friendly place to spend the day(s). Rows of trees planted as windbreaks gives one clue about the area. While the day-use area has green well-watered great grassy areas, the golden hills interrupted by abrupt rocky outcrops give another clue about the climate. It can get very hot. Further down the road from the picnic/campground is the parking for the petroglyphs. There are petroglyphs you can see right by the gravel parking, but if you want to join the ranger-guided tour to see the celebrated "She Who Watches", register ahead early. It's a hike, inaccessible to wheelchairs and perhaps a bit strenuous for those who don't hike regularly. The gravel parking is not wheelchair friendly--the large, rounded rocks are deeply spread. Beyond that parking area, across the RR tracks is a small almost unimproved boat launch (parking not allowed, drive back across the tracks to park). There are pay stations at all the parking areas. More than one ranger assured me that with a handicapped placard/plate there is no parking fee. Horsethief Butte Trailhead Crawford Oaks Trailhead Views from Hwy 14 west of Columbia Hills Historical State Park Maryhill Museum & State Park, and Stonehenge Replica & War Memorial Maryhill Museum of Art--an eclectic collection of the arts and history
A walk east along/above the Columbia River at Maryhill Museum of Art Views and interpretive signs, including info about the region, its history, Native Americans, & Lewis & Clark ... photos courtesy Juli Spruill. Stonehenge Replica, War Memorial "Stonehenge . . . the first monument in our nation to military personel who gace their lies in World War I. Memorializing 13 young Klickitat County men, it also serces as lasting reminder of the works of Samuel Hill, patron of this region. He established a townsite here, with post office, hotel, general store, nearly 10 miles of experimental paved roads, and the Maryhill Museum three miles to the west--all on his own land. His tomb is 50 yards distant, on the opposite side of this monument. "The design duplicates in size and original form England's famous Stonehenge (dated 1900-1350 BC) on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. When Hill, a Quaker pacifist, bisited England during the 1914-1918 conflict, saw Stonehenge and was told it had been used for human sacrifices to pagan gods, he remarked: "After all our civilization, the flower of humanity still is being sacrificed to the god of war on fields of battle." From that inspiration came this monument, built by Hill. On July 4, 1918 the altar stone was dedicated. The full structure was completed and dedicated May 30, 1929. "Today the sacrifice legend is generally discredited. Current belief is that Stonehenge was a device used by stone-age astronomers to measure time and mark seasons of the year by observing positions of the sun and moon. The diagram at left suggests how the original may have been used by its ingenious builders." Maryhill State Park WA--on the north side of the Columbia River, off Hwy 97 Day-use area has picnic tables & grills, water faucets, restrooms, group picnic shelters, swimming, boating, horseshoes, interpretive signs (including a brief bit about Lewis & Clark, and the Oregon Trail). Campground has group camp, group kitchen, restrooms/showers, water faucets, tent sites (including handicapped) & RV facilities. In season there are generally fruit stands in the area. Biggs OR (not big, basically a pit stop) is just over the river at the intersection of Hwy 97 and I-84, in case you need supplies, or, Goldendale WA is 15 mi north on Hwy 97. Photos courtesy Juli Spruill. Westward Home--what great views of Mt Hood! photos courtesy Juli Spruill  Pirate ship run aground! We followed the guidance of the Google Gal, and then the line of cars hoping to find parking at the Northwest Pirate Festival. It was after noon by the time we arrived from the Portland area, so parking was at a premium. We kept asking for disabled parking, and finally a guy showed us a spot through the employee gate where he said we could park. We made a side trip to the restroom, then down the paved road to the gravel parking and gate to the event below. Beside the parking, half the event was graveled with huge cobbles, so that it took vigilance as well as my motor to get me through the least worst parts. We saw some other disabled folk in wheelchairs, some manual, accompanied by care givers. I don't know how they managed. The Northwest Pirate Festival was held at the Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503--between Long Lake and Hicks Lake. Long Lake Park is next to the Fairgrounds, Wanschers Park is on the west side of Hicks Lake. Both offer trails & picnicking, swimming offered at Long Lake Park, fishing at Wanschers Park. Woodland Creek Community Park at 6729 Pacific Ave SE, Lacey, WA 98503--west of Carpenter Rd, where you turn off Pacific Ave SE to get to the Fairgrounds--looks like a great family-friendly place with lots of amenities. Just past the entrance to Thurston County Fairgrounds is Boat Launch St, for the boat ramp on Long Lake.
Northwest Pirate Festival, Lacey WA Vendors--period costumes & accoutrements, jewelry & crafts, hair braiding, fortune telling, storytelling, massage on the spot, weaponry . . . and food! Kid Activities The Crow's Nest--pub and performances Bonnie's Roost performers No Quarter Arena--Boom Pirates shows & Raptor Events Pirate Connections at home and abroad I got all enthused about Pirate Food and Pirate stories, and the related topics of ships, the ocean, and other stories of the high seas . . . so here's what we did for the weekend, and some further pursuits: What Did Pirates Eat at Sea?’ What Did Pirates Eat? The difference between a Privateer & a Pirate The romanticization of bad guys, like pirates, highwaymen, the mafia . . . continues . . .
 Mt Shasta from the city of Mt Shasta CA As the fires of 2021 caused havoc with my travel plans, in Klamath Falls I made some adjustments. I found it wasn't that far to drive from there down Hwy 97 to Mt Shasta. Along the way is the terrific Mt. Shasta Vista Point, but as suspected, it was shrouded in smoke. I promised myself I would go see Mt Shasta in 2022 after the clearing of winter snows and before the fire season. To check out Hwy 97 from Klamath Falls OR toward Weed CA, scroll down at The first actual Shakespearean play of the 2022 Oregon Shakespeare Festival season was "The Tempest", June 3, in Ashland OR. Since I was traveling that far, I decided to take in the play as well. I had to get a COVID test (beside my vaccinations) to go to the Shakespeare Festival, so got a late start on Thurs June 2. Then there were other delays. As I came south into the Rogue Valley of Medford OR, I was delighted with the unexpected prospect of Mt McLoughlin. But not being familiar with the area, I couldn't easily find a place to get a good shot of it. I was concerned about getting to Mt Shasta before too late in the evening to spend much time exploring. When I returned north the rain obscured Mt McLouglin. Spring of 2022 was so rainy in Portland metro, I began to worry whether Mt Shasta would be hidden in the clouds. But I was able to get some reasonable photos, even though much of the picturesque snow on the mountain had already melted. In the photos below the temp was 81 degrees at 7pm along I-5 near Yreka CA. City of Mt Shasta CA The town of Mt Shasta is a pretty quaint touristy place, obviously catering to skiers (beside summer recreation), so the sidewalks are not that smooth for rolling along in a wheelchair, and there are RR tracks going through town. Once again I was grateful for an electric chair. I checked into my hotel, and next morning after breakfast toodled around town. Seems like there were plenty of Asian Indian and New Age type shops/restaurants, beside the usual. I forgot my socks, and got some at Ace Hardware. There's a grocery in town and at least a couple pharmacies, quite a few gas stations, etc. if you are in need of anything. Coming into town from the north I detoured to see Mt Shasta City Park. Best Western Plus Tree House, Mt Shasta CA--Lake St just as you come off or on I-5, exit 738 On my previous trip I had noted this hotel boasted mountain views, and I was determined to get one of those rooms. I had to overlook the rooftops from my room, but I could crop those with the processor of my mind. The hotel has some history and lodge-like decor, has been updated to accommodate wheelchairs (though some of the ramps could be challenging for a manual wheelchair without extra power), it's close enough to downtown I could wheel up the street. No complimentary breakfast, restaurant on-site and another across the street. Not far to options for eating. The original Black Bear Diner, 401 W Lake St, Mt Shasta, CA 96067 Weed CA--at the intersection of Hwy 97 and I-5; exits 745 (Vista Drive) and 747 (Main St) off I-5 About 10 mi north of Mt Shasta is Weed CA, with more great views of Mt Shasta, services, and history. Vista Drive is newer development. More historic is Main Street and its vicinity.  I didn't take the time to explore Yreka CA on my way north from Mt Shasta CA to Ashland OR, though I wondered if I'd be sorry as I passed by, especially the historic part of town. But you just can't do everything! Nevertheless, I had picked up a card about the Siskiyou Scenic Bicycle Tour that was held in 2022 by the Yreka Rotary Club--drawn to the picture, and thinking they probably have it yearly. The drive north from Mt Shasta CA to Ashland OR had its interests. The Klamath River meets I-5 at about Hornbrook CA, they travel together for a bit, then the Klamath heads west and southwest with Hwy 96 (Klamath River Hwy), and suddenly north again to meet the Pacific Ocean at Klamath CA and the Redwoods. I passed by a hay shelter proclaiming the State of Jefferson just north of Grenada CA. Almost precisely at the CA/OR border the golden browns of the "Golden State" gave way to the forest green timber of Oregon, as the highway climbs up the Siskiyou Mountains to the pass (4 mi north of CA, 4310' above sea level). The lupines along the way were bloomin' beautiful. I noted Canadian truckers in Southern Oregon--I hadn't realized they drove that far south. Ashland OR--77 mi north of Mt Shasta CA The Welcome Center Rest Area off I-5 northbound was unexpected, so sadly I missed it. It's 12 mi north of the CA border. On the map it looks like it could be accessed by other means, but I didn't have the chance to pursue that end. I stayed at the Best Western Windsor Inn, which is an easy off/on I-5, and a quaint and comfortable place to stay. Take exit 14 off I-5 to Ashland St. The BW is to the right (also Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites; use the same exit for Holiday Inn Express & Suites). When you are ready to experience downtown Ashland you can go the other way on Ashland St and take it to Siskiyou Blvd. Siskiyou Blvd is a divided street, northbound on one side and southbound on the other. Traveling north on Siskiyou I passed Southern Oregon University, then Triangle Park (both on the left). Northbound Siskiyou becomes Lithia Way, and Main Street makes another of its mysterious moves by turning east where it butts into southbound Siskiyou. There's a little triangular plaza at that juncture--Ashland has a few triangle-shaped parks/plazas. Ashland Fire & Rescue is on the Lithia Way corner and the Library is on the south going side. Continuing north on Lithia Way, turn right on Pioneer St to access 4 hour public parking. I suggest taking a walk or roll the opposite way on Pioneer Street to Main Street. On Main and Pioneer is the Chamber of Commerce plaza with info, art, maps, & directions. From there you can decide whether to walk/roll Main Street shops, head up the Pioneer St hill to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, or walk opposing traffic toward the Saturday Market on Oak Street, Downtown Plaza (a triangle that Main St encircles), and at the tip where Main St meets Winburn Way is one end of the lovely Lithia Park (100 acres of beauty along Ashland Creek with accessible paths, ponds, playground, picnics, restroom, memorial, bandshell, tennis courts, etc.). Across from that end of Lithia Park is the Lithia Artisans Market (weekends 10-5 Mar-Dec), Calle Guanajuato with its mural, restaurants, and park (also along Ashland Creek). Across the main part of Main St from Calle Guanajuato Park is Bluebird Park (which has stairs down). Note: Siskiyou Blvd and the Main St extension of it are also known as Hwy 99. Caution: the steps up to the Library are a clue that from that side of Main St west is a strenuous uphill push. Lithia Park & Calle Guanajuato Park--not to be missed if you are in Ashland OR |
