This ride is around 250 miles depending on where you start. You should also be sure and go to the Hells Canyon Overlook which will add about 8 miles. If you go to Mt Howard and the Tram add another 16 miles. So if you do everything that is recommended you are looking at 274 miles. This is not difficult if you do a little planning and get an early start.
Leave Baker City on I-84 west bound for 2 miles to exit 302 and turn right onto HWY 86. This will lead you past the Oregon Trail Visitor Center, everyone should visit the center at least once. From here continue east on HWY 86 to Richland. Annie’s Cafe or the Shorthorn are great places to stop for breakfast. At 42 miles this does not quite qualify for 100 miles before breakfast rule, but the food is still great. Next on the map is Halfway. I’m not sure what it’s halfway from, but I do know that this is the Oregon Gateway to Hells Canyon and you will now ‘officially’ be in Hells Canyon Territory. About 11 miles from the Hells Canyon Dam cutoff is the turn for the Hells Canyon Overlook. Take this turn, it’s just a couple of miles to the top. From here you can see Hells Canyon and across the Snake River the Seven Devils Mountains (1. He Devil 2. She Devil 3. Tower of Babel 4. The Twin Imps 5. The Goblin 6. The Ogre 7. Devils Throne). Also a little to the north see Heavens Gate. He Devil is the highest of these at 9,393 ft. The rocks and formations of Hells Canyon and the Seven Devils are some of the oldest in North America at 400 million years. Also surprising is that these mountains were once part of the ocean floor. Earthquakes and plate shifting over millions of years have raised them to their current heights. Many fossils of ancient sea life have been found at the tops of these mountains.
Now as you head towards Joseph you will be leaving the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Coming into Joseph you will see the stunning Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness. These mountains have been called by many the ‘American Alps’ and when you first see them you will instantly know why. Joseph is probably a good place to stop for lunch. There are plenty of restaurants and taverns, but our favorite is The Hydrant. Consider a quick side trip along Wallowa Lake to the Mt Howard Tram. When it was built in the 70’s this tram was the highest vertical lift tram in North America. There is a little cafe at the top and some hiking trails and of course the VIEW. Joseph is named for and is the burial place of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Indians. It is ironic that his grave at Wallowa Lake is below Mt Howard which was named for General Howard who was Chief Joseph’s main adversary.
Joseph marks the end of all the side trips and extra things to do, so the ride into La Grande will be an easy one where you can really soak up the scenery. Last year in Lostine, one farmer had by his driveway a life size Fred Flintstone car carved out of wood – be sure and look for it. Yaba Daba Doo! Once you’re in La Grande you can hit I-84 for the quick freeway ride back to Baker City. But my preference is to go through Union, Catherine Creek and Medical Springs. This is the road less traveled and is just great for bikers, especially sportbikes. You’ll climb thru heavily wooded forest and come back down into gently rolling hills of hay and grasslands. It’s really beautiful.
Once you’re back in Baker City take a break and clean up – then consider dinner at the Haines Steakhouse. You will probably find me there in a log booth having the time of my life. After dinner it’s back to Baker City just in time for the fun and games at The Main Event, The Geiser Grand Saloon, The Sunridge Inn or wherever, just hop on the shuttle bus and you are there! Be sure and plan enough time to arrive back in Baker City before the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Show at 7pm on Saturday. Then head over to the Sunridge Inn for the beer garden, live music and the prize money for the poker runs. I’ll be looking forward to hearing your reaction to the sights and experiences of this great motorcycle journey.
Can’t wait to try this loop in June when I’m over there… sounds wonderful! Thanks for posting this very useful info…
Did this ride in 06 and it’s a great ride. Had some trouble finding an open gas station in the Halfway area. Imnaha was a good side trip also. The section through the HCRA is about as twisty as roads get….if you go clockwise on the route you will be coming down here and it demands close attention.
Hi. I plan on traveling through Hells Canyon around Memorial day, is the road from Hells Canyon to Joseph paved? The maps aren’t clear on that, should they be open or still snow up there. I would appreciate any info it looks like a great area to visit.
The road is paved. Most likely will be closed by snow Memorial Day. It’s about a 50/50 deal. If the weather is warm prior to Memorial Day – probably open. Otherwise not.
Great article as always, thank you for writing such informative stuff on a regular basis.