Drive from Bend to Hells Canyon Dam

Left Gail’s house around 8:30 on 97, 126, 26, 7, and finally 86 to Cooperfield campground. We stopped at Painted Hills which was somewhat uneventful. Then Sheep Rock also was uneventful but there was a visitor center there that looked interesting but was closed. Blue Basin was very nice. We saw Eroded hills and fossil replicas on a short 1 mile hike. Then we had lunch at the Squeeze Inn in John Day. Great burger!! Then onto Baker City to buy groceries. We passed the Interpretive Center outside of Baker City that also looked interesting but was also closed. We drove the last part in the dark. On the way though we saw a bear running along the road. Got to the campground about 8:15. Set up our tents in the dark.Read more