Gilliam County

Page Index

• Porter's Business Complex

• John Day Mystery Curve

• Unconfirmed Gravel Fragment

• Cross Cut Fragment

• US 30: Squally Hook Fragment

• Quinton Fragment

• Philippi Canyon

• Mystery Cut

• Blalock Port Road

• Route 2 / US 30: Woelpern Fragments

• Route 2: Lang Canyon Fragments

• Viewpoint Grade

• Arlington, Oregon

• Arlington-Roosevelt Ferry

• Route 2: Columbia Street

• Arlington Fragments

• Silica Fragments

• Route 2 / US 30: Modern Heppner Junction Fragments

• Willow Creek Fragments / Original Heppner Junction

Unlike the middle, Historic Columbia River Highway, where the freeway was the culprit, most of the destruction of the original Route 2 alignment on this section of the Upper Highway, between Rufus and Boardman, came from the rising waters of Lake Umatilla behind the John Day Dam. While there are fewer surviving fragments through here than in other sections of the highway, the ones that do survive are usually well-preserved due to the desert climate. But on that note, as well, aside from Arlington, this is lonely, desert country. It was never built up much more than it is now, and walking these old fragments is a meditative experience in isolation.

It is almost difficult for me to imagine what it would have been like out here in the early days of the highway, before there was much traffic, driving the curvy, narrow thread along the cliffs, miles from any civilization at all. Mostly, it sounds pretty amazing, but I am sure it felt, and was, risky, as well. Sadly, it is an experience that is largely lost to time.

Probably the best way to recapture some of that feeling is to just get out there and walk a few miles. I am not recommending that anyone does that, since the right of ways out here have long reverted to private landowners and access to these locations can be something of an adventure all of its own these days, but there are some public areas in Morrow County that will be discussed in the later sections that are well worth the trip.

And also be warned, aside from trespassing issues, this is desert county. In the summer it is hot, there is little shade and no water, and it can be brutal out there. Cellular coverage is sketchy in many places, and any hikes in these conditions should only be attempted by prepared, experienced hikers.

This canyon is home to a flock of big horn sheep, and most times driving through I can spot at least one of them. They are, obviously, not native to the area, but at some point they were introduced here and seem to be doing just fine. I don't know the whole story, but when I learn it I will share it on the website.

CLICK HERE to continue exploring the highway