Spokane, WA - Bend, OR

Departed Kelowna, BC on August 21 and drove to Spokane, WA via Route 33 & 3 in Canada then connecting with US 395 at Laurier.

Route 33 paralleled the Kettle River

Kettle River Recreation Area

Farm land north of Spokane on US 395

Spokane, WA - settled in 1871 and officially incorporated as a city in 1881. David Thompson explored the Spokane area with the westward expansion and establishment of the North West Company's Spokane House in 1810. This trading post was the first long-term European settlement in Washington and the center of the fur trade between the Rockies and the Cascades for 16 years. Completion of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1881 brought major settlement to the Spokane area. In the late 19th century, gold and silver were discovered in the Inland Northwest. The Spokane area is considered to be one of the most productive mining districts in North America. Spokane's economy has traditionally been based on natural resources, being a center for mining, timber, and agriculture; however, the city's economy has diversified to include other industries, including the high-tech and biotech sectors.  Current city population is 208,916. Spokane is known as the birthplace of Father's Day and is home to Gonzaga and Whitworth Universities.

Clock Tower in Riverfront Park

Just one of many "kids" friendly settings in the park

Cheryl had to get her Merry-go-round ride!

Spokane River Falls - These falls have been used to run saw mills and electric power stations.

The Davenport Hotel - built in 1914, it was the first US hotel to have Air Conditioning, a central vacuum system & pipe organ.  It's lobby, ballrooms, & public spaces have been restored to their early glory.  The room accommodations are all modern.

Locals may say meet me at the fireplace, which means this fireplace in the may lounge area of the hotel.  I can remember having a drink in this location when on a business trip to visit Boeing's plant in Spokane.

Yes, Bing Crosby.
Bing graduated from Gonzaga University and spent time at the hotel while visiting Spokane. 

Lake Coeur d'Alene, ID

We departed Spokane August 25 and headed to Bend / Sisters, OR. We crossed into OR at Plymouth, WA and followed the Columbia River (I-84) till Biggs where we turned south on US 97 to Bend.
The following are some of the scenic shots along the way.

Our "campground" in the Bend / Sisters area was very nice with paved roads and parking pads. We stayed here over Labor Day holiday. 

Smith Rock State Park is located in the high desert near the communities of Redmond and Terrebonne. Its sheer cliffs of tuff and basalt are ideal for rock climbing of all difficulty levels. Smith Rock is generally considered the birthplace of modern American sport climbing, and is host to cutting-edge climbing routes.  The park contains the first U.S. climb rated 5.14 (8b+). The area is well known for its challenging climbing routes so eventually all top climbers visit. No we didn't do any climbing, just some short walks on the trails.

Not for me!!!

McKenzie Pass (5,324 ft.) on State Route 242 (Sisters to Eugene).  This area contains a large lava flow and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Mt. Washington looking to the north

Dee Wright worked for the Forest Service for over 25 years delivering supplies.  He began work on a viewfinder during the time.  After his death the work was completed and named in his honor.

Three Sisters Mountains south of McKenzie.

Found this covered bridge in Bend, No the Unit would not fit!

Tumalo State Park established in 1954 and is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Bend. The park preserved a scenic portion of the Deschutes River where basalt cliffs extend down to the river.  We took a hike in this area. 

Tumalo Falls

Basalt Cliffs surround the stream

The following views were taken from a butte within the city limits of Bend.  Evidence of local and distant forest fires can be seen in the air. 

Mt Washington at a distance.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument south of Bend is home to the Newberry Crater with twin lakes, Paulina and East.  Neither lake receives water from an inlet stream, but instead, rely on rain, snowmelt and hot springs for water.
 

Paulina Lake - It has an area of 1,531 acres and a maximum depth of 250 ft. 

Lava flow (rocks) surround the crater lakes

Must be relaxing on this sailboat!

Don't know the depth of this crevice, but could not see bottom. 

Paulina Creek drains the lake and has chiseled a narrow gorge through the caldera's west wall creating a remarkable twin waterfall. 

We found this area of Bend / Sisters, OR very relaxing with numerous activities.  We understood why so many people wanted to move to this area.