Next time you’re heading west, put the following four drives on your must-do list. They include Oregon’s Columbia River Highway, Nevada’s Highway 50, Utah’s Crazy Patchwork Parkway and Idaho’s Highway 75.
Oregon: Columbia River Highway
Think and imagine waterfalls, cliffs, fir and maple trees along your drive across roughly 77 miles on Columbia River Highway in Oregon. There’s the Columbia River Gorge which has winding hills and views, a road which will eventually flatten out as you embark upon an area of waterfalls. Take a meander to Latourell Falls where you will be bathed in honeycombed basalt and breathtaking views. There are plenty of other waterfalls in this area also including Wahkeena, Horsetail and the 620 foot Multnomah. Other falls including Punch Bowl, Ponytail and Elowah are all short walks/hikes from the main road. Eventually, you’ll get to I-84, which leads you past Bonneville Dam, Cascade Locks and beyond. You can also catch a cruise on the Columbia Gorge riverboat for something scenic and romantic to do.
Utah: The Road from Parowan to Panguitch
Driving through Utah has brought me to tears, I was so awe-struck by its beauty. Refer to my Burr Trail blog post here, which has plenty of breathtaking photos. In this area, you have the more well known Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. Known as the Patchwork Parkway, you go through a stunning 48 mile stretch between Parowan and Panguitch.
From Parowan, you’ll lead dessert and climb up forested slopes to the Markagunt Plateau – think limestone, lava flows, sandstone and stunning scenery mile after mile. You’ll eventually (roughly 10 miles) hit a place where you can hike into a place called Hidden Haven, where a 20 foot waterfall awaits you. Think red rock cliffs and textured colors that will blow your mind.
Then head to Brian Head Resort and then take the turnoff to Cedar Breaks National Momument, a breathtaking three miles of reds and oranges scattered throughout. End at Panguitch Lake and the town of Panguitch, which is a small stop over town at the end of a vivid desert. You can stay here or keep going. You’ll be taken to heaven along the way.
Idaho’s Hailey to Stanley Highway 75
I chose to go to Idaho years ago, because it was a state I never thought I’d explore on my own. Was I so wrong about what the state had to offer? The place is stunning as those who have ventured there know, particularly the Highway 75 pass to Stanley. It’s a 73 mile trip, which starts in Sun Valley at Hailey, now a trendy, hip place with overpriced resorts. The food here is great though, so be sure to check out some of Sun Valley’s restaurants and shops. You’ll meander through trails, mountains and cliffs as you pass through the stunning Sawtooth National Recreational Area and Park. Think mountain goats and breathtaking views.
A few stops and pauses: Billy’s Bridge, Easley Hot Springs (take a dip here) and then end at the Galena Lodge where you can stay or simply have lunch. Then, meander through the 8,701 foot Galena Summit where you’ll wind your way through and around the Salmon River (kayak here if you’re a water lover) or take a hike on one of the many trails in the area — the Alturas or the Pettit alpine lakes have plenty of trails to choose from. You can also stay at Smiley Creek Lodge and while you’re in that same area, be srue to take in Redfish Lake. You can rent kayaks here btw, or paddleboats if you’re not that adventurous.
As for Stanley itself? It’s just say its a gem of a place.
Nevada’s Baker to Ely Highway 50 Stretch
You have a 63 mile delicious drive from Ely across a flat road, but a flat road loaded with rabbitbrush and sage. Beauty, pure and wide and expansive. You’ll be just northeast of Great Basin National Park and the rugged Snake Range. From here, you’ll meander up and around what they refer to as the Sacramento Pass, where you can stop off and take in numerous hikes off the side of the road.
From here, you’ll head into Spring Valley, an area that has 400 foot tall wind turbines (66 of them to be exact). Beyond this is Schell Creek Range (again more hikes if you have the time to stop) or simply take your camera out and be blown away. One stop off on the way is Major’s Station Bar and then you’ll hit Connor’s Pass, Steptoe Valley (think elk) and more barren road as you make your way into Ely. Quiet, serene, and wide open plains with textures of oranges and yellows throughout your journey.
Above: Steptoe Valley.
Photo credits in order: Craig Wolf.com, StephenPenland.com, commons.wikimedia.org, www.wrcc.dri .edu.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
