We had read glowing reviews of Cottonwood Canyon State Park. However, those reviews were probably written in the spring time when everything was still green and temperatures were moderate. When we left the motel at 7:30, temps were already in the upper 70s and headed for the low 100s. Our plan was to hike for a couple of miles before it got too hot.
What we did not know was that we would pass through the Klondike Wind Farm of some 400 wind generators. And north of Klondike is the Bigelow Canyon Wind Farm of some 250 more.
We chuckled at some of the street names.
We arrived at the park a little after 8:00 and explored the beautiful new and/or restored section of the park info and visitors center, and former farm.
We set out on the Stage Steppe Trail, a 3/4 mile trek to the start of the Pinnacles Trail
Along the way, we came across some barbed wire sculptures.
The trail is in great condition and passes through the bajada along the hills back from the side of the river. We passed by a campground where a few intrepid (or crazy?) people were camped.
There was a separate campground for hikers and bikers, but no one was there.
We arrived at the Pinnacles Trailhead. The trail follows this side of the John Day River for about 4.5 miles - there is another trail on the other side of the river.
There was a nice bench in the shade of a large netleaf hackberry tree.
We then headed back to the visitor center along the Willow Flats Trail, following along the side of the river.
Once back at the farmstead, we found a series of signs along the fence giving a bit of the history of the area, including the travails of sheep herders producing wool for army uniforms in WWI, the bane of dry farming of wheat and now cattle ranching.
There was a lot of old farm equipment on display.
We then continued along the river for a bit, then circled back to the visitors center.
Once there, we sat in the rocking chairs in the shade of porch roof. It was very quiet, so I recorded this short video..
The park is beautiful and well worth a visit - just don't go on a hot summer day as we did. Instead, go in April when all the wildflowers are in bloom.
What we did not know was that we would pass through the Klondike Wind Farm of some 400 wind generators. And north of Klondike is the Bigelow Canyon Wind Farm of some 250 more.
We chuckled at some of the street names.
We arrived at the park a little after 8:00 and explored the beautiful new and/or restored section of the park info and visitors center, and former farm.
We set out on the Stage Steppe Trail, a 3/4 mile trek to the start of the Pinnacles Trail
Along the way, we came across some barbed wire sculptures.
The trail is in great condition and passes through the bajada along the hills back from the side of the river. We passed by a campground where a few intrepid (or crazy?) people were camped.
There was a separate campground for hikers and bikers, but no one was there.
We arrived at the Pinnacles Trailhead. The trail follows this side of the John Day River for about 4.5 miles - there is another trail on the other side of the river.
There was a nice bench in the shade of a large netleaf hackberry tree.
We then headed back to the visitor center along the Willow Flats Trail, following along the side of the river.
Once back at the farmstead, we found a series of signs along the fence giving a bit of the history of the area, including the travails of sheep herders producing wool for army uniforms in WWI, the bane of dry farming of wheat and now cattle ranching.
There was a lot of old farm equipment on display.
We then continued along the river for a bit, then circled back to the visitors center.
Once there, we sat in the rocking chairs in the shade of porch roof. It was very quiet, so I recorded this short video..
The park is beautiful and well worth a visit - just don't go on a hot summer day as we did. Instead, go in April when all the wildflowers are in bloom.
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