Stage 43 - John Day OR, 80mi (129km)

On my way towards
the east Cascades

...before the first climb....

Summit Sumpter Pass

Summit Tipton Pass

Summit Dixie Pass

Today, also the beginning of my 11th map section, I started my first climbs into the east of the Cascade Range, three passes, Sumpter Pass (5'082ft), Tipton Pass (5'124ft) and Dixie Pass (5'277ft). All of them were long, generally gradual climbs followed by great downhills.

Early white settlers found the Cascades to be n imposing barricade which halted their progress toward the Pacific Ocean. Many pioneers decided to float the Columbia River on rafts rather than risk a mountain crossing. They often took more risk than they planned, and many lost their lives in the river's dangerous currents. Others, however, hoped to find a way across the Cascades. The first party to make a successful trip over the Cascades was led by wagon master Sam Barlow in 1845. He and his party crossed over the south shoulder of Mount Hood, which is north of McKenzie Pass, which I will climb in three days.

Overlook from Dixie Pass

I am staying overnight in John Day. The area of the the John Day Fossil Beds was once a tropical jungle. The National Monument, located east of the Ochoco National Forest, is divided into three units, two of which are located very close to the Trail. I will pass the Monument by tomorrow before climbing Keyes Creek Pass.

Today was the end of week six, in which I cycled 615mi (990km), bringing my total for the trip so far to a satisfactory 3’634mi (5’848km) or 85mi (137km) per day.