15.5 miles of hiking • 2000' elevation gain •
Another trip to the dry side, as clouds and possible rain threatened in greener areas. Spent the day exploring the Lost Corral Trail area along the south side of the John Day River in Oregon's newest state park. Very nice indeed!
The first four miles, or so, were very flat as they followed an old road. The canyon colors were really popping in the sunshine. Geese were abundant along the river, and we seemed to startle them repeatedly.
After hitting the official end of the trail, we went cross-country to the northeast, and then cut back west to Faro Point (peak?) - the highest point in the park. It offered us a pretty nice spot for lunch, and sweeping views in all directions. Seemed like prime rattlesnake territory, but none were to be seen. (No ticks, either!)
Spring flowers were all starting to bud, but very few were yet in bloom. While the hike along the river was nice enough, it was the climb up Faro that really made the day shine.
