Crossing North Oregon

22.9.

Today we head inland. First, we get all the flavors of Tillamook Country Smoker Beef Jerky, which has its factory on our way. Then we visit Tillamook Creamery, a manufacturer of various cheese and ice cream flavors. Today's breakfast consists of two scoops of cream ice cream and samples of their cheese, something different. ;) As soon as we enter the Cascade Range, we have to stop more often due to the clearance work of the forest fire. The burned areas are unimaginably large for us Europeans. I would estimate that they would easily reach from Bern to Zurich, everything dead and charred. Our first stop is Proxy Falls, which flow down in the forest not far from McKenzie Highways. A visit is highly recommended!

Then we go straight up, where we traverse a huge lava field from rather "younger" eruptions. The pass is adorned with an observation tower that explains the area. Sisters, a cowboy town, would probably be worth a short stay, but we want to reach Smith Rock State Park before sunset. We cook our dinner at the beautifully located rest area in the middle of the rocks, which, as we learn, are the birthplace of sport climbing in the States. We sleep at the campground where it would actually be forbidden to sleep in the car. Funny enough, there is not a single tent on the site but about 30 cars... so it seems to be somehow okay. ;)