Sunday, August 17, 2014

Yakima to Bend & The Ellensburg Rodeo - August 2014

Later this summer, I'll be flying west to explore the eastern side of the Cascade Range.  I'll begin in the Yakima Valley, known for their produce, hops, and wineries.  From there we will be heading south.  Our destination will be Bend, Oregon, which averages 300 days of sunshine a years.  Perfect for the outdoor lover.  Bend, Oregon also has an abundance of Breweries.  Sunshine, beer, and the outdoors.  Sounds amazing. After our share of beer, we'll venture to Tumalo Falls and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.  The byway will pass between the Three Sisters and Mt. Bachelor volcanoes and by many small and beautiful lakes.  After our journey is complete in Bend, Oregon, we'll have a stopover at the Full Sail Brewery in Hood River, and over to Cascade Locks, Oregon to hike up the Eagle Creek Trail.  It's supposed to be spectacular.  We'll finish off our trip in Ellensburg, Washington for one of the largest Rodeos in the United States.

This area of the Pacific Northwest I feel does not get enough attention as a travel destination.  Seattle, Portland, Mt. Rainier, Olympic NP and the pacific coast are all marvelous trips in their own, but I felt it was time to create a map that highlights the other wonderful side of Washington and Oregon.  I look forward to my adventure, and I hope others find great use out of this map as well.  Happy Travels!