Start time: 0730
Start odometer: 21943
Weather: Foggy morning, overnight rain ended, skies cleared during morning, temperature 36 degrees F., 28 in mountain passes, peaking at 57.
More westward driving today, continuing towards northwestern Washington. Though it was a little earlier than normal for me to stop, Winthrop was the last town with a choice of lodging on Route 20 before driving into the heart of the Cascades. It would be dark before I got to Washington Pass, and this looked like an interesting town. Winthrop is a throw-back to the late 1800s providing a an old western town feel. Please click on the Winthrop link for more information.
This morning was another foggy start, as is also expected tomorrow. The drive soon took me into beautiful sunny skies, and the winding roads provided more stunning scenery. Outside the town of Kettle Falls, I caught my first glimpse of the Columbia River.
To the west of Kettle Falls is the Colville National Forest. There are several recreation areas that provide camping and hiking, as well as a scenic drive. I took a trail that followed a log flume from the early 1900s, and also drove along Bangs Mountain Road.
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At this intersection is the state line between Idaho and Washington. No signs were posted, though. |
Historic marker along Route 20. |
View along Route 20 in the Colville National Forest. |
Logging in the early 1900s. |
The indentation is the location of the former logging railroad that passed through here. |
Panel describing area chutes. |
The channel mentioned in the previous picture. |
Some frost remaining in a high field. |
The Bangs Mountain road. |
Description of geological feature along the Bangs Mountain Road. |
Looking at a cut along the road. |
Part of a rock wall along the south side of the Bangs Mountain Road. |
Falls colors still appear here. |
Treetops against the sky. |
Continuing west on Route 20, I headed towards Sherman Pass, with an altitude of 5575 feet. As I approached the top, which was snow and ice covered, there were two vehicles behind a large tanker truck. It seems the tanker was sliding on the angled turn, and was stopped. Fortunately, another vehicle was there preparing to pull the tanker away from the edge, and the other vehicles and I were able to continue around the tanker.
Nearing Sherman pass, the road was still dry here. |
Approaching the pass. |
A view from the west side of the pass. |
I stopped in Okanogan to get groceries and found the Food Depot, in a log constructed building. The people there were extremely kind and helpful.
The Food Depot in Okanogan. |
Historical marker enroute to Twisp, Washington. |
After arriving in Winthrop and checking in, I walked around town and visited some of the shops. In a quilt shop, I met a wonderful woman named Harriet Haase. At 85 years old, she had some great stories to tell about her many years in Winthrop, as well as other topics.
Boarded sidewalks line the streets, similar to Dawson City, Y. T. |
The in-town Chevron service station. |
Three Fingered Jacks Saloon, next to the Dance Hall. |
A little fuzzy, taken as it was getting dark. |
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There are some ice patches at Washington Pass where I hope to go tomorrow. I have been advised to give the sun sometime to warm up the road, so I may stop for a hike in the morning enroute to the pass. I should be north of Seattle tomorrow evening, but with the way I travel?!?!? Thank you for visiting!
Routes traveled today: US 2 - Washington 20 - Bangs Mountain Road - Wa 20
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