*Motorcycle Roads NorthWest

This road is part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. It wends its way down from Imnaha Highway near Joseph through the Hells Canyon back-country past a number of peaks in the Blue Mountains range before dropping you out east of Halfway.

Obviously, this road isn’t in one of the more populated parts of the lower 48 states. Food, fuel, and water are all important issues for travelers through this area. You can get food (Safeway!) and fuel in Enterprise and probably even in Joseph (just a tourist town, really) and that you can at least get food (only a ‘maybe’ on fuel) in Halfway.

If you’re travelling through this area in the extreme ends of the riding season, I would recommend keeping an eye out for road closures. It’s often closed through much of its length in the winter and gets officially closed at least from Salt Creek Summit down to Oregon 86 (east of Halfway).

One item of concern with this road is that it is part of the Hells Canyon Scenic Loop. There’s lots of things to go see and do out here amongst the hay and wheatfields, and lots of tourists driving around. I needn’t belabor how poorly tourists drive when they’re in sight-seeing mode.

I would recommend visiting Hells Canyon Overlook also, it’s got a wonderful view. Several resources have listed a number of horse camps, so be careful not only of horse trailer but equestrian near the roadway.

• Road Name: Wallowa-Whitman
• Counties: Baker, Wallowa
• Length: 52
• Towns: Pleasant Center, runs near both Joseph and Halfway at each end

Download the Streets and Trips file for Wallowa-Whiteman FS 39 / North Pine Road / Wallowa Mountain Road

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