An absolutely gorgeous ride. One long summit, but never too steep, through beautiful woods along North Pine Creek. Camped along side the Imnaha River.
The ride started with about 10 miles of downhill through some very scenic country along Pine Creek as it made it's way to the Snake. We then turned up Wallowa Mountain Road. This was the road I wanted to take 6 years ago but it was closed due to a washout. So it was very fulfilling to get to ride it now. It started out through beautiful woods and nice cool air. Sometimes I could see the naked hills far above and feared we'd eventually leave the woods, but we never did. The woods changed to mostly pine as we got higher but never gave out. It was a long climb but eventually we got to the turn off for the Snake River Overlook. Here I ditched my panniers in the woods and did the final 3 miles with a lighter load. We spent at least an hour on top lounging around and enjoying the view. You couldn't actually see the Snake River but the view was spectacular none the less.
Then it was a fast downhill to the Ollokot campground on the Imnaha River. I found a spot close to the river and was very happy to be lulled to sleep by it.
I did not know it at the time but Ollokot was Chief Joseph's younger brother and the leader of the young warriors who chose to fight the army that forced them off of their land.