Annual Washington - Oregon Loop Trip, June 13th

For the last several years we have taken side trips to surrounding locations and scenic areas.  Two years ago we went to Buckhorn Overlook of the Snake River canyon and out to the Zumwalt Prairie.  Last year we drove Highway 39 from Joseph to the Hells Canyon Overlook near Halfway, OR.

We have been told that the best overlook is Hat Point which is about 65 miles from Joseph with the pavement ending 31 miles out at Imnaha, OR.  From there is a narrow gravel road with steep drop-offs  and up to 16% grade for the first part of the 24 miles out to the point.

I've wanted to go to at least Imnaha for the last few years and eventually out to Hat Point. Today we went as far as Imnaha as we weren't ready to spend all day getting out there this time.

It is a pretty drive out and part way we encountered a small cattle drive that had stretched into a couple of groups of cattle.  The first was led by a cowboy on a 4 wheeler and the last group of cattle were driven by Border Collies followed by a pickup with a horse trailer with more Border Collies aboard in reserve.  The Border Collies were doing all the work.

Watch the one of the Border Collies race up the hill after a wayward cow in the first part.

Imnaha Store

The Lady in the store (she and her husband own it) as been at it for 37 years.  She was busy preparing chicken and other ingredients that would later be cooked to order.  The store is for sale if you want to do the next 37 years.

Imnaha River

We learned that Walter Brennan's ranch was just south of the town of Joseph.  Monday Kevin and I drove out to see.  We were told it was 26 thousand acres which is 40 square miles.

This is his ranch and his descendants now have the property.

We were told there was a symbol on the barn but they didn't know what it signified or meant.

I was pretty sure it was a brand for the livestock on the ranch and started researching Oregon Brands. I came up with this registered brand on the Oregon Book of Brands  and even though it is not exactly like the one on the barn it is registered to his descendants in Joseph, OR.  Close enough for me.

In the research I found that Walter had purchased the 12,000 acre Lightning Creek Ranch in 1940 and may have purchased additional property later but I could not find any record of it.  So it may only be 12000 acres.  Currently 10,000 acres of the Lightning Creek Ranch are up for sale.  Maybe the descendants decided that 2,000 acres was plenty for the family.

Walter Brennan donated to a number of projects in the area.  He funded a movie theater in Joseph on the condition that they would only show his movies.  That may have been him just having fun with the group wanting the movie theater.

Beautiful view from town to end a great day!