Day 1 – September 8: John Day Loop

“Strawberries and Prairies” (76 miles)

Start from John Day for a loop that delivers a cornucopia of Oregon delights. Roll out in the shadows of the Strawberry Mountains… and then start climbing into them. After a stout 12-mile climb to nearly 6,000 feet elevation, glide on down – first to Summit Prairie and then to Logan Valley, two broad expanses rife with flora and fauna. After earning all this altitude, enjoy the reward of sinuous descents alongside streambeds, through historic Canyon City and back to camp.