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Our second day of riding proved equally enjoyable, and this time we traveled in another direction from Huddleston Trailhead. Our lofty goal was Table Rock, a craggy peak accessible by snowmobile only when conditions are good. We made our way on forest roads and fire lanes, then headed cross-country, up hill and down dale, picking our way through pines large and small.
The last 100 yards to the summit were on barren, rocky ground, so we parked the sleds and hiked up to the lookout where we were rewarded with stunning views in every direction. Plus we got a good look at the peak's huge cliff.
On the return trip, our guides took us off-trail once more where we dodged burned tree trunks and then enjoyed playing in a large open bowl. When lunchtime came around, we opened up the muff pots to see what culinary treasure awaited us and were delighted to chow down on elk and venison sausages with cheese and crackers.
The ride back was a fun assortment of mileage that included ledge roads carved into the mountainside, valley riding alongside a bubbling creek and a good stretch of trail where we encountered a groomer working the snow to perfection. The day ended with 88 miles on the odometer and smiles on our faces.
On day three, we rode with James Neal and his family, including wife Wendy, daughter Kailey, and son Garth.
Young Kailey was content to ride with her dad, and Wendy and Garth piloted machines of their own with great skill. We started this day's shorter adventure from the Dixie Trailhead, with the peak of the same name as our first destination. The final ascent was steep and challenging but the snow was firm and we were quickly atop the mountain, enjoying great views. Looking west, we could see halfway across Oregon and almost to the distant Cascade Range.
After a run back down to the trailhead, we set a course for a mid-day meal at Austin Junction in the valley below. Our descent was on a trail that hadn't been used in awhile, and it was slow going while we cautiously made our way along, going under and around a couple of downed trees. After that, we enjoyed a roller coaster ride along a power line, and it wasn't long before we were in the valley where the snow was sparse but sufficient to allow us to reach our objective.
For lunch, we enjoyed elk burgers at the Austin House, a combination general store/tavern that will soon be a bed and breakfast, too.
After the meal, we returned to the trailhead and loaded the machines. Though we had logged just 30 miles for the outing, it had been another great riding experience with superb scenery and good riding conditions. After three days, we'd gotten a real taste of the wonderful riding that Grant County offers, but it was obvious from the map that we'd only scratched the surface of this snowmobiling paradise.
If you're looking for a western mountain adventure that offers plenty of trails plus endless off-trail opportunities, check this one out. Grant County has both of these features, and without the crowds you might find at many of the West's more well-known locales.
For Grant County tourism information and trail maps, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 800-769-5664 or online at www.grantcounty.cc. For accommodations in John Day, contact Dreamers Lodge at 800-654-2849. For info on snowmobiling in Oregon, call state association president John Bastian at 541-575-3640 or e-mail him at blindy@starband.net.