MIDDLE FORK OF THE JOHN DAY

This is a 40-mile forest road connecting US Highway 395 (between Ukiah and Long Creek) with Oregon Highway 7 (near Austin).  It's a mellow drive, lots of nice river scenery, and good pavement all the way.  When I last drove on this road in the late 1990s there was a 3-4 mile section of the road that was still gravel near the midway point, and some current maps will still show the gravel segment...  but it is paved the entire way.

To start the drive, go north 1.1 miles on Oregon 7 from Austin House (which is on US Highway 26).

 Bates State Park campground

 Sunshine Forest Service work center

 The small community of Galena.  There are about 10 houses here, no services available.

40.4 - End of Middle Fork John Day road at US 395.