Tollgate, La Grande, Kamala, Emigrant Pass Loop
Brief
All pavement
170-mile loop
Mountain passes, sweepers, twisties, big views, big valleys
A fun route that is a joy to ride
The Whole Story
After Milton Freewater, turn Right onto Steen Road. Then cross Hwy 11 onto Wynn Rd and enjoy the sweepers up to Hwy 204. Take Hwy 204 over Tollgate. A stop at Tollgate Crossing Store might be in order. Ride past the derelict Spouts Springs Ski Area. The toilets are at Woodland Sno-Park.
Turn right from Hwy 204 to Summerville.
Follow the route across the Grand Ronde Valley back roads. Enjoy Hunter Road toward La Grande.
From La Grande, take I-84 to the historic Upper Perry Bridge. Stop and check out the interpretive signs.
Then there is a short run on I-84 to Old Emigrant Hill Rd (exit 284). The road is beautiful and follows the railroad’s main line with nice sweepers. Watch the route. You’ll cross I-84 several times and pass through Kamala and Meacham (with a small cafe) before arriving at the Deadman’s Pass Rest Area for a break.
Now have a nice ride down Emigrant Hill. Take it easy and enjoy the view, but watch for bad pavement and really tight corners.
From Mission, you could continue to Pendleton for exploration, but the route takes you back to Milton-Freewater and Walla Walla.