Fandango Pass: the Applegate Trail
Gateway to Surprise Valley, California.

The Fandango Pass is part of the Applegate Trail, a split off from the Oregon Trail formed when settlers
hoped to find an easier, a safer route west than that along the Columbia River. The historical marker at the summit tells of the
settlers, pulling their wagons with all their belongings up the steep slope of the eastern flank of the Warner Mountains. When they
reached the summit they celebrated by dancing the Fandango, a dance popular at that time.

We drove this route the last time we went to Cedarville and Eagleville in Surprise Valley. Traveling west to east, the climb is fairly
gradual, but the descent is a series of switchback curves carved in a fairly steep incline. It's easy to imagine the joy
our forefathers felt at the successful completion of the climb.

Today the route is a well maintained gravel road connecting Hwy 395 with Fort Bidwell. If you look at a detailed map of
California, you will see he pass just south of the border. If you just want to go with the flow, the road is marked from 359 also.
Regardless, just look south of Goose Lake; and it's not hard to find the pass.

This photo was taken from a hiking trail we discovered at the historical marker. We
didn't have time go far, but the trail did continue.

Forward ~ Fort Bidwell in Surprise Valley, whispering
of where we've been.

Back ~ Steen Mountain National Cooperative Management Protection Area in the High Desert of Oregon

USFS: Modoc National Forest.

Warner Mountains: South Warner Wilderness Area.

Points of Interest in the Fandango Pass Area.

Brad and I are happy to share the Surprise Valley Warner
Mountain Outback Tour with you: Travel Directions, Map and
Scenery: Mountains, hot springs, wildlife viewing, south Warner Wilderness Area, hiking trails, equestrian trails and more.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
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