Doherty Slide, Protected area in Lake County, Oregon.
Doherty Slide is a volcanic ridge in southeastern Oregon near the Nevada border where Oregon Route 140 crosses at elevation. The formation rises steeply about 1000 feet from the valley floor and creates a dramatic geological barrier in this remote high desert region.
The ridge formed from ancient lava flows that built up a high wall, which erosion then shaped into its present form. The road was built to cross this steep terrain and connect remote areas in southeastern Oregon.
The Doherty Slide represents a testament to road engineering, where a highway navigates through severe geological constraints in the American West.
The road is narrow and two-lane with a steep grade, so careful driving is essential especially in bad weather or with large vehicles. There are no guard rails on this stretch, so drivers should stay focused and respect the road edges.
The eastern side of the formation connects to a high plateau stretching across much of southeastern Oregon. On the opposite side the terrain drops sharply into Guano Valley, creating two very different landscapes within a short distance.
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