Mill Creek is a nice steady climb out of The Dalles, progressing from a brief urban area, through a bit of suburb. Then fruit trees line much of the route along with a few vineyards popping up in recent years. When you reach the end of the pavement, some red America signs pop up about "don't take my gun" and "Western Justice" along with all the "No Trespassing" signs. We rode in the late autumn (November) and the temperature plummeted as the valley narrowed and the sun didn't shine into the bottom. Mill Creek is crossed a few times. There is a very steep exit option up Hedges grade on the south side of the road, up to Ketchum Road for a loop ride back along the high ridge back to Chenowith. The grade is a lot hike-a-bike with large stones and steep sections. After the switchback, the grade increases and there is one lonely house for sale beyond this point. Otherwise the views back toward the Columbia River and Dalles mountain begin. Reaching Mill Creek Ridge's spine, the grade lowers substantially. We chose to pause here, enjoying the sunset sliding down the north slope of Wy'East (Mt. Hood). There are a few old growth pines but most of the initial ridge is open heath with views in all directions. There was an extensive burn in 2013. From previous rides, I know there is an old Detroit convertible abandoned along the path ahead, but today we turned around to descend seemingly forever back into town.