Oregon State Highway 47 is one of the most scenic roads I have traveled. Between sprawling farms, wineries, winding valleys and two mountain ranges, there is more diversity in this area than entire states. Simply driving through this region is only scratching the surface- dotted throughout are pioneer cemeteries, ghost towns and countless recreational opportunities. While exploring the area, I came across this very old and historic cemetery. 

The name is misleading as while it is on top of a hill, it is actually named for the person that donated the land to be used for the cemetery, Almoran Hill. One of the earliest pioneer cemeteries in the state, it is well known for being the final resting place of several notable figures. 

William Doughty was Oregon's first elected person to the provisional government, one of the first nine senators of the territory. Peter Duncan McIntosh is the creator of the world famous Tillamook Cheddar Cheese. There are countless graves that are unmarked due to a wildfire that burned up all the wooden crosses and grave markers in the southwest corner of the cemetery. 

I've seen a lot of talk online that this is an "abandoned" cemetery, decrepit, or returning to nature. Upon my visit I would hardly say that is the case- the most run down portion was the narrow, craggy road heading up the hill. However, I was able to traverse this in a Fiat, and the cemetery is very well marked and maintained. Sure, there are some weeds growing and the grass can get long, but it's far from being dilapidated.