Explore the high desert behind the wheel

Picture yourself on a journey through ancient volcanic landscapes dotted with shimmering alpine lakes and pristine forests. Are you pinching your arm to make sure it’s not a dream? Knock it off — you should really have both hands on the wheel as you drive along scenic byways around Bend and take in the abundance of natural beauty Central Oregon has to offer.

Taking a scenic drive around Bend is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in its renowned landscapes, from mountain vistas to high desert panoramas and lush riverside views. Journey along some of the most picturesque drives in the Pacific Northwest, allowing you the time to stop and admire the surroundings, explore a trail, or indulge in a local eatery. With the flexibility of being in your own car, serendipitous stops can become the highlight of your trip, letting you set your own pace and choose your adventures.

Here are a few recommended scenic drives to soak in the beauty of Central Oregon.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is a historic highway that winds through towering mountain peaks and lakefront vistas. The route offers stunning views of Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, and South Sister. Along the way, stop at one of 14 alpine lakes to enjoy an abundance of recreation, wildlife, and truly epic views.

The drive is 66 miles with stops for exploration, and will take about three to five hours to complete. The road opens seasonally in June (depending on snow conditions) and closes in October beyond Mt. Bachelor. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly hiking, an afternoon of birding, or a romantic lakeside dinner, you’ll find adventures for everyone along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. 

As you leave Bend, you’ll enter the Deschutes National Forest, where hiking and biking trails and Ponderosa Pines fill the landscape. Climbing up the byway, you’ll pass a few snow parks for winter snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and summer hiking and biking. After a sweeping turn with a magnificent view of Mt. Bachelor, you’ll pass the ski area and enjoy extraordinary views of Broken Top and the Three Sisters. From here, the road winds past several lakes, including Sparks, Devils, Elk, Davis, and many more. 

Along this drive, you can fly fish, see the headwaters of the Deschutes River, swim, hike, climb mountains, see wildlife, get ice cream, launch a kayak, and so much more before the Cascade Lakes Highway ends at OR-58 near Crescent and Odell Lake.

For ideas on activities or navigating the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, download this interpretive tour map.  

McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

McKenzie Pass, also known as the Old McKenzie Highway or Highway 242, starts just west of Sisters, Oregon, and showcases majestic waterfalls, hot springs, fantastic hikes, and some of Central Oregon’s best geology. It’s approximately an 82-mile loop from Sisters that takes three to five hours, depending on how many Instagram-worthy stops you make. 

The highway was built in the 1920s, but was used by wagons since the 1860s. Today, you can soak in views of ancient lava flows, striking waterfalls, and the Cascade Mountain Range. McKenzie Pass is only open during summer months, usually starting in early June through October, depending on snow levels. 

Start your trip at the Dee Wright Observatory. This open shelter, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, offers stunning views of the Cascade peaks and ancient lava flows. Hike the paved half-mile Lava River Interpretive Trail, where you’ll learn about the area’s unique geology and history.

Then, follow the winding Highway 242 west through the majestic pines of the Willamette National Forest. Near the end of the highway, discover one of the most popular and stunning waterfalls in Oregon, Proxy Falls. After the short hike, continue your journey to Belknap Hot Springs for a soak and front-seat view of the crystal-clear McKenzie River. 

Paulina Lake Loop

Newberry National Volcanic Monument is a geological and recreational gem in Central Oregon, offering breathtaking scenery. One of the best ways to experience the monument is by taking a scenic drive around Newberry Crater, offering views of Paulina and East Lake and the impressive Paulina Peak. This easy 25-mile drive takes around one to three hours and is open during summer months, usually starting in early June through October, depending on snow levels. 

Start your journey with a stop at the Lava Lands Visitor Center, where you can learn about the monument’s fascinating geology and history. From here, continue south on Highway 97, then turn on Paulina Lake Road/County Road 21. The road winds through a diverse landscape of pine forests, obsidian flows, and lava fields.

One of the first stops on the drive is Obsidian Flow Viewpoint, where you can marvel at the twisted obsidian flow left by a volcanic eruption over 1,000 years ago. At the south end of the crater, you’ll find Paulina Peak, the highest point in the monument at 7,898’. You can enjoy 360-degree views of the crater, the Cascade Mountains, and Paulina and East Lakes from the summit. 

Along this drive, you can go for a swim, take a hike, grab lunch at Paulina Lake Resort, launch a paddleboard, and so much more. So make a day of it and enjoy the beautiful drive. 

Lower Crooked River

Just a short drive east of Bend, the Crooked River Scenic Byway winds through a diverse and sweeping high desert landscape. The 43-mile drive follows Highway 27 from Highway 20 north to Prineville, passing through private ranches, public rangelands, and the spectacular Crooked River Canyon.

The first 18 miles of the byway are unpaved, but the gravel roads are well-maintained and doable for just about any vehicle. As you drive along, enjoy views of the far-reaching high desert, rolling hills, and volcanic buttes. Once you reach the paved section of the byway, you’ll cross the spillway of Bowman Dam and descend into the Crooked River Canyon. This stretch reveals particularly picturesque scenery featuring sheer cliff walls, fascinating volcanic structures like Chimney Rock, and the serene Crooked River winding its way through the canyon.

The canyon is open year-round with a dozen recreation sites for opportunities to camp, fly fish, hike, or enjoy a picnic. 

Oregon Outback

The Oregon Outback Scenic Byway is a fantastic way to experience the rugged beauty of Oregon’s High Desert. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a variety of historical and natural attractions, including Fort Rock, the town of Summer Lake, steaming hot springs, and tranquil wildlife areas. This 170-mile byway follows Highway 31 from La Pine to Lakeview, passing through sagebrush plains, juniper woodlands, and unique volcanic formations. Give yourself an entire day for this drive, or turn it into an overnighter with a stay in Summer Lake or Lakeview.

Starting from LaPine, one of the first stops you’ll come across is Fort Rock, an enormous volcanic tuff ring about 2.5 football fields wide that’s eroded away over generations. From here, the road dips down into the Summer Lake Basin, where Lake Chewaucan stood some 13,000 years ago. Now, a shallow, alkaline lake, you can enjoy birding at the Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a managed wetland area that’s an important stop for migratory birds. At the south end is Summer Lake Hotsprings, where you can stop in for a soak or stay the night under a blanket of stars. 

If you’re up for more adventure, continue south and stop in the small town of Paisley for gas or to cast a fly rod along the Chewaucan River. Paisley is also home to the Paisley Caves, an important archaeological site where some of the earliest evidence of human habitation in North America was discovered.

From Paisley, you can head to Lakeview, the last stop on the Oregon Outback. Lakeview is home to Oregon’s only geyser and is a popular destination for hang gliding and paragliding. Whether you stay the night in Lakeview or journey back to Bend, you’re sure to have a memorable experience on the Oregon Outback Scenic Byway.

The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway

The Journey Through Time Scenic Byway stretches 286 miles from Biggs to Baker City. But, starting in Bend, you can experience a shorter section full of geological wonders and pristine wilderness that leads to the Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. 

After leaving Bend, this 160-mile route starts with the dramatic cliffs of Smith Rock State Park, a climber and hiker haven, before heading to the historic town of Prineville, a perfect stop to explore antique shops and local eateries. The byway winds its way through the Ochoco National Forest, a serene landscape teeming with wildlife, beautiful forests, and crystal-clear streams.

From here, the road leads you to the Painted Hills in the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. The hills are renowned for their colorful layers of red, gold, and brown and are named for these vibrant bands of sediment, which were formed over millions of years of volcanic eruptions and erosion. Discover the colorful landscape on designated hiking trails, or simply take in the scenery from the comfort of your car.

After exploring the Painted Hills, make a stop in the small and friendly town of Mitchell for lunch at Tiger Town Brewing Company or Bridge Creek Cafe. From here, you can stay the night in town or make the scenic drive back to Bend.

Tips for travelers

• Seasonal closures and conditions: Some scenic routes are seasonally closed due to snow. Always check road conditions before setting out, especially in the Spring and Fall.
• Pack essentials: While most routes have services, it’s always wise to carry water, snacks, a full gas tank, and a map or GPS.
• Leave No Trace: As we travel and recreate across these landscapes, it’s important to practice the Bend-specific Leave No Trace principles so we can minimize our environmental impact on these treasured areas. 

Central Oregon’s beauty is unrivaled, and the scenic drives around Bend offer a unique perspective on this picturesque region. Grab your camera, pack a picnic, and set out to discover Bend’s natural treasures from the comfort of your car.