From lava flows at the summit of Cascade passes to rocky river canyons in the heart of the high desert, there are so many landscapes—and so much scenery—to savor around Central Oregon. Sometimes, the best way to see it all is to hop in your car and start driving.
There are countless beautiful road trips through Central Oregon—but with summer rapidly approaching, we wanted to highlight a few particularly scenic drives you should add to your itinerary this season:
Keep reading for more about the most scenic drives in Central Oregon.
Exploring the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
When you think of scenic drives in Central Oregon, chances are good you think of an outing along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
The 66-mile loop departs from Bend, OR before heading southwest past the foot of Mt. Bachelor and into the picture-perfect heart of the Cascades. Along the way, you’ll pass more than a dozen crystal-clear lakes, several campgrounds, countless viewpoints of nearby peaks, and myriad popular trailheads.
Note that, depending on snowfall, the full Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway typically opens for the season in mid-May or early June and closes between late October and mid-November. Hikes and viewpoints may be at least a little snowy until mid-June, especially at higher elevations.
The McKenzie Pass – Santiam Pass Loop
You could spend an entire weekend driving the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway and still only see a fraction of the diverse natural beauty found along the 82-mile loop.
Soon after leaving Sisters, OR, you head through a ponderosa pine forest before emerging in the Cascade Range—where you’ll drive through lava flows (and the Dee Wright Observatory), groves of stout fir and alder, towering old-growth forests of Douglas-fir, and along the emerald-hued McKenzie River. Numerous campsites, hiking trails, viewpoints, lava flows, and waterfalls line the loop—adding to the outing’s geographic charms.
The McKenzie Highway portion of the loop—Oregon Route 242—is open for scenic drives between late June or early July and late October or early November (depending on snowfall).
Crooked River Canyon and High Desert Vistas
When you head south from Prineville and follow the Crooked River – State Hwy 27, you’re technically following the Crooked River Canyon Scenic Bikeway. And even though it might be a particularly notable bikeway, the road through the Crooked River Canyon is among the most scenic drives in Central Oregon.
Soon after leaving Prineville, OR, the drive takes you along the shores of its namesake waterway, through grassy valleys, and past the base of volcanic rock formations. It reaches its turnaround point at Prineville Reservoir State Park, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch, get on the water if you bring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, stretch your legs on a short hike, or spend a night under the stars. (After all, Prineville Reservoir is an International Dark Sky Park, renowned for its clear night skies and epic stargazing.)
The road is accessible all year long, but plan a spring drive for cool temperatures on hiking trails along the way—or a fall trip for colorful foliage.
Pastoral Beauty on the Madras Mountain Views Route
If you’re looking for scenic drives through the Central Oregon high desert, look no further than a trip along the 29-mile Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway.
Don’t let the “scenic bikeway” moniker fool you: This route, which heads southwest from Madras, OR, mostly winds along on backcountry roads and low-traffic highways. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take in some of the many sites along the route—including farms that grow mint and garlic, wide-open Cascade peak views to the west, and stands of gnarled juniper throughout. Perhaps the highlight is Lake Billy Chinook—where the Metolius, Deschutes, and Crooked rivers come together in The Cove Palisades State Park.
Plan Your Trip Today
Whether you’re filling the gas tank for a trip along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway or another one of the scenic drives in Central Oregon, you’ll want to keep a few tips in mind for your trip.
Seasons: Some of the drives we’ve covered, like the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and the McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Loop, are only fully accessible in summer. If you’re visiting in June or November, visit TripCheck.com for traffic conditions, closure notices, and other helpful information.
Gas: None of these drives take you all that far from cities and small towns—but it still can’t hurt to fill your gas tank before starting your scenic drive, just to be safe.
Passes and permits: A number of outdoor recreation sites along these scenic drives may require a pass or permit to use. See which sites sound fun ahead of time—and have a plan to purchase any necessary permits beforehand or during your visit. And if the parking area at a particular outdoor site is jam-packed, please respect all signage and consider returning at a less busy time.
