The sun rose over the scenic byway west of Bend, illuminating the forested high desert landscape on the east side of the Cascade Mountains. Then, rounding a sweeping curve in the road, a stunning sight emerged: a snow-dusted volcano, painted with bright orange light.
Mount Bachelor is just one of the Cascade Mountain peaks that make an appearance on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, a 66-mile highway that passes through a particularly scenic stretch of mountain wilderness, home of alpine lakes, dense forests and so many spectacular views.
Typically open between Memorial Day and the middle of November, the highway connects Bend to Willamette Pass, offering a scenic seasonal alternative to U.S. 97. It’s also home to some of the region’s best outdoor attractions, including the Mt. Bachelor ski area (which remains accessible year-round) and the Three Sisters Wilderness, a popular destination for day hiking and backpacking.
The many beautiful lakes themselves offer a whole other opportunity for outdoor adventure, including fishing, swimming and boating, and are open to everything from motorboats to paddle boards.
One of the best things about the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, however, is that you don’t need to set off on a big adventure to enjoy it. The drive itself is one of Oregon’s best, with lakeside and mountain views the entire way, and it’s home to several resorts where you can enjoy a sunset or sunrise by the water.
Though the window to take this scenic route is closing for the year, it’s a great to time to plan ahead for a visit next summer and fall.
Here’s what to see and do on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway:
A ski area with a view (of Broken Top and the Three Sisters). A Monday on the slopes at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area, near Bend, Oregon, during a low snow winter but still with high enthusiasm for skiing and snowboarding, on March 2, 2015. Terry Richard/Staff LC- Terry Richard/StaffLC- Terry Richard/Staff
MT. BACHELOR
Perhaps the main attraction of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Mt. Bachelor is also the only major spot that is accessible year-round (the highway closes seasonally at a gate just beyond the mountain).
In the winter season, which begins Nov. 26, skiers and snowboarders can take advantage of the mountain’s 12 lifts to access 101 runs across more than 4,300 acres. That includes a chairlift that runs to Mount Bachelor’s summit, offering great views of the other Cascade peaks that surround it. Visitors can also go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing or take a sled dog ride.
During summer, Mt. Bachelor’s ski runs turn into hiking trails that run all the way to the summit, offering an entirely different experience on the mountain.
South Sister is reflected in Sparks Lake at sunrise, found along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway which runs between Bend and Willamette Pass in the Deschutes National Forest.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
LAKES
There are roughly 10 major lakes along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, as well as several other smaller lakes accessible by hiking trails found on the side of the highway. Unless you have a few days to spend, your best bet is to pick out one or two lakes to really explore, and save the others for a future trip.
Sparks Lake is the first major lake west of Bend, home to extraordinary mountain views as well as the 2.6-mile Ray Atkeson Loop Trail. Those looking for swimming or boating opportunities should consider Elk Lake or Cultus Lake. Meanwhile, wildlife viewing and fishing opportunities abound at Crane Prairie and Wickiup reservoirs, as well as Davis Lake.
Most of the lakes have campgrounds managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and many are home to resorts. Make sure to bring a valid federal lands pass (like a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass) to park at the many day-use areas and trailheads.
South Sister is seen in the fall on the Green Lakes Trail in the Three Sisters Wilderness. The Green Lakes hike is one of the most popular in the central Cascade Mountains. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
TRAILS
There are many trails on the side of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, leading off to smaller lakes, more mountain views and adventures both big and small. A large part of this area is within the boundaries of the Three Sisters Wilderness, which now requires advance permits for all hikers and backpackers between Memorial Day Weekend and the end of September. Check to see if your planned hike is in the wilderness, and if so, secure a permit on Recreation.gov.
By far the most popular destination is the Green Lakes hike, which begins at the Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead near Sparks Lake, as well as the hike to No Name Lake, below the summit of Broken Top.
Other options include the 2.6-mile Ray Atkeson Loop Trail, the 8.9-mile Horse Lake loop and the 8.6-mile Sister Mirror Lakes loop, one of many trails that meets up with the nearby Pacific Crest Trail, which opens up even more hiking. In the summer, hikers can also find trails in place of ski runs on Mount Bachelor.
More advanced hikers in search of bigger adventures can find a climb up to the top of South Sister and a long loop hike that circumnavigates Broken Top.
Mount Bachelor is seen from a viewpoint on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, which runs between Bend and Willamette Pass in the Deschutes National Forest.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
VIEWPOINTS
For those just driving through, there are several scenic spots to pull over for a view. Look for wide pull-outs marked by interpretive signs, most found on the east side of the highway. Here, you may be treated to a mountain or lakeside view — often both at the same time.
A cabin at the Cultus Lake Resort, found on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway west of Bend.Terry Richard/The Oregonian
RESORTS
There are four lakeside resorts along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, most of which are only open in the summer. Cultus Lake Resort features 23 cabins, a restaurant and a general store. Crane Prairie Resort has two small cabins and one large cabin, as well as RV sites, a yurt, a general store and boat rentals. Twin Lakes Resort features 14 cabins, RV sites, a full restaurant, cafe, boat rentals and a general store stocked with supplies.
Elk Lake Resort is the only one of the resorts to remain open through the winter, when it is accessible only by snowcat or snowmobile. The resort has cabins, cabanas, glamping tents and campsites, as well as a full restaurant and marina. It offers excursions as well as rentals, including snowmobiles in the winter.
Kayakers paddle along the Deschutes River through the heart of Bend's Old Mill District, home to numerous shops and restaurants.
MORE TO EXPLORE NEARBY
If you find yourself in search of even more to do, there are plenty of things to do and places to see just off the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Hikers can hook up with the Pacific Crest Trail, found just west of the highway, which runs north to the Three Sisters and south to Diamond Peak. Boaters can explore the beautiful waters of Waldo Lake, where only non-motorized watercraft are allowed, or nearby Odell and Crescent lakes. Both mountain bikers and hikers can tackle the lengthy Deschutes River Trail, located east of the scenic highway.
Bend itself is a great basecamp for all your travels, with good restaurants, breweries and attractions in town, like Drake Park and Pilot Butte. Outdoor adventurers looking for convenient lodging should consider LOGE Bend, a motel that caters specifically to mountain bikers, skiers and hikers, located near the start of the scenic byway.
--Jamie Hale; [email protected]; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB