This One-Of-A-Kind Scenic Byway In Oregon Is Absolutely Heaven On Earth
By Christy Articola|Published September 02, 2022
×
Christy Articola
Author
Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive in Oregon that is truly heaven on earth, then you have come to the right place. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is incredible. There are six National Scenic Byways and dozens of beautiful drives in Oregon but this one is arguably the best. The things you will see along this 66-mile route will stay with you forever. Read on to learn more about it and start planning your trip.
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway begins in Bend. You'll leave town and head southwest on OR-372 toward Mt. Bachelor.
Mt Bachelor is known best as a ski and snowboarding destination, but it's beautiful at any time of year. You'll spot it pretty quickly after leaving Bend; you can't miss it.
For the duration of this scenic drive, you'll be traveling through the Deschutes National Forest. Anyone will tell you that this is one of the most beautiful national forests in the nation.
Broken Top Mountain is nearby. This mountain is a rare example of a stratovolcano. The lakes in this area were created by a combination of volcanic activity and glaciers.
The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway continues south on FR-46. The Three Sisters Wilderness is to the west here, and there are many trails to explore and lots of great campsites to try.
Further south, you'll come to Little Lava Lake. This lake has a unique color, and a tiny creek that flows from it turns into the great Deschutes River later on.
The Deschutes River flows into the Crane Prairie Reservoir, which is great for fishing. It's also home to a wide variety of birds and is a birdwatcher's paradise.
These images don’t even do this incredible scenic byway in Oregon justice! You’ll have to explore it for yourself. It is truly heaven on earth in Oregon, and you need to get out there and drive it soon.