happytrailstoyou

We have been all over Oregon except for most of what is south of Highway 26 and east of Highway 97.

I've been wondering if any highways in SE Oregon are especially scenic. We like all kinds of scenery including desert and high desert.

Specifically we are thinking about driving from Boise to Klamath Falls. However, we are interested to know of any scenic drives in SE Oregon.

HTtY

sunbum1944

Have you been to the Wallowa's around Joseph or the John Day area? I think both of those are pretty spectacular.

Or the Steen Mountains? Spectacular too. We stayed in the tiny community of Diamond- population 6.

I have only been to Klamath once - we did a drive through a preserve ( this was in Feb I think) where we saw lots of birds, marshes, it was quite pretty I thought but don't know if its worth that far a drive.

happytrailstoyou

Have you been to the Wallowa's around Joseph or the John Day area? I think both of those are pretty spectacular.

Yes, we love both of these areas. Another favorite drive is from Baker City to Oxbow Dam and from there into Idaho.

I remember being in Burns about 30 years ago. I was with family. I have no memory of the drive on Highway 20.

I know there is a Fodorite who lives in Klamath Fall, and I'm hoping to hear from him.

HTtY

tomfuller

It would be a bit of a zigzag route but you could take US 95 south through Jordan Valley. A few miles SW of Jordan Valley you will see a sign with an arrow pointing north to the grave site of Jeanne Baptiste Charbonneau. Jeanne was the youngest member of the "Corps of Discovery" and the only one to die in Oregon. Turn NW at Burns Junction (Pop 0) and go to Burns.
Along the way you will see the east side of Steens Mt..
Go west on US 20/US 395 to Riley where US 395 turns south. Fill the gas tank there because the gas station in Wagontire (Pop 3) may not be open. There are 2 gas stations in Lakeview.
In the north end of Lakeview is Oregon's only geyser.
From Lakeview take Rt. 140 to Klamath Falls. You will go over a couple of nice mountains on the way to K-Falls.

sunbum1944

If you decide to do the Steens Loop- here is a link

http://traveloregon.com/trip-ideas/s...op-tour-route/

As I said, we stayed at the Diamond Hotel- there is also one in Frenchglen

The ride over the mountains is pretty rough- I had a jeep and did fine- its very rugged county

Sometimes you can see the wild horses in the fields around there- I only heard them, never saw them.

Tomsd

Having grown up in Klamath Falls - aka K Falls to Oregonians (although there really are no falls there) - I can guide you a little more about day drives from/around Klamath - and any drive around/by the 30+ mile long Klamath Lake is quite scenic - either up 97 toward Chiloquin/Bend - or on 140 toward beautiful Lake of the Woods (30? minutes max) and on over to the Rogue River Valley - Medford/Ashland/Grants Pass/Eagle Point, etc.

Those drivesd also affords a nice view of Mt. McGloughlin - a mere 10,000 foot - snow covered cinder cone.

Also - incredibly blue Crater Lake is in Klamath County - off 97 as you head north - within an easy hour's drive.

Another pretty drive is 97 south - down toward Weed - where you get a closeup of the marvelous 14,179 foot cinder cone - the early Native Americans/Indians - called - Uytgghka (sp) - "White Mountain - otherwise known as Mt. Shasta.

If you want to explore more locally - let me know. Four mile lake is also beautiful, the Williamson and Wood rivers - Spring Creek by Collier Park, and on and on.

Tomsd

BTW - if you do drive over from Boise - the National Antelope Refuge - by Hart Mountain - outside of Lakeview - is really worth checking out.

I camped out in just my sleeping bag there one night (slept on top of a yoga mat) - when I went up for a high school reunion about 5? years ago. In addition to antelope - deer and other wildlife are abundant - and loved the hot springs by the campground.

Tomsd

Also - the most beautiful place to stay in Klamath is at the Running Y resort - which used to be a real cattle ranch - about a third of the way to Lake of the Woods. Great golf course - half along the lake and the other half through the woods - designed by none other than the "King" - Arnold Palmer.

see: www.runningy.com - or google if that is not right.

happytrailstoyou

Thanks for the suggestions.

HTtY