26 out of Government Camp or 197 out of The Dalles. Is one better than the other in terms of scenery or ease of drive to get to Bend?

I'm thinking 26, since that way, at least we get to drive part way up Mt. Hood after the Gorge drive, then go to Bend that way.

Looks like we will be staying in Bend overnight so we can do the Cascade Lakes drive before continuing to Crater Lake. Don't think we'll have time to check out 3-sisters.

Any recommendations for lodging in Bend?

Thanks.

HWY 26 is much more scenic,IMO. In the winter, the other route is good as it bypasses much of the snow, which we did for one trip to Bend this winter.

HWY 26 really is pretty, and then the contrast further down on 97 is nice in that you get to see such variety.

You might want to look at the McMenamins in Bend. Their places are unique and fun, and the location is great.

Do you mean checking out the three sisters mountains or checking out the town of sisters? If you do a drive on Cascade Lakes Highway, you can stop and hike up towards the south sister. Up to the plains is only 2 miles.

Hi mms. Thanks. I was thinking of 26 as well. What type of scenery will we see once we hit 97? Is it desert?

For the sisters, on the maps, it looked like the drive to get there was not on the Cascade Lakes highway, but I'll check it out again.

Will also check out that hotel.

Thanks again.

Hwy 26 is pretty lush, but yes once you get onto 97 it is the desert. Going through Warm Springs is pretty though as the scenery is so dramatic.

The town of Sisters is not on the Cascade Lakes Highway. The town is about 15 minutes or so outside of Bend. Cute little town though. If you go there, and need a place to eat, hit the Ski Inn. Red divey looking place on the corner on the south end of town. Total dive, but really good, lol! I've been going since I was about 5 years old.

The Cascade Lakes Highway is really pretty, so if you get a chance then drive it.

Hi Travelin
You do not say when you are doing this. Maybe you know that the Cascades Lakes hwy won't open until (probably) June. We have lots of snow (in the mountains.)
We always travel 26 between Portland and Bend. It is very scenic. Don't miss driving up to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood to have a look around this historic lodge. You can also have lunch there, if you like.
I second staying at McMenamins. It is right downtown and is a converted school. Very atmospheric with a movie theater and lovely indoor bath/spa.
Any other questions, fire away. CJ

Thanks for the info.

mms....I'm looking forward to the desert landscape. That should be a nice contrast to the lush scenery of the Mt. Hood and the Umpqua river, as well as the coast line. We'll be better able to get a taste of a bit more of Oregon scenery with this route.

Carol....we'll be doing this the first week of September. We'll be going up the Gorge to Hood River in the morning, head up to Timberline for lunch, then down 26/97 to Bend.