Crater Lake to Hood River - Oregon
 

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Minnie

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Greetings,

I have yet another question about travel in Oregon. We will be going from Crater Lake to Hood River in one day. I have come up with 3 possible routes:

For all routes - 138 East to 97 North through
Bend to Madras, then:
1) Continue north on 97, to Biggs, then west on 84 to Hood River
2) Take 97 through Madras, then 197 to Dalles, west on 84 to Hood River
3)Northwest on 26, then 35 north to Hood River.

Any help with approximate driving times and sights to see along the way would be very much appreciated.

thanks!

I'm guessing it's close to five hours, regardless of which route you take. I personally prefer your alternative 3), which I think has a better variety of scenery. Crooked River Gorge is particularly nice, but better yet, if you've got time, take a detour up to Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood.

My memory of your 1st route is that it goes through some pretty dry, empty country; not much to see at all. I'd vote for 2 or 3. I suspect 2 is a bit faster, maybe decide on the day depending on how early a start you made or how tired you are. I would consider the High Desert Museum, between Sunriver and Bend to be a "must see" on that route; you can easily spend a couple of hours there.

Thanks beachbum and curmedgeon.

My guidebook recommends the Cove Palisades Tour Route off Rt.97(this begins SE of Madras and circles Lake Billy Chinook), and the Newberry Volcanic Monument.

Anybody familiar with either or both of those sights?

It's 5-6 hours of driving (not counting stops), and, frankly, it isn't as interesting as one would suppose.

I don't remember the parts you mention, but we were delighted by the amazing rock formation in Smith Rock State Park, a few miles north of Bend.

We like 197. It passes through the town of Maupin--headquarters for activity on the Deschutes River.

If you take 197, you might enjoy the detour from Maupin to Sherar's Falls--historic fishing place and famous river crossing. Going east of the falls for three or four miles there is a winding mountain road that provides great views of the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy.