Patti which side of the Cascades are you going to get from Crater Lake to the Columbia Gorge? The scenery is better going north on US97/197 to The Dalles compared with I-5. If you want to get a closer look at MT. Hood, take US 26 from Madras and Rt. 35 down the east side to the town of Mt. Hood.

Tomfuller's highways are spot on. I spent 2 years living in Prineville (nr Bend) and would say for scenery, definitely take Hwy 26 to Mt. Hood. If you have time, detour up the mountain and look at the wondrous Timberline Lodge. Then take Hwy 35 to Hood River. Most of the scenic waterfalls etc, are west of Hood River anyway. I've also lived in The Dalles. (I'm old). I'd say you could miss 'a bit' of unforgettable scenery on that 20 miles between Hood River and T.D. but not worth making the crooked drive through Maupin.

Thanks everyone for all the great info and the directions. My power and internet have been out for two days so I wasn't able to get back here. We will definitely take US97/197. Can't wait to go on my trip. It sounds like a beautiful part of the country. I'll post my trip when we get back.

Any interest in a raft trip down the Rogue from Merlin?
http://wildrogue.com/ I have hiked about 2 miles down the trail from the Graves Creek boat launch.
There is a road (mostly dirt) from Galice through Agness to Gold Beach. The raft companies use this road to bring you back to Merlin. Never use this road after November 1. James Kim paid with his life in early December 2006 for trying this shortcut.

You will love spending time on the coast! We are in Seaside right now at our beach cottage. Cannon Beach is a beautiful place to stay. What is your budget for lodging? You will also love spending time in the Columbia River Gorge area. We were in the wine country yesterday and did some tasting at August Cellars, Rex Hill and Penner Ash. We finished off our afternoon with a lovely meal at Farm to Fork in Dundee. ***kim*** ((#))

the fastest way from Brookings to crater lake is to drop into Californis and take hwy199. that will take you through the redwood forest.