to the north-west of bend there seems to be a loop from sisters up 20 to 126 to 242 back to sisters. is this a very scenic loop? would this be a good day-trip from bend?

This is a stunning drive! Be sure to stop at the Dee Wright Observatory. Sahalie Falls, Clear Lake...lots of nice places on this route.

cool! thank you, mms............

That is a pretty drive.

Also great and perhaps even better would be the Cascade Lakes Hwy southwest past Mt Bachelor. You could cut this one off at Co. Hwy 42 - it would be much shorter than the drive referenced above.

Also, the drive through the Ochoco Mtns east of Prineville and over to the John Day fossil beds is equally beautiful, a big loop would take you up through some incredibly pretty high desert canyon lands, fertile river valleys and wheat growing areas (Fossil, Antelope, and back to Bend).

All three are world class drives for scenery and all can be done as easy day trips.

thank you, A! I yellowed on the map........