Central Oregon was made for road trips. The high desert landscape shifts constantly — pine forests giving way to lava fields, snow-capped volcanoes appearing and disappearing behind ridgelines, alpine lakes shimmering in meadows you did not know existed. And the best way to take it all in is from behind the wheel on one of the region’s legendary scenic byways.
Spring is a particularly rewarding time to hit the road. The snow is retreating, wildflowers are emerging, and the summer crowds have not arrived yet. Here are the drives that belong on every Central Oregon visitor’s bucket list.
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
This is the crown jewel. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway stretches 66 miles from Bend into the heart of the Deschutes National Forest, winding past thirteen alpine lakes, volcanic formations, and some of the most jaw-dropping mountain panoramas in the Pacific Northwest. Depending on snowfall, the full byway typically opens between mid-May and early June and stays accessible through late October.
The drive begins just west of Bend and climbs past Mount Bachelor before the road opens up into a chain of sparkling high-altitude lakes — Todd Lake, Sparks Lake, Devil’s Lake, Elk Lake, Hosmer Lake, Lava Lake, and more. Each one offers its own personality: Sparks Lake is the photographer’s favorite for its mirror-like reflections of Broken Top and South Sister, while Elk Lake draws paddlers and sailors with its expansive waters and mountain backdrop.
Plan three to five hours for the full loop, more if you stop for hikes or picnics. The short trail to Todd Lake is an easy crowd-pleaser, and the walk to Green Lakes from the Devil’s Lake trailhead ranks among Central Oregon’s finest day hikes.
Newberry Volcanic Monument
Heading south from Bend or Sunriver, the road into Newberry National Volcanic Monument delivers a geology lesson you will never forget. The route winds up to the Paulina and East Lake caldera — a massive volcanic crater holding two pristine alpine lakes, hot springs, and the Big Obsidian Flow, a 1,300-year-old river of jet-black volcanic glass that you can walk across on a short interpretive trail.
The drive itself is scenic and well-paved, climbing through mixed-conifer forest before opening into the caldera. Stop at Paulina Falls along the way, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that tumbles over volcanic rock. The monument typically opens in late May or early June depending on snowpack, and the combination of lakes, geology, and backcountry solitude makes it one of Central Oregon’s most underrated day trips.
The Bend to Sisters Highway
Highway 20 between Bend and Sisters is just 21 miles, but it packs more beauty per mile than roads twice its length. The route crosses the high desert plateau with the entire Cascade Range spread across the western horizon — a wall of volcanic peaks including the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and Mount Washington that stays in view for nearly the entire drive.
Once in Sisters, the charming Western-themed downtown invites a stroll. Browse the art galleries and boutiques along Cascade Avenue, grab coffee at Sisters Coffee Company, and do not miss the view from the Dee Wright Observatory if McKenzie Pass has opened for the season (typically late June or July). The observatory sits amid a massive lava field at the pass summit and offers 360-degree views of the Cascades through lava-tube windows built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Smith Rock Scenic Drive
The drive from Redmond or Bend to Smith Rock State Park through Terrebonne is short but visually stunning. The landscape transitions from irrigated farmland to rugged high desert as the Crooked River canyon opens up ahead of you, revealing the park’s famous rust-colored spires. Even if you are not planning to hike or climb, the viewpoint near the park entrance offers one of the most photographed vistas in Oregon.
Combine this drive with a stop at the nearby Peter Skene Ogden Scenic Viewpoint, where you can peer 400 feet down into the Crooked River gorge from the Highway 97 bridge. It takes five minutes and costs nothing, but the view stays with you.
Tips for Spring Driving
Seasonal road closures are the biggest variable for spring road trips in Central Oregon. The Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway and Newberry Volcanic Monument typically open between mid-May and early June depending on snowfall, while McKenzie Pass usually stays closed until late June or July. Check ODOT road conditions before you head out, and always keep a jacket and snacks in the car — mountain weather can change quickly at elevation.
Central Oregon Scenic Drives: Common Questions
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When does the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway open?
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How long does the Cascade Lakes drive take?
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Is McKenzie Pass open in spring?
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Do I need a pass to drive these routes?
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Which scenic drive is best for families with young kids?
About Chance & Tianna
Team Homeward Found · Realty One Group Discovery
Chance and Tianna Jackson are a husband-and-wife real estate team serving Bend, Sunriver, Three Rivers, La Pine, Redmond, Prineville, Tumalo, and Sisters. Between military roots, marketing expertise, and years of investing in Central Oregon, they guide retirees, families, Veterans, and investors through buying, selling, and relocating with a level of care that only locals can offer.
Chance Jackson
Oregon Realtor® · Top Producer
(503) 816-2780
Mr.ChanceJackson@gmail.com
MLS #201227270
Tianna Waite-Jackson
Oregon Realtor®
(503) 207-8636
Ms.TiannaJackson@gmail.com
MLS #2012482478