driving route - Yachats to Bend

I%26#39;m trying to figure out the best route from Yachats to Bend. I%26#39;ll be driving this route with my husband during the last week of May. Google maps suggests going up to Newport and taking route 20 the whole way. I was wondering if going through Eugene/Springfield and taking 126 would be more scenic?

We have the whole day to make our way from Yachats to Bend, so I%26#39;d like a route that is scenic and has some interesting places to stop.

Thanks!

driving route - Yachats to Bend

My preference would be the #126 from Florence through Eugene/Springfield and along the McKenzie River. Not only is the river and its surrounding forest beautiful, but Sahalie Falls and Clear Lake (just before #126 merges with #20 to go over Santiam Pass) are special. Hopefully, by the last week of May, the snow will have melted away enough for you to get to the lake. The falls, however, should be roaring and they%26#39;re just a few feet off the highway.

You should allow about 1 1/2 to 2 hours for the drive from Yachats to Eugene. And about 3 hours from Eugene to Bend. Add some time to get through Eugene and, perhaps, time for lunch or some sightseeing in Eugene. The McKenzie Ranger Station near Blue River is a good place to make a pit stop. Lots of information and some exhibits, modern facilities and an opportunity to hike a small piece of the McKenzie River Trail if that interests you.

The trail goes for more than 20 miles...all the way up the Clear Lake. So, just go a little way and then return to the Ranger Station.

driving route - Yachats to Bend

Well, I%26#39;m going to suggest the ';long way round';!

I don%26#39;t think Hwy 20 is particularly scenic, but then we%26#39;ve driven it thousands of times so maybe I%26#39;m jaded, LOL.

Here%26#39;s my thought. Take 101 south 20 miles past Florence to Reedsport. Then take Hwy 38 to Drain, then Hwy 99 5 miles or so to Curtain, jump on I-5 northbound for about a half hour, then pick up Hwy 126 east and follow oregonpoppa%26#39;s suggestions.

Along Hwy 38 from Reedsport, you%26#39;ll see the elk at Dean Creek viewing area and follow the big Umpqua river inland. Scottsburg is an historic little town - ocean going schooners used to dock here! Elkton is also a pleasant stop; they have an indoor butterfly pavilion. And if you like wine, there are three picturesque wineries there.

FWIW we always take the route that Oregonpoppa suggests. Eugene%26#39;s a great town and we like to stop there for a break - lunch and a little shopping. Skinner Butte park is a nice place to stretch your legs too!

I travel to Bend 5-6 times per year and ALWAYS take hwy 126 from Florence to Eugene, then south on I-5 a couple miles to hwy 58. I much prefer this route to the one offered by oregonpapa, but that%26#39;s just me.

If you go this route, just a few miles past the summit, you come to a small town ( a wide spot in the road really) called Cresent. A mile or so east is the Cresent cut-off. If you take this road it drops you off on hwy 97 at Gilcrest and will save about 20 minutes. You also have the option of taking the Cascade Lakes hwy off of the Cresent cut-off, which, if you have the time, is a beautiful drive through the high lakes country of central Oregon.

Well, to each his own. Life would be so dull if we all enjoyed the same things. The route via #58 trades the McKenzie River for some scenic reservoirs and goes over Willamette Pass instead of Santiam Pass. Near the summit of the Willamette Pass, should you choose to go this way, you%26#39;ll want to stop and check out Salt Creek Falls...second in height only to Multnomah Falls in Oregon. Unlike your visits to most waterfalls, however, you%26#39;ll find yourself at the top of this one. A trail (perhaps clear of snow by then) leads down to great viewpoints.

Either route offers scenic options, but I don%26#39;t think the negligible driving time/distance differences should be a deciding factor.

Wow, so many great suggestions! Thanks everyone! I think I%26#39;ll just print this page off and take it with me.

Think i agree with halfbrit. Reedsport inland is easily the most scenic route to/from the coast. Many miules along the Umpqua R plus the elk herd a very good stop. It will take a bit longer but you said you were in no hurry.

And Yachats to Florence is a must.

Also easy choice 126 vs 20 over the Cascades, 126. poppa mentioned the highlights. and I agree. 20 has almost no good stops. 22 is pretty nice, but way out of the way.

Consider stoping near Camp Sherman and see where the Metolius comes out of the ground a full river. not a bad view eithr with Mt Jeff in background.