Scenic Drives USA

The South Fork John Day River byway is in central Oregon about 140 miles south of Pendleton. It begins in Dayville at the intersection of Park Avenue and South Fork John Day Road. It travels south to the Malheur National Forest entrance, a few miles south of Izee. The byway is 50 miles long and follows CR 68 and South Fork John Day Road. Most of the byway is a gravel road, varying from a single lane to two lanes. South of Izee the road is paved. Sections of the byway may become impassable during winter or spring, otherwise it remains open all year.

The byway takes travelers through a scenic river canyon, along hillsides covered with sagebrush, juniper, and scattered stands of ponderosa pine. The canyon narrows as the byway climbs into higher elevations where the sagebrush and juniper landscape gives way to ponderosa pine and the occasional Douglas fir and white fir. Willows, shrubs, and hardwood trees line the banks of the river.

The byway passes Murderer’s Creek Wildhorse Management Area about ten miles south of Dayville. This 150,000-acre area is home to approximately 100 wild horses. It is also an excellent area for viewing mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. Other wildlife found in the area are black bear, coyotes, eagles, and hawks.

The South Fork of the John Day River flows alongside the byway from start to finish. This part of the river is a National Wild and Scenic River, preserving its free-flowing waters. All along the byway anglers are provided excellent opportunities for trout fishing. Private parcels of land do exist along the byway; obtain permission from land owners before crossing private property. The BLM has maps of the area that show public and private land.

About 23 miles south of Dayville is a primitive campground with sites for tents and recreational vehicles. There are no facilities available. Camping is also permitted nearly anywhere along the byway on BLM land.

Cascade Lakes Highway is in central Oregon. It begins in Bend at the intersection of Galveston Avenue and 14th Street. From there, it travels west and south to the intersection with OR 58. Cascade Lakes Highway is 79 miles long and follows CR 46, which is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The portion from Bend to Mount Bachelor Ski and Summer Resort is usually open year-round; the rest is closed in winter.

The scenic byway travels through the Deschutes National Forest offering magnificent views of snow-covered Cascade Mountain peaks. It travels through dense forests of pine and fir, skirting the shores of numerous mountain lakes. Wildlife observers will want to be on the lookout for mule deer, bald eagles, and a variety of hawks. The area is also inhabited by black bear.

Three Sisters Wilderness is 200,000 acres of preserved wilderness northeast of the byway. This pristine wilderness area offers over 100 alpine lakes for excellent fishing opportunities. It is also home to Collier Glacier, Oregon’s largest glacier, which is located on the North Sister mountain peak. Trails are found along the byway that guide you into this unspoiled wilderness area. Since the wilderness is closed to all forms of motorized transportation, it is an excellent area for those seeking solitude, whether on foot or horseback.

Those interested in pitching a tent or parking an RV should not have any problem finding a spot as their are hundreds of campsites available. Most of the national forest campgrounds have drinking water and restrooms available. Some have shower facilities, however, none have electrical hookups. Boat ramps at many of the campgrounds provide access to the lakes. La Pine State Recreation Area offers 145 campsites, 95 with full hookups and 50 with electric. The recreation area also has drinking water, shower facilities, a dump station, and hiking trails.