🏔 Drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

66-mile loop through the Cascades west of Bend, passing ten alpine lakes (Sparks, Devils, Cultus, Lava, Hosmer, Elk, and more) plus pull-offs for Mt Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Three Sisters. Each lake has its own character — Sparks is quiet and reflective, Cultus has a beach, Hosmer is fly-fishing-only.

Good to know

• Open Memorial Day through October (snow closes the upper byway in winter).
• Allow 4-6 hours for the full loop with stops; bring food and water.
• Limited cell service — download maps offline.

Google's editorial: Panoramic 66-mile-long mountain road passing lakes & reservoirs, also known as Forest Route 46.