Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Starting in Bend, this byway climbs into the high Cascades past Mount Bachelor and then threads a string of alpine lakes: Sparks, Elk, Hosmer, Lava and Cultus among them. Roadside viewpoints, short hikes and plenty of forest campgrounds make it a good overnighter. It suits campers, paddlers and anyone who wants Oregon mountain scenery without the crowds of the coast.

The stops

1. Start

   Bend

2. Viewpoint

   Mt. Bachelor

   Summer chairlift rides in season and a trailhead for volcano walks

3. Hike

   Todd Lake

   Easy lakeside walk with a wildflower meadow in July

4. Hike

   Sparks Lake

   Shallow lake with volcano reflections; popular for paddling

5. Hike

   Devils Lake

   Trailhead for South Sister and a quiet lakeside rest

6. Camp · Overnight

   Elk Lake

   Resort and campgrounds, good for kayaking

7. Hike

   Hosmer Lake

   Slow-water paddling in a clear spring-fed lake

8. Camp

   Lava Lake

   Lakeside campground near the source of the Deschutes River

9. Camp

   Cultus Lake

   Warm water, good for swimming and boating

10. Finish

    Oregon Route 58 near Crescent Lake

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Elk Lake

  Elk Lake Resort cabins · Forest Service campgrounds around the lake

When to go

Jul-Sep; the road is closed from about December to March

On the road

Snow can linger into June at higher lakes; confirm the road is open with ODOT TripCheck.