Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
A 146-kilometer scenic byway west of Bend that loops past volcanoes and more than a dozen alpine lakes, ideal for reflections of snowy peaks, camping, and boating.
This national scenic byway leaves Bend, passes Mount Bachelor, and follows Forest Road 46 south past a string of alpine lakes, including Sparks Lake, Todd Lake, Elk Lake, and Lava Lake. The full route is about 146 km, and along the way you can see reflections of South Sister, Broken Top, and Mount Bachelor in the water. Campgrounds, cabins, and viewpoints line the route, making it great for paddleboarding, fishing, and picnics. Sections beyond Mount Bachelor close in winter. You can drive the loop in a day, but the highlights are concentrated within 50 km west of Bend.
Opening hours
About June–Oct, all day
Nearby sights
- Sparks Lake
- Green Lakes Trail
- Mt. Bachelor
- Three Sisters
- Tumalo Falls
- Dee Wright Observatory (McKenzie Pass)
- Benham Falls
- Sisters