Roadside sights between Bend and Portland (Salem, Hood River: living, transportation, deal)

[Sunderpig2]

While going between the two towns next month, we were wondering if there are any good sights to see. Especially places not too far - say 5 or 10 miles - from the highway (US26 and US97), along the route.

Scenic sights would be the biggest plus. Other good spots might be places with unique souveneirs (carved wood art, maybe cups/mugs, something tasteful but not touristy) to bring back.

[NWbyNW]

Mt. Hood National Forest, the Cascade Mountains. Just seeing the landscape change is kind of fun.

If instead you took the 22 out of Salem, you could see more in my opinion. See the mountains, yadda yadda, but the impressive Detroit Lake and the various glacier blues it shines. Visiting the remote men town of Detroit is fun to take in the small town life there. Also you would be driving out of the pass, and running by the fun town of Sisters, Ore. Neat place, with a western, frontier vibe going. Some very impressive mountain views on the route on all sides, and might be worth a look if planning an alternative route. Just be sure to check pass conditions.

[Sunderpig2]

Thanks NWbyNW. I appreciate pointing out that alternate route.

Do you think that route would be any better as far as snow goes? I.e. less of a chance of snow impacting the travel? I'm starting to wonder if we'll even be able to make the trip to Bend in mid-March. I understand that doing a check first of the conditions is necessary, but mid-March may be too early of a time in the year to be travelling between those two towns, and I'm not familiar with driving in snow either. I also wonder about a situation where driving from Portland to Bend turns out okay, but then within a day's time, the conditions change, and getting stranded in Bend, so to speak.

[whirnot]

Originally Posted by Sunderpig

Thanks NWbyNW. I appreciate pointing out that alternate route.

Do you think that route would be any better as far as snow goes? I.e. less of a chance of snow impacting the travel? I'm starting to wonder if we'll even be able to make the trip to Bend in mid-March. I understand that doing a check first of the conditions is necessary, but mid-March may be too early of a time in the year to be travelling between those two towns, and I'm not familiar with driving in snow either. I also wonder about a situation where driving from Portland to Bend turns out okay, but then within a day's time, the conditions change, and getting stranded in Bend, so to speak.

Well, we were there last week and it was beautiful and sunny on thursday and Friday. Heading back to Portland on Saturday was an absolute blizzard. If you are not familiar with driving in snow, plan an outlet of time. Another option is to go up to the Dalles, if the weather is bad. That way you have no passes to deal with, about an hour longer.
Personally for sights I like the Sisters/Detroit lakes route. Phenominal forests.

[NWbyNW]

Originally Posted by Sunderpig

Thanks NWbyNW. I appreciate pointing out that alternate route.

Do you think that route would be any better as far as snow goes? I.e. less of a chance of snow impacting the travel? I'm starting to wonder if we'll even be able to make the trip to Bend in mid-March. I understand that doing a check first of the conditions is necessary, but mid-March may be too early of a time in the year to be travelling between those two towns, and I'm not familiar with driving in snow either. I also wonder about a situation where driving from Portland to Bend turns out okay, but then within a day's time, the conditions change, and getting stranded in Bend, so to speak.

I have taken the route once in early spring (don't remember the time) and kept heading into the mountains along 22 from Salem. This was very odd, but there were no signs about pass conditions. I kept going up the pass and saw no traffic, but snow got thicker on the sides of the road. I made it to about Detroit Lake and going around corner all of a sudden the road was blocked by a wall of snow. I was shocked. There was absolutely no signage saying the pass was closed (I didn't look before hand) and I had to turn around and looped all the way around The Dalles to get to Bend. It was a very long day. :P

So I would just really advise looking online. It can be very sudden and change at a moments notice. That's northwest living.

[Sunderpig2]

Maybe visiting a different area might be smarter for the March timeframe. The Hood River area perhaps? I still have time to change the intinerary. We just want to get away from Portland part of the time, and not spend the entire trip there.

[whirnot]

It's a great area, recommend visiting, just have a backup plan.

[Terryj]

Just make sure you check the conditions on I-84 also, it is not uncommon for I-84 to become icy around the Cascade Locks area, ice is allot more difficult to drive on than snow.

[Dry Side]

TripCheck - Oregon Department of Transportation

[Larry Caldwell]

The Crooked River Gorge and Smith Rocks State Park are definitely worth a look. While driving over Mt. Hood, if you haven't been to Timberline Lodge, go. The lodge itself is worth looking at, and on a clear day the view is spectacular.