As my car did its best to maintain the set speed as it climbed higher and higher along the asphalt, the road curved around a tree-dense hill to reveal Mt. Bachelor, still covered in a blanket of snow shining in the evening sun. 

I will never tire of that view.

Not being a huge winter outdoorswoman, this was the first up-close glimpse of ‘Batch this year and that first big view as you cruise up Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway (https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/bywaysp/byway/2144/map) is always breathtaking. 

The full stretch of the 66-mile road from Bend to the Crescent Cutoff Road at Highway 58 recently opened in its entirety for the season, so before the droves of tourists and locals alike flood into every day-use area, trailhead and campground, I made my way down the entire route one evening last week, soaking in the early summer scenery of this incredible drive.

Snow way

The road begins on SW Century Drive in Bend, aptly named because the dirt road that cut through the mountains here was 100-miles long. (https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Scenic-Byways-Cascade-Lakes#:~:text=From%20the%20outskirts%20of%20town,Fremont%2C%20and%20Nathaniel%20J.) 

Before the mills boomed and the cities below the mountains blossomed, explorers like Kit Carson, John C. Freemont and Nathaniel J. Wyeth along with trappers looking for pelts made their way through this pristine wilderness that we now flock to come summer. 

For my family, this route had always been a favorite of ours for long, Sunday drives when I was a kid growing up in Bend, but as I found out, it’s also perfect for some after-work respite if those mountains begin to call.

The portion of Cascade Lakes that I visit most often (and indeed most Bendites (https://www.bendbulletin.com/lifestyle/ok-ok-we-can-keep-the-name-bendite/article_0fd0d7ce-4111-11ee-bdc2-3f50b1867428.html)) frequent is the first thirty or so miles between the outskirts of Bend and the junction at Road 42/South Century towards Sunriver. This higher section of the road is home to dozens of popular trails that many, as of May 23, were still blocked by snow. 

Even if your favorite hikes may be put on hold due to snowy conditions (unless you snowshoe) it is worth seeing the area emerge from the recent drawn-out winter from the road. 

It’s rarer for folks like me who would rather watch it snow than be out in it to be able to drive around and see the meadow at Sparks Lake still snow-filled rather than a reach of grasses shadowed by the west face of Mt. Bachelor.  Or to see the deep emerald-hued Devil’s Lake lined in white.

But as you work your way south on this drive, the snow thins and soon it begins to look a lot more like summer.

Filled up

While the trails may not be quite thawed out, the lakes are primed and ready for the season, even Wickiup Reservoir’s southwest corner was nearly full and as of Sunday was still at a fair level according to the teacup diagrams available online through the Bureau of Reclamation (https://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/rtgraph.html?list=wic%20af&daily=wic%20af).

The forest thickens around North Davis Creek Campground (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/267558) as it butts against a wide lava flow to the west, peaking in against the stands of lodgepole and ponderosa pines until you reach the edge of the final body of water along this drive, Davis Lake.

It is here that the lava flow really shines, creating a dam on the lake’s northern shore and offering a stunning view of the small depression it sits in. 

As you climb higher above it you can see it all open up with a recovering burn scar on the south end of the water and a perfect view of the Cascades to the north all grouped together from this angle. 

East Davis Creek Campground is also a picturesque surprise with its small 19-site space nestled beside the titular creek. I can only imagine the sight of the creek, meadow and mountains behind it lit up with morning light. But the evening wasn’t too shabby either. 

Back again

Back on the main road, the trees get taller and the road darkens in their shadow as you make your way to the Crescent Cutoff where there are several more forest service roads where if you have the know-how, the ground clearance and a good map you can explore through the Deschutes National Forest. And it’s at the cutoff you are faced with a choice: go back the way you came, or head back towards U.S. Highway 97 and make your way north that way. 

Whichever ending you choose for your adventure, the sights seen along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway last a lifetime and will always draw you back.