AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Oregon
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
Snowy Fields to Broken Top Mountain · Public Domain. Photo by Clarence Nies · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

This byway cuts a path through the mountains, lakes, and forests of central Oregon. Volcanism and glaciation formed more than 150 lakes for which the region is well known. See outstanding examples of lava flows, alpine lakes, and meadows. Cross paths taken by such historic figures as Kit Carson.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineChoose a section of the named byway
The jagged peak of Broken Top Mountain rises from a bowl of trees in this shot from the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Snowy Fields to Broken Top Mountain
Public Domain. Photo by Clarence Nies · Photo credits
Devil's Garden, and other huge mountains of lava rock line portions of the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Devil's Garden
Public Domain. Photo by Brett Hansen · Photo credits

Before you drive

Choose your stops before departure and check current road access, weather and vehicle suitability. A byway listing does not guarantee that every section or visitor facility is open.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.