Bend to Eugene - crossing the Cascades

Having driven all those routes many times in all kinds of weather and cars/trucks/rvs. I would take 20 to 126 (McKenzie Hwy) to Eugene/Springfield. You pickup 126 after the summit. Very nice drive and the most direct route. Enjoy.

Steve

We took 22/20 from Salem, road was in good condition with no difficult grades, I would expect the more southern route to be similar. 126 would be more direct than 58.

Unless You have a really worn out Rig, You should have no problems with those roads!

And here I am again, the odd man out. We live south of Bend.....we go back to see family in Salem all the time. We've taken the roads with 36 ft DP hauling a Dodge Dakota, in a car, and with Dodge Dakota towing a 26 ft 5th wheel.
Our favorite ride, by far, is Hwy 58. It is wide, little traffic, many passing lanes or pull-outs. I refuse to ride Hwy 20/22 to Salem.....too curvy, too narrow.
Hwy 58 (using the Crescent cutoff in Crescent, Or......mileage is 138 miles
Hwy 26 route......118 miles
Hwy 20/22 to Salem and down....196 miles

Our experience, numerous trips, it is actually FASTER to go 58. Scenery is pretty on ALL routes.....heck, it's OREGON!!

In July we came from South Beach State Park to Diamond Lake RV park to visit Crater Lake. We came from Eugene on 58 to US 97 with no difficulty at all. There was some construction on 58 but very little delay. We enjoyed the drive. The only thing is that I was beginning to be in need of fuel before we came out to 97. Just be sure you have more fuel than I did when you start out on 58. Should say that we were towing a 34' fifth-wheel and barely noticed the mountains.

padredw wrote:
In July we came from South Beach State Park to Diamond Lake RV park to visit Crater Lake. We came from Eugene on 58 to US 97 with no difficulty at all. There was some construction on 58 but very little delay. We enjoyed the drive. The only thing is that I was beginning to be in need of fuel before we came out to 97. Just be sure you have more fuel than I did when you start out on 58. Should say that we were towing a 34' fifth-wheel and barely noticed the mountains.

There's fuel on the top of the mountain at Crescent Lake Junction....and in Oakridge.

You should have no issues taking Hwy 58 (scenic) or 26.

TwoTechies wrote:
Having driven all those routes many times in all kinds of weather and cars/trucks/rvs. I would take 20 to 126 (McKenzie Hwy) to Eugene/Springfield. You pickup 126 after the summit. Very nice drive and the most direct route. Enjoy.

Steve

Thanks for some very timely info. We are sitting in the McKenzie (river),
Bridge CG and going to/thru Sisters, Bend etc tomorrow. How is 242? It looks like a fun road and we are in no hurry. Wow this area I
s gorgeous!

OR 242 (McKenzie Pass) is the worst choice if you have a big rig. There's a stretch that winds through a lava field. It isn't plowed in the winter, and used to have length restrictions. It was rebuilt in recent years, so I'm not sure if there are still restrictions.

http://www.tripcheck.com/pages/sbmckenzie.asp

bicyclist's description

Desert Captain,
242 is still a scenic route but I would not chance it in a big rig. I would check with CG or the ranger station in McKenzie Bridge. The improvements may be more than I realize since I haven't been back there after the improvements. Again, Check locally. 126/20 is still a wonderful route. Note massive amounts of envy. Enjoy the trip.
Steve