Caldwell, ID to Sisters, OR

Lauren wrote:
OK, the question is - Hwy 20 or Hwy 26? Won't be in a hurry as we will overnight in Burns or Dayville - if all goes as planned.

This is for 2014 and in August and have reservations in Sisters already.

Mountain Directory has a few alert for the 26 but none seem bad at all.

Have not driven either so just looking for input.

Thanks.

Have driven both, and as my wife is the rider in the MH I know she favors Hwy 20 thru Burns :B...same approx milage but less time w/ better roads...

Hi, all.

Yes, this might be our last big trip to OR from south of Tucson. See how the back holds out. Gettin' old ain't for sissies!

The 26/126 looks neat and, as said, in no rush. In fact, probably want to spend a night in Dayville.....Fish House Inn & RV Park. Just the name tells me it is the kinda place I want to see. RVPark Reviews has very high ratings and only 7 sites.

But we will get to Bend for sure from Sisters. Been both places before but long time ago. Wife has been a swimmer all her life and swims a mile nearly every day - I do some. Bend has the finest aquatic center we have even seen. And we have seen LOTS.

But if I can avoid city traffic with the 5er I will do it every time.

Have a Bandon question but will go to another forum to ask it.

Thanks, all.

I'll vote for Hwy 26 since we took that route in June. The DW had never been overland to OR and she was in awe of the scenery. Hwy 26 is a two lane highway with narrow spots and some curves. A few small towns with slow speed limits. Take your time and enjoy. We also stayed in Caldwell ID at Ambassador RV and highly recommend it.

paulj wrote:

amandasgramma wrote:
....but the connection on Hwy 20 east of Bend and Hwy 22 west of Bend to Sisters is CRAZY..... :)...

Can't you just follow the US20 signs through town (and never get on Bend Parkway)? On the map I see one right angle turn.

Sure, if you like midtown traffic.......just don't be there at lunchtime. If you're not pulling a rig (or driving one), it's not too bad. and I hate the intersection at 135A/B........ But you can figure it out. Easier if you're not with/in your rig.

US26 has about the same amount and type of grades as US20. When we go to Roseburg to visit my brother (we live in Meridian), we take US20. It's about as scenic as US26 but a little more direct. So if you intend to visit the fossil beds, then take US26, otherwise take the other. There's a nice rest stop on US20, actually a couple, both are on your left going over and both have plenty of room for you to pull in. One is more down on a slope and the other is more level with it. Watch your speed through Oregon, they're strict on the speed limit.

Hi again Lauren. The last several years we have been in Newport OR we have come back to Mesa thru' Sisters on US 20 to Redmond then US 26 to Idaho (reverse of your question). Love Sisters by the way - there is still (as of last Sept.) a great city owned RV park at the east end, just off the highway. Reasonable price too! If you come west on 26 (my preference)the hill down to Prairie City is your only thoughtful area (but not as bad as I 17 into the Verde Valley. There is a lovely State Park at Mount Vernon- Clyde Holliday S.P. Prineville also has a nice cg at the County fairgrounds. Back to Caldwell - last fall we stayed at a very nice cg just north of the freeway - Ambassador RV. I highly recommend that one.

Hope this helps your planning. Hi to Barbara.

John

amandasgramma wrote:
....but the connection on Hwy 20 east of Bend and Hwy 22 west of Bend to Sisters is CRAZY..... :)...

Can't you just follow the US20 signs through town (and never get on Bend Parkway)? On the map I see one right angle turn.

Normally, I'd say US20......easier, faster. However, you have time. Also.....going thru Redmond and using the cut-off to Sisters is a HUGE improvement over coming in thru Bend and finding your way to Sisters. I have no idea what the city planners were doing ......but the connection on Hwy 20 east of Bend and Hwy 22 west of Bend to Sisters is CRAZY..... :) And the other poster was right....the John Day Fossil Beds are cool.

Not sure how paulj expects you to get to Fort Rock from Hwy 20......but that wouldn't be my choice. It's WAY out of the way. If you come thru Bend, and haven't done it yet (or for that matter, while staying in Sisters, check out the High Desert Museum south of Bend and the Lava Caves). :)

US26 spends most of its time in a broad river valley (John Day), and gives you a chance to stop at the John Day Fossil Beds NM. There are a couple low forested passes between valleys.

US20 crosses more open country, more like Arizona. But south of Burns is a large shallow lake, well known for bird watching. (Further south is Steens Mtn). It is also closer to the Oregon 'outback' with volcanic features like Fort Rock.

My preference would be US 26 and OR 126.