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.