Me I like back roads more than the freeway. One back way is leave I84
@ Caldwell, go thru Nyssa, OR and @ Vale, OR either take US 26 thru the Ochoco mts to Redmond, then Sisters. OR take US 20 to Bend.
US 26 will be cooler than US 20. From Sisters there is a several mile climb then it is all down hill to Salem.
If you have the time I would take US 26, there is an Oregon State park just past John Day, first come first served, no reservation, or you just use the free dump station too.
Just my .02 - We just got back from the southern Oregon coast, it was great cool nights and pleasant days.
The Oregon State parks on the Coast are reservation only, no walk-ins. No boondocking on northern half either but lots on the south half. Hope this helps.
