Road information US Hwy 20 central Oregon

Oregon 20 along the route you describe is an excellent run of two lane highway most of that distance. However in Eastern Oregon Diesel fuel stops are somewhat rare.....there is a private Truck Stop on the west end of Burns. Should be plenty of choices in and around Bend. That all said, however, I seem to recall that a short stretch of Highway 20 going West from the summit of the Cascades is rather narrow, dropping grade for a few miles which I swore I would not drive again in our 30’ Motor home. We always turn off Oregon 20 at Oregon 126 and take 126 on into Eugene.....and on over to the coast where we live. I would recommend you take 20 to 126 as I do. Perhaps others may have a better recollection of that stretch of i somewhat recall.....

>>>>HERE Road conditions: ODOT.

You can zoom up on any highway and also click on road cameras and condition alerts on any of the highways...

For sure traction tires and probably chains are required on 20

You want to take Hwy 20 at the Santiam jct, then take 126 to Spfld. Hwy 20 goes into Sweethome. I've done that route a few times. If my destination was Eugene Spfld then 126 is a much easier less stressful drive.
Right now it's not bad, but there's a nasty snow storm on it's way for Sun into Mon.

Just another typical Oregon highway...smooth pavement, nice scenery. Fear not! Sally forth!

The climb to Santiam Pass on Hwy 20 from the east is fairly easy, since the Bend area is already high. It then splits, 22 to toward Salem, 20 due west, 126 S and west to Eugene. I've done 22 and 126, and only looked at 20 on the maps. 20 to Sweethome appears to be curviest of the three. It follows a historic Santiam Wagon Road

Personally, we like Hwy 26 a lot better - more to see along the way. Clyde Holiday State Rec. Area is a very nice campground for exploring midway. At Sisters take 126 into Eugene - another very pretty drive. (Don't take 242 out of Sisters) Just outside of Sisters on 20/126 on the right is a nice forest service campground for exploring the Sisters/Bend area.

The mileage difference between the taking 20 or 26 is an amazing 1 mile!! 392 miles for Hwy 26 and 391 miles for Hwy 20

paulj wrote:
The climb to Santiam Pass on Hwy 20 from the east is fairly easy, since the Bend area is already high. It then splits, 22 to toward Salem, 20 due west, 126 S and west to Eugene. I've done 22 and 126, and only looked at 20 on the maps. 20 to Sweethome appears to be curviest of the three. It follows a historic Santiam Wagon Road

We I rode MC's hwy 20 was the preferred route. MC's love curves. :)

I guess you can say it depends on the destination. Since you are using the #216 as a landmark I am guessing you are heading to that area.

20 after you leave Vale is sort of a nothing drive. Decent road and won't give you any problems. Figure fuel in Vale/Ontario, Burns and Bend with Burns being the higher price.

Crossing the Cascades on 20 may not be to your liking but is doable. It is rather twisty and has a good downgrade. Maybe there was a reason they call it Tombstone Pass. Since you show Greely as home I'm guessing you have seen a mountain road.

As others have said 26 is a nice option, then take 126 out of Prineville into Sisters (don't take 242) to Santiam Jct. Watch the speed coming off the hill as you need to make a flying left at the junction and follow 126 into Springfield. You come into I-5 at the #199 so you are only a short drive to the #216.

Either way you go have a good trip.

Hi all. Thanks to all that gave suggestion to my questions about hwy.20 in central Or. Jim2007