The Dalles, Or to Bend, OR
We will be headed that way Wednesday and have two alternative routes: US 197 to where it connects with US 97 and then on in to Bend; or US 97 all the way. According to the Mountain Directory there are...
Forum Discussion
Both have to climb from Columbia River level to a plateau. US197 drops back down to the Deschutes River at Maupin, and then climbs back up. Both sides have one or two 25 mph curves.
If you want more detail, I'd suggest looking at Google Maps terrain mode and streetview. You can see the contours, altitude differences, calculate grades if needed, and see the actual road way and curves.
An interesting side trip is to leave 197 at Tygh Valley and take OR216 east past White River Falls to Deschutes River, and follow that south to Maupin. Where 216 crosses the Deschutes you may see rafters, and Indians fishing in a traditional manner. The 'BLM access rd' on the east bank of the Deschutes is paved.
An alternative up the east side of Deschutes is Bakeoven Rd, which crosses the plateau to US97 near Shaniko, a quasi-ghost town and ice cream stop.
If you want more detail, I'd suggest looking at Google Maps terrain mode and streetview. You can see the contours, altitude differences, calculate grades if needed, and see the actual road way and curves.
An interesting side trip is to leave 197 at Tygh Valley and take OR216 east past White River Falls to Deschutes River, and follow that south to Maupin. Where 216 crosses the Deschutes you may see rafters, and Indians fishing in a traditional manner. The 'BLM access rd' on the east bank of the Deschutes is paved.
An alternative up the east side of Deschutes is Bakeoven Rd, which crosses the plateau to US97 near Shaniko, a quasi-ghost town and ice cream stop.
