How is Hey 22 through the Ochoco mountain pass in Oregon?

Are you talking US 26 through Ochoco National Forest? That is pretty easy. I am thinking you are coming US 26 to Redmond, then OR 126 to US 2o then OR 22. They are all good highways. minor hills but nothing like I-84.
Have a good trip!

None of the those roads are hard. I really like eastern Oregon When I go north I avoid the West Side and I-5 and stay over on the East Side and drop in over Snoqualamie to Seattle.

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.

I'm confused. First you worry about I84 heading west, with a longish 6% grade (max freeway) down to Pendleton. Then you say, oops, you are worried about the east bound trip with the climb. Now you are asking about an alternative west bound route?

Do you realize that after Bend you get to climb again to a Cascade pass, followed by a much longer drop to the Willamette Valley. And then another climb over the Coast Mtns?

paisley dale gave you very good advice. it is going to be warm no matter which way you decide

I'm just trying to find a flatter ride from Boise to Lincoln city that's not so hard on 5ge truck. I think the best route would be to take highway 20 through Bend.

I would use US 26!

Why 26 over 20? Is it flatter?

It is more direct, follows canyon. US 20 dips south somewhat and is vey wide open. You had mentioned Ochoco National Forest which is on US26

26 has trees 20 has sage brush.