you don't say when you are going... but no matter when you go, the stretch between Stayton and Mill City seems to have the most accidents and the most speeding tickets. They have widened the road to four lane east of Stayton but that is still a "black ice" area. Maybe because it's so flat for a bit.
I always loved the scenic views.. It follows beside the Santiam River from Mill City east to Detroit Lakes. It's uphill but it's a gently uphill. When you get east of Detroit Lakes you'll notice the pull more and the snow piles on the sides of the road become impressive. After you get east of Detroit lakes there isn't much as far as gas, food or a reason to shop... until you get to Sisters.
Kathy