CASCADE 

LAKES

NATIONAL

SCENIC BYWAY

Welcome to Central Oregon’s High Country
This 66-mile historic highway was selected by Scenic America as one of the 

nation’s ten most important byways. It became a National Scenic Byway 

in 1998 because of its outstanding scenic, 

natural and recreational qualities. It 

was also dedicated as a National 

Forest Scenic Byway in 1989. 

The byway follows a journey 

of water through a volcanic 

landscape accentuated by 14 

alpine lakes. Reflected in many 

lakes are scenic views of Mt. 

Bachelor, Broken Top, and South 

Sister. The byway is a great way 

of getting in touch with cultures 

and communities of Central Oregon. 

The Cascade Lakes have been the 

ultimate outdoor family adventure 

for generations of Central Oregon 

residents and visitors. Most 

of the fun stories you hear at 

family gatherings are all about 

the fishing, camping, boating, 

and hiking trips made together 

over the years. To learn more 

about Central Oregon's high 

country, see the interpretive sites 

tour map that provides an ideal way 

to connect with nature, history and 

cultural heritage.
6 Soda Creek

 Learn how Soda Creek 

was destroyed by a glacial 

“tsunami” and then restored 

from a straight channel back 

to its natural meandering flow 

and habitat.

7 Ray Atkeson 

Wayside

The photography of Ray 

Atkeson created a lifelong 

legacy of preservation of 

Oregon's beautiful and wild 

places. 

8 Historic Elk Lake 

Guard Station

The historic red road and 

guard station site were 

restored and each summer, 

Forest Service volunteers 

provide plenty of stories to 

byway travelers. 

9 Elk Lake Viewpoint

Come to a special place 

where you’ll see migratory 

birds sharing the same place 

with resident birds and water 

birds with land birds. From 

hummingbirds to cranes, you’ll 

see more diversity at each of 

the Cascade Lakes. 

10 Osprey Point

Incredible birdwatching 

opportunities are available 

both on land and water at 

Crane Prairie. The views 

to the Cascades from this 

vantage point are spectacular. 

11 Browns Crossing

New homes for fish were 

created by adding woody 

debris and fallen trees to 

the river. An accessible fishviewing platform awaits you at 

this peaceful river site. 

12 Lewis Roth Dwarf 

Mistletoe Trail

This trail at North Twin Lake 

campground is named for Dr. 

Lewis Roth who pioneered 

dwarf mistletoe research 

at nearby Pringle Falls 

Experimental Forest.

13 Wickiup Dam

When the dam was first 

constructed, it resulted in 

Oregon’s last big log drive. 

When the dam was later 

restored, displaced frogs 

found a new home. 

14 Turn of the Century 

Forest

This site interprets many 

years of forest research that 

have occurred at Pringle Falls 

Experimental Forest. Roads 42 

and 43 are the East Gateways 

from Highway 97.

15 Davis Lake Wayside

In a short time, the fire of 

2003 quickly changed Davis 

Lake. Learn how fire as a 

naturally occurring event, once 

kept the forest floor more 

open and clear of debris. 

16 South Gateway

Discover nature and culture 

through interpretive art and 

byway stories about wild 

animals, native plants, ancient 

trails, and Indian culture and 

language.

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CASCADE LAKES

NATIONAL

SCENIC BYWAY

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Outback

National Scenic Byway

12 These selected 

interpretive sites 

were highlighted 

because of 

opportunities 

for conservation 

education, scenic 

views, and access to 

the Deschutes River 

and Cascade Lakes.

To access the byway from Bend, follow signs to Mt. Bachelor 

Ski & Summer Resort and the Cascade Lakes. To access the 

byway from Highway 58, follow the junction at Road 61 to 

the junction at Highway 46. Access from Highway 97 is via 

Roads 40, 42, 43 or 61. June through October is the best 

time to take this 3-5 hour drive. The byway is closed during 

winter beyond Mt. Bachelor to south of Davis Lake.

1 North Gateway

Learn about the area's 

geology, wildlife, native plants, 

indigenous people, and 

scenic views at this byway 

orientation site with its 

accessible trail and viewpoint.

2 Deschutes River 

Trail

Witness the journey of 

water as it ultimately joins 

the Columbia River to the 

far north. As a Wild & 

Scenic River, a variety of 

trail experiences and water 

adventures await you. 

3 Ryan Ranch Wetland 

Restoration

Breaching a levy to restore 

wetlands and reintroduce 

beaver to river habitat is 

the perfect laboratory for 

outdoor education about 

natural ecosystems. 

4 Mt. Bachelor Ski & 

Summer Resort 

For a high altitude outdoor 

classroom, take a chairlift 

to Pine Marten Lodge and 

enjoy the Summer Geology 

interpretive program and 

the Whitebark Pine 

interpretive site.

5 Ray Atkeson 

Memorial Trail

Visit an accessible scenic 

viewpoint at Sparks Lake. 

Oregon’s only Photographer 

Laureate was so taken with 

this place, he described it as “a 

place unlike any other with a 

beauty all its own.” 

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For more information, contact the Deschutes National Forest, 

Bend/Fort Rock District at (541) 383-4000 or go to 

www.fs.fed.us/r6/centraloregon and to www.byways.org

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Accessible Trail

Biking

Boating

Boats No Motors

Canoeing

Cross Country Skiing

Fishing (fly, barbless)

Fishing

Hiking

Picnicking

Sailing

Snowmobiling

Swimming

Water Skiing

Windsurfing

Todd Lake

A short walk from the parking area will take you to a small alpine lake nestled 

within a protected and peaceful forest setting framed by mountain slopes. A 

plethora of wildflowers color the meadows spring through fall. Walk-in only 

camp sites have no drinking water. 

(no motors allowed) 

Sparks Lake

Most loved by Ray Atkeson, Oregon’s photographer laureate, wildflower 

bouquets spring from lava formations surrounded by water. Known for its 

peaceful canoeing and kayaking, the views are a photographer’s dream with 

geological discoveries to be made on the Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail. Camp 

sites have no drinking water.

(motors - 10 mph)

Devils Lake 

The glacial source of these turquoise green waters is as well known for its 

cooler temperatures as its striking appearance. This shallow protected lake is 

ideal for peaceful paddling and picnicking and is the jumping off point for hiking 

South Sister. Camp sites have no drinking water.

Elk Lake

This is the ultimate gathering place for those who love to be in or on the water. 

The views to Mt. Bachelor and South Sister are incredible and Elk Lake Resort 

is open year-round for both summer and winter recreation activities. 

Amenities: Cabins, Restaurant, Grocery Store, Boat Rentals, Gas, Trailhead

Rentals: Canoes, Fishing Boats (motors)

(motors – 10 mph)

Hosmer Lake

Originally known as "Mud Lake," Hosmer has become a sportsman's paradise 

because of its barbless hook catch and release fly fishing. The serenity of the 

shallow marsh areas surrounded by forest make this place a birdwatcher’s 

dream. Osprey, bald eagle, beaver, and otter live in these waters. 

(no motors allowed)

Lava Lake and Little Lava Lake

Lave Lake is known for its resort which provides supplies for summer camping 

and fishing expeditions. Little Lake Lake is the source of the Wild & Scenic 

Deschutes River. 

Amenities at Lava Lake: RV Sites, Lodge, Grocery Store, Gas

Rentals at Lava Lake: Canoes, Fishing Boats (motors)

(motors – 10 mph)

Cultus Lake

Cultus Lake seems to have it all with high altitude white sandy beaches, dense 

and towering forests full of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, spruce, white pine, 

white fir, and sugar pine. Cultus Lake Resort has a picture perfect view of the 

lake from its restaurant and cabins. 

Amenities: Cabins, Lodge, Restaurant, Grocery Store, Gas, Trailhead

Rentals: Canoes, Fishing Boats (motors)

 

Little Cultus Lake 

Little Cultus Lake provides a low-key outdoor experience. Located in the 

shadow of Cultus Mountain, this is a great place to escape to. Camp sites have 

no drinking water.

(motors – 10 mph)

Crane Prairie

First created in 1922 for irrigation purposes, this reservoir has become a 

popular boating and fishing destination. During spring migration, a high 

concentration of waterfowl can be seen. The Crane Prairie Resort has had an 

interesting history with some high-profile visitors. 

Amenities: RV Sites, Lodge, Grocery Store, Gas

Rentals: Fishing Boats (motors)

(motors – 10 mph)

North & South Twin Lakes

These twin lakes are symmetrical in shape and about 60 feet deep. They are 

unique geological formations known as volcanic maars. North Twin has a more 

primitive level of camping with tent sites while Twin Lakes Resort at South Twin 

has cabins including one named for President Hoover who once stayed there.

Amenities at South Twin: Cabins, Lodge, Restaurant, Grocery Store, 

Showers & Laundry Facilities (open to the public)

Rentals at South Twin: Fishing Boats

(no motors allowed)

Wickiup Reservoir

Wickiup is a place for camping, fishing, boating, and water sports. Named for 

“wickiup” shelters made out of poles and covered with brush or tree limbs, 

Indians used to camp here while fishing and hunting seasonally each year.

Davis Lake

This large shallow lake was formed about 6,000 years ago when a large lava 

flow cut off Odell Creek. Historically known for large rainbow trout, there is 

currently no limit on largemouth bass at this popular flyfishing lake. The area 

experienced a large fire in 2003. 

Recreation Pass required to park at trailheads.

Camp sites are available at all locations.

Ray Atkeson Memorial Trail is an accessible trail.

Legend

Southeasterly view of Newberry Volcano from North Gateway interpretive site.

Brochure artwork by Dennis McGregor
Cascade Lakes Highway was paved with 

red volcanic cinders in the 1950s. 

This provided a unique experience 

for Deschutes National Forest 

visitors exploring the beautiful 

Cascade Lakes area. Red roads 

became a Central Oregon 

landmark. The red road was 

paved over with black asphalt 

in the 1980s. This historic once 

red road was called Century 

Drive because it was about 100 

miles round-trip from Bend to Elk Lake.

A historic guard station at the heart of 

the byway is where volunteers share 

stories about the forest guard and 

the surrounding area. The log 

cabin was built in 1929 and 

served as a base for a forest 

guard. Restored as a visitor 

information center in 1997 and 

rededicated in 2001, additional 

funds from the Federal Highway 

Administration in 2006 were 

used to rehabilitate the grounds 

and restore the road to the site. The 

guard station is now included on the 

National Register of Historic Places.