*Motorcycle Roads NorthWest

Way back in the opening decades of the 20th Century, an amazing road was designed by the Oregon State Highway Department and highway engineer Samuel C. Lancaster. An fantastic routing full of viewpoints, waterfalls, tunnels, and curves of all shapes and sizes.

It was described by John Arthur Elliot:

The ideals sought were not the usual economic features and considerations given the location of a trunk highway. Grades, curvature, distance and even expense were sacrificed to reach some scenic vista or to develop a particularly interesting point. All the natural beauty spots were fixed as control points and the location adjusted to include them. Although the highway would have a commercial value in connecting the Coast country with the eastern areas, no consideration was given the commercial over scenic requirements. The one prevailing idea in the location and construction was to make this highway a great scenic boulevard surpassing all other highways of the world.

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While this road is certainly no Aufderheide, it’s a fantastic road that I highly recommend. It’s scenic, from disturbingly fresh-looking lava flows and fantastic views of Mt. Bachelor to sobering views of recent forest fires and the distinct possibility of up close and personal visit with the extremely large elk in the area.

Here’s a few links:
GORP- Cascade Lakes Highway
Travel Oregon
OregonTravels.com

Here’s a few photos from my recent visit.

View of Mount Bachelor

A good friend and I stopping for a breather and some photos on the North end of the Road.

View back up Cascade Lakes Highway

• Road Name: Oregon State Route 372 ‘Century Drive Highway’, Lava Lake Road, and Cascade Lakes Highway
• Counties: Deschutes, Klamath
• Length: 68
• Towns: Bend, Crescent Lake Junction, Elk Lake