Overview

The Dalles California Highway, also known as Highway 97, is one of two prominent north-south roadways in Oregon. It stretches for nearly 300 miles between the California and Washington borders, and passes through several towns and cities including Klamath Falls, Bend, Redmond, and Madras.

Driving Directions

The Dalles California Highway passes right through Bend, where it is also labeled as SE 3rd Street.

Time/Distance

The highway extends for approximately 296 miles from the California state line to the Columbia River / Washington state line. To drive it straight through takes about 6.5 hours.

Highlights

• Upper Klamath Lake –This 30-mile long lake is the largest body of freshwater west of the Rockies. Trout fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and wildlife viewing are popular activities at the lake.
• Crater Lake National Park – This breathtakingly beautiful national park is just a few miles west of the Dalles California Highway, and can be accessed via Hwy 62 or Hwy 138.
• Sunriver – This popular year-round vacation destination boasts award-winning golf courses, multiple tennis courts, miles of paved bike trails, and easy access to some of the best skiing in the Northwest.
• Newberry National Volcanic Monument – This vast caldera was formed nearly 500,000 years ago and covers 55,000 acres. The monument includes fascinating rock formations, lava flows, and pristine lakes.
• High Desert Museum - View fascinating wildlife exhibits and a variety of historical artifacts at this museum.
  Peter Skene Ogden State Scenic Viewpoint –This viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Crooked River Gorge and several majestic Cascade peaks.
• Crooked River National Grassland – Spanning over 155,000 acres of scenic high desert, this protected grassland has miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and viewing wildlife.