Overview

For a beautiful drive through Central Oregon, take the Willamette Highway, also known as Highway 58. This scenic roadway will take you over the Cascade Range, past beautiful alpine lakes and sparkling reservoirs, and through two national forests. There are many places to stop along the way to hike, camp, fish, or just take in the spectacular scenery.

Driving Directions

To access the Willamette Highway from Bend, travel south on highway 97 for 58 miles. The highway turnoff is just a few miles south of Crescent and stretches northwest between Highway 97 and Interstate 5 just south of Eugene.

Time/Distance

Willamette Highway is 86 miles long. Approximate driving time one way is 2 hours, but allow more time to enjoy all the sights along the way.

Highlights

• Lakes – There are many beautiful lakes and reservoirs along the highway for fishing, boating, swimming, and viewing wildlife.
• Campgrounds –This highway provides easy access to many campgrounds as it passes through two beautiful national forests – the Willamette and the Deschutes.
• Willamette Pass Ski Area – This is a great place for winter recreation including downhill skiing and snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country skiing.
• Diamond Peak Wilderness – This area has over 125 miles of trails, including the famous Pacific Crest Trail which crosses the highway at Willamette Pass, the highway's highest point at 5,128 feet. Diamond Peak, with an elevation of 8,744 feet, attracts many climbers.
• Salt Creek Falls – Oregon’s second highest waterfall at 286 feet is located just north of the highway near Willamette Pass Oregon.
• McCredie Hot Springs – Stop for a relaxing soak in these natural hot springs located right off the highway.
• Lowell State Recreation Site – Two reservoirs and two day use parks make this a great place to picnic, boat, fish, swim, or view wildlife.