The Best Scenic Drives From Bend

Scenic Summer Drives From Bend With Stops for Local Food & Views

A Local Guide To The Best Scenic Drives From Bend

One of the best things about summer in Central Oregon is how quickly the landscape changes once you get behind the wheel. A scenic drive from Bend can take you from high desert to alpine lakes, lava fields, waterfalls, and deep green forest — all before dinner.

These are the drives locals save for clear days, visiting friends, or those “let’s just go” mornings when the goal is good views and good food, not a packed itinerary.

Bend to Cascade Lakes Highway

Lakes • Mountain views • Easy pull-offs

If you ask a local for their favorite scenic summer drive near Bend, this one almost always tops the list. The Cascade Lakes Highway is packed with alpine scenery and plenty of places to stop, stretch your legs, or spend the afternoon.

Don’t Miss:

• Sparks Lake – Iconic views and easy shoreline access
• Elk Lake – Great for swimming, paddling, or relaxing
• Devil's Lake – Quick access and cooler temps

Food Stops:

• Elk Lake Resort – Casual lakeside dining
• Cultus Lake Resort - Casual lakeside dining
• Or pack a picnic and claim your own view

This drive is especially good early in the morning or later in the evening when the light is soft, and the pace slows down.

Bend to Crater Lake National Park

Big views • Volcanic history • Bucket-list scenery

This is a longer drive from Bend, but it’s worth every mile. Crater Lake feels dramatic in the best way — deep blue water, steep cliffs, and views that stop conversations mid-sentence.

Scenic Highlights:

• Rim Drive viewpoints around the lake
• Short walks to overlooks and photo spots
• Cooler mountain air on hot summer days

Food Tips:

• Grab breakfast or snacks in Bend before heading out
• Dining options inside the park are limited, so packing food is a smart move- a cooler with lunch, drinks, and snacks will be your best move.

This drive works best as a full-day adventure and is ideal for visitors who want a true “only in Oregon” experience.

Bend to Clear Lake & McKenzie River

Crystal-clear water • Forest shade • Waterfalls

For a completely different feel, head west toward the McKenzie River corridor. This scenic drive near Bend delivers lush forest, bright blue water, and some of the most peaceful stops in the region.

Must-See Stops:

• Clear Lake – Shockingly clear water and an easy loop trail- approximately 4.5 miles long, plan accordingly. 
• Sahalie & Koosah Falls – Short walks with big waterfall views
• McKenzie River Trail pull-offs – Perfect for a mid-drive stretch

Food Stops:

• Takoda’s Restaurant (McKenzie Bridge) – A classic stop with a casual, local feel
• Pack a riverside picnic and take your time. We always love stopping at Sisters Bakery on the way.

This drive is especially popular during peak summer heat thanks to the shade and cool river air.

Bend to Sisters via McKenzie Pass (when open)

Lava fields • Mountain passes • Scenic contrast

When McKenzie Pass opens for the season, it’s one of the most unique scenic drives in Central Oregon. Lava rock landscapes, winding roads, and high-elevation views make this a favorite scenic drive from Bend.

Worth the Stop:

• Dee Wright Observatory – Short walk, wide-open views
• Scenic pull-offs through the lava fields

Food Stops:

• Sisters Bakery – A well-earned treat at the end of the drive
• Local cafés and patios in Sisters

This drive feels like an experience all on its own — not just a way to get somewhere.

Why Summer Is the Best Time For Scenic Drives From Bend

A summer scenic drive from Bend works because:

• Mountain roads and passes are fully open
• Long daylight hours invite lingering stops
• Lakes, rivers, and waterfalls are at their best
• You can turn a drive into a full-day adventure without rushing

No tight timelines. Just pick a direction and see where it takes you.

Start and End the Day in Comfort

Having a vacation home in Bend as your base makes these drives easy. Start early, pack snacks, come back for a soak or a relaxed dinner, or head out again for sunset views. That flexibility is part of why so many guests love exploring Central Oregon this way.

Plan Your Summer Scenic Drive in Bend

From alpine lakes to volcanic wonders and forested river corridors, Central Oregon offers unforgettable scenic drives — especially in summer. Looking for more things to do in Central Oregon this summer? Check out our Central Oregon summer travel guides.

Explore Bend vacation rentals and plan your next scenic drive from Bend.