texatDurango
North Texas
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Joined: 02/10/2002
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I'm not sure where to put this so excuse me if it's in the wrong forum.
Right now we're in Prosser, Washington and have been told the Columbia river gorge area is a scenic drive so plan on taking Hwy 97 down to the Dalles area where we will stay while visiting some local wineries.
When we depart, I'm thinking of taking Hwy 197 south through Maupin to Hwy 97 then all the way to Klamath Falls before turning east on Hwy 140.
We did the 101 coastline drive two years ago and are looking for another nice scenic drive through the state and thought Hwy 97 would provide more scenery than taking I-5.
Any local folks have any "must see" destinations or campgrounds of if you were travelling through the state, which route would you take?
We tow a 37' fifth wheel so stops at state parks are pretty much out of the question due to our length but really enjoy driving through the tall pines and mountains when possible.
Any suggestions appreciated.
2006 Duramax Diesel 1 ton dually tugging around a 2006 Mobile Suites 36TK3 #2609. Retired and just travelling around now and then seeing the sights.
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cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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97 is a good, but fairly busy, road. At different times/segment we have towed the whole length in OR. Much more interesting than I 5 - but we are prejudiced against interstates and prefer the slower byways.
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RedRollingRoadblock
Oregon
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Joined: 11/26/2007
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Go for it. You won't have any problem. HY 197 has a fast, short drop into Maupin and a hard pull going out. Neat little town if you can find someplace to park. Cow Canyon on HY 97 is a long down grade. HY 97 is a major truck route and traffic will move right along.
Do what you want but when I run this route I use headlights 24/7. You never know when some @#$% tries to pass and cuts it short. Truth be known I run headlights on all two lane roads.
About staying a State campgrounds there is several that you will fit in. Cove Palisades, LaPine, Prineville and Tumalo all have sites that would accommodate you, getting a space on short notice might be a challenge.
Oregon Campgrounds
Where to after K. Falls?
Enjoy the trip.
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viejo loco
Arizona
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Joined: 08/12/2008
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This is just my opinion but I'd rather go the the dentist than tow down I-5 if it's raining very much. (and it usually is) It seems like a solid line of trucks towing triples and the spray is blinding. US 197 is scenic, pretty slow and as I remember has a few tight corners but is all doable. Another option would be going on to Hood River, then take 35 to 26 on Mt Hood. Definitely some out of the way but a much prettier drive IMO. So many nice roads in the Northwest it hard to pick one. 
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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always watch the two lane roads, there are some nuts that do like to pass on hills and corners. I've also had guys towing pass in cut in way ahead of time. I taught my kids to cut in when you can see both head lights of the guy you passed.
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RedRollingRoadblock
Oregon
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viejo loco wrote:This is just my opinion but I'd rather go the the dentist than tow down I-5 if it's raining very much. (and it usually is) It seems like a solid line of trucks towing triples and the spray is blinding. US 197 is scenic, pretty slow and as I remember has a few tight corners but is all doable. Another option would be going on to Hood River, then take 35 to 26 on Mt Hood. Definitely some out of the way but a much prettier drive IMO. So many nice roads in the Northwest it hard to pick one.
Not that many triples during the day...most of us are sleeping. But at night here we come. I Better get to bed it is light enough for me to sleep now.
Second the 35 and 26 route. You will be doing more up and down stuff but at least you will see green.
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paulj
Seattle
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Joined: 06/11/2007
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The most scenic parts of the Columbia Gorge are west of The Dalles, toward Hood River and on to Portland.
197 and 97 as far south as Bend are in open, relatively dry country, with mountains like Hood and Jefferson off in the distance to the west. South of Bend you cross miles of Ponderosa Pine country, again with the Cascades off to the west. The Cascade Lakes country SW of Bend is nice, with a mix of good recreational lakes, forest, and bit closer to the mountains. But to really see the Cascades, you need to criss cross them. The 35/26 route past Hood is a good start.
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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During the week you should have no problems getting one night at Lapine State Park. Bit farther South be sure to stop at Collier Memorial State Park and see the logging exhibits. Depending on how much of a hurry you are in, you could always go a bit farther West and pick up Hwy 35 out of Hood River. This would get you really close to Mt Hood and then jump onto Hwy26 to Madras. In Bend area there is Lava River Caves, High Desert Museum, the Lava Lands and a whole raft of more stuff to see and do. In Klamath Falls you could always go over to hwy 39/138 395 towards Susanville. That could bring you out near Sacramento and avoid I5 for a lot of miles.
Donn
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ORbiker
Eugene, Oregon
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I would go east on 84 to Biggs and do 97. 197 has more tight corners then 97. There is a nice museum in Moro. Shaniko (ghost town) is nice too. Diamond Lake and Crater Lake are must see places too.
I (2-10-05) bought a 2002 F350 CC SWD PSD and a new 2003 Citation 10'8. Rancho 9000X & Toyo M55's.I have been a tent camper all my life. I wanted more comfort while doing my Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol & Crater Lake Ski Patrol duties.11
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JANETRUPP
Hattiesburg, MS, but full-time now
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We took the 97 up and we are now at Diamond Lake RV Park. This is a wonderful park and you will fit. We do and we are 40' with 4 slides. We stayed here a week and plenty to do. If you have not been to Crater Lake this is a must. Take a couple of hours to drive the whole lake at leisure (stopping). Diamond Lake is beautiful and good fishing. We leave tomorrow to go up the 97 and we are staying in La Pine at Cascade Meadows right off the 97 and has gotten good reviews (C2C also if you are a member, but open to the public)
To get to Diamond Lake go down 97, make a right at 138, go 17 miles. It will curve to the right (left is Crater Lake) turn left at 230 and right at first road park is on right (Signs stating Diamond Lake Resort area).
Full-time and loving our life. Hubby and me and Buttons make three (our baby,poodle)
Monaco Diplomat 40' 4 slides
Honda Civic Tow
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