We recommend the Olympic Inn as a decent place to spend the
night in Klamath Falls – its also close to Route 97 that will hug the Rogue and
Deschutes Rivers most of the pleasant 2 – 3 hour ride. This route is exceptionally scenic – by
this point of the trip, we were a bit spoiled but not jaded mind you.
Day 7: Route 97 hugs Upper Klamath Lake’s eastern rim for nearly
25 miles, then the Rogue River flows out of it and follows the road for a
while. You next drive through the
Fremont and Deschutes National Forests.
At Winema, the Deschutes River begins hugging the road for the rest of
the ride to Bend.
Mount McLaughlin and Mount Lassen are two grand sights from
97.
Bend is noted for its outstanding water, a key ingredient in
beer production. Bend’s local
brewers are crafting many wonderful smooth beers and ales.
Bend is a very well planned municipal area – liberal use of
roundabouts keeps traffic flowing – each traffic calmer is adorned with an
attractive metal sculpture – public art is virtually everywhere. The Deschutes flows through the heart
of the city and lends to the city’s image of a place for outdoor
activities. Downtown commerce
takes place a stones throw from the river – many people live along it –
citizens are walking or biking trails adjacent to the river.
The Bend Riverside Inn is an attractive and comfortable
motel to spend the night – the outdoor patio is one of the best in the city.
Rafting the Deschutes is
popular.
Downtown Bend has many fine retail shops for tourist needs
and a number of excellent cafes, brew pubs and grills, fine restaurants and
bars.
The 
The Pine Tavern is 80 years old and a nice place for food or
beverage.
We had dinner and craft beers brewed on the premises at the
Deschutes Brewery & Public House.
The next morning, Day 8, we will drive the sixth and final
leg – from Bend to The Dalles and back to Portland.