File source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_97_Sign_on_Interstate_5.JPG      

 

                      

                             

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. 

 

File source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mount_McLoughlin_aerial.jpg

 

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.

 

File source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pine_Tavern_(Deschutes_County,_Oregon_scenic_images)_(desDA0076).jpgFile source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pine_Tavern_garden,_Bend,_Oregon,_2008.jpg

 

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.