South East Oregon

[Stalls]

Planning my ride  comming through Idaho from Boise into SE Oregon the question is how sparse and barren is it in SE Oregon along Rte 20 towards Burns, then Bend. My final destination will be San Francisco and I'm undecided either to continue to the Pacific coast and head south or go via Klamath Falls. Is there ACA maps available for SE Oregon? Has anyone done this route?

[erniegrillo]

Eastern Oregon is high desert country. I have not ridden Hwy 20 but have ridden Hwy 26 and other roads in Eastern OR. It can be very hot and dry and it is sparse. I rode with a group ride, Cycle Oregon and was glad they provided water because water and towns  were few and far between. Carry enough to get you through a day or more.  

[litespeed]

I, too, did US26 instead of 20. 26 has a lot of climbing but a lot more towns. I recommend this route. Prairie City and Mitchell are fine little towns with good facilities - food, camping and lodging. In 2004, at least, there was a good restaurant in Unity. This is true high desert. You really feel like you're on top of the world along parts of this route. Very little traffic. This stretch is one of my favorites in all my years of touring.

This message was edited by litespeed on 3-24-07 @ 5:45 AM

[Stalls]

Thx for the tips people. The 26 does look the better route for logistical reasons and i'm now leaning towards that and then onto the 126 for the Pacific. Then just head south for San Francisco.