August 30: Cascade Scenic Highway Colors Captivate
Giddy with delight, I swooped left and right on the curves of the Cascade Lake Scenic Highway, barreling past shoulders of deep red volcanic ash at the base of snow-covered mountain peaks on both sides. Riding through lush evergreen forests and sparkling lake waters in all shades of blue and green, I chortled with glee at my good fortune to see such a cornucopia of colors.
Heading east this morning on highway 26 through thick fog, I caught a glimpse of the glistening white top of Mount Hood in my rear-view mirror before descending through the national forest into the Warm Springs Reservation Area and on to Madras. Passing through Crooked River Canyon I stopped to admire the way the silvery blue waters of the Deschutes River carved its way through the arid, scrub brush covered rocky canyon walls.
Reaching Bend, I turned west onto Century Drive and continued to the scenic highway, rising in elevation as I approached Mount Bachelor on my left, its giant glorious, white-spotted dome looming over me, and Broken Top on my right, its jagged craggy surface peeking beautifully through the forest of deep green trees.
Approaching Sparks Lake on my left, I gasped in amazement at the shimmering, tranquil, turquoise-colored waters nestled peacefully between tall strands of Mountain Hemlock under the baby blue sky with whisps of white cotton candy-colored clouds. Continuing, I passed Devils Lake, Elk Lake, and Lava Lake, all slightly different captivating shades of blue.
At the end of the scenic highway, I turned west on highway 58, riding past Odell Lake, barely visible through the smoke-filled air but striking, nonetheless. With no way to see the other side of the lake, the rippling grey waters looked more like ocean waves to me than a small body of water.
After passing Lookout Point Lake, I stopped to admire the historic Lowell Covered Bridge built in 1907 and now perched gracefully on the Dexter River to provide pedestrians with views of the peaceful waters beyond. With mountains, rivers, lakes, and even a covered bridge, this ride had it all!
