Car Travel

Virtually all visitors to eastern Oregon get around by car. Interstate 84 runs east along the Columbia River and dips down to Pendleton, La Grande, Baker City, and Ontario. U.S. 26 heads east from Prineville through the Ochoco National Forest, passing the three units of the John Day Fossil Beds. U.S. 20 travels southeast from Bend in central Oregon to Burns. U.S. 20 and U.S. 26 both head west into Oregon from Idaho.

In all these areas, equip yourself with chains for winter driving, and remember that many roads are closed by snow and can remain inaccessible for months. Check the Oregon Department of Transportation's TripCheck (www.tripcheck.com) or call ODOT (800/977–6368). Four-wheel drive is beneficial on a lot of eastern Oregon’s designated Scenic Byways. Plan ahead for gas, since service stations can be few and far between. They often close early in small towns, and because drivers in Oregon can’t legally pump their own gas, you’ll be out of luck until morning.