Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway

The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway provides a great driving loop out of Sunriver, through lakes, rivers and forests, up to and around Mt. Bachelor, then to Bend or back south to Sunriver.  Even on an overcast day, with Mt. Bachelor invisible, it was well worth the trip.  (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Highlights included spotting a flock of white pelicans, the otherworldly green of Devil’s lake, and the serene beauty of the area. 

I happened upon Les Joslin, the retired forester responsible for the restoration of the historic Forest Service Guard Station at Elk Lake.  He was painting the sign pole, getting the place ready for the summer season.  Now, volunteer docents stay there for two-week stints to share the history of the place with those of us who travel the highway and stop in.  Les said he restored a few other stations around the West.  He provides an excellent example of someone who loves something so much that he’s able to inspire others to help him protect and preserve it.   This little piece of history is his legacy to all of us.


I posted a few other photos on flickr.