"Cruisin' the Coast: Bend, OR to Alameda, CA"

Looking for a scenic road trip that promises abundant natural beauty? Look no further than the route from Bend, Oregon to Alameda, California. But before you hit the open road, it's good to know your options and what to expect for travel time.

Highway 97 to I-5: The Direct Route

The quickest route between Bend and Alameda is via Highway 97 and I-5. At roughly 518 miles, you'll be able to drive this route in just over eight hours.

This route doesn't offer a lot of stopping points, but we recommend taking advantage of your central Oregon starting point and grabbing a cup of coffee from Backporch Coffee Roasters or stopping by Pilot Butte Drive-In for a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.

As you travel south, the natural beauty changes with the scenery. You'll make your way through the Cascade Mountains, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, and acres and acres of farmland in rural California.

Bend to Alameda via the Coast

If you're not in a rush to get to your destination and would like to enjoy a more leisurely journey down to Alameda, consider taking the 101 down the coast. At just under 700 miles, you can expect to take at least 12 hours or more, depending on how often you stop to take in the scenery.

Taking this route gives you access to some truly breathtaking views of Pacific coastline, beaches, redwood forests, and dramatic cliffs.

We suggest stopping to take a dip in the natural hot springs at Umpqua Hot Springs, sipping some local brews at Arch Rock Brewing Company in Gold Beach, or visiting the world-famous Tillamook Cheese Factory for some tasty cheese samples.

Eastern Sierra Route

Another option is to head down the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This 680-mile route takes you through Nevada and drops you into California around Mono Lake. Once in California, you'll make your way through the Mammoth Lakes, Yosemite National Park, and through the Bay Delta before arriving in Alameda.

This route offers stunning views of the stunning Eastern Sierra, including Lake Tahoe, The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, and The Alabama Hills. We suggest stopping at Mono Lake for a swim, heading into Mammoth Lakes for some skiing, and taking in the Yosemite scenery with a hike or picnic.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of which route you take on your road trip from Bend to Alameda, be sure to take the time to enjoy the journey. Whether it's fueling up with a good cup of coffee, stopping to take in a breathtaking view, or exploring a new town, there's no better way to experience America than by seeing it from the road.