Journey from Bend, Oregon to Orofino, Idaho: Which Route is the Best?

Are you craving an adventure with winding roads, scenic drives, and a dose of mesmerizing nature? Take the road trip from Bend, Oregon, to Orofino, Idaho. While the two towns are separated by a distance of 310 miles, the drive is an exhilarating experience every mile of the way. However, how long does it take to make the drive? Well, there are different routes with varying distances and traffic patterns. So, buckle up and let’s explore the best possible routes for this trip.

Fastest and Slowest Routes

The fastest route is over the Snake River Plain via Interstate 84. This route covers 310 miles and takes about 5 hours to drive between the two towns. While in Bend, drive east to Idaho, and on to Mountain Home and from there, head north to Orofino via Boise and Lewiston. If you’re a fan of cityscapes and tree-covered mountains, take this route.

However, if you're looking for a more scenic route and can afford to take it slow, use Highway 26 instead. You'll drive a total of 376 miles for nearly 7 hours. The time and distance may seem to be a lot, but the scenic view is worth it. Along the way, you’ll witness the beautiful Painted Hills scenery, which is unique to Oregon.

Timing

It’s essential to know the expected time for each route, especially during high-traffic periods. For the fastest route, I-84, traffic is usually heavy on weekends, public holidays, and rush hours. During these periods, you should expect a driving time of around 6 hours. On the other hand, you can expect to travel for 8 hours during a low-traffic period.

For those taking the scenic route, Highway 26, traffic is light to moderate throughout the year. You should expect to arrive in Orofino after approximately 7 hours of driving during peak traffic times. And during low-traffic periods, you can make the drive in 6 hours.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the route you take can significantly impact your drive time between Bend, Oregon, and Orofino, Idaho. If you prefer a quick and straightforward drive, I-84 is your best bet. However, if you enjoy the scenic countryside, Highway 26 would suit you, even though it's a longer and slower drive. Regardless of the route, take time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature along the way.