Eugene to Bend via 126 or 58 with 19?

[Grumbler]

This would be from Eugene to Boise that day.

Okay, I've never been on 126 btw Eugene and Blue River/NF-19 nor on 58 btw Eugene and Westfir/NF-19.

Have done the 126 west, NF-19 south, and 58 southeast loop. NF-19 from 126 to Box Canyon Summit rocks then becomes sort of blah, IMO, with rougher surface to Westfir.

Was thinking of 126 east from Eugene to Blue River then NF-19 south until MacKenzie River diverts east. Will turn around there (north of Box Canyon Summit) and head north to 126.

Other option is 58 southeast from Eugene to Westfir then NF-19 to 126.

Which is a more enjoyable route with time constraints in mind?

[miles]

Honestly, traffic and speed enforcement keep either 126 or 58 from being fun until Leaburg or maybe Blue River on 126, and Oakridge on 58.  Personally, I'd pick which route depending on what you want to stop and see- Waldo Lake is absolutely stunning, so that would be my recommendation.

[beatnikmike]

No real opinion but I do agree that Aufderheide Drives best section is from 126 to Box Canyon and also think Hwy 58 from Eugene to Westfir is a bit of a bore. You did not mention Hwy 242 the Old McKenzie Hwy. which would be of the most interest to me it's one hell of road and some great views of the Three Sisters and the Lava beds.  

[Grumbler]

Honestly, traffic and speed enforcement keep either 126 or 58 from being fun until Leaburg or maybe Blue River on 126, and Oakridge on 58.  Personally, I'd pick which route depending on what you want to stop and see- Waldo Lake is absolutely stunning, so that would be my recommendation.

We really can't stop to see much of anything as it's 480 miles in about 10 hours
from Eugene to Boise with side trip down 19 to the FS-1964 jct and back. Waldo
Lake sounds good for a future ride though!

[Grumbler]

No real opinion but I do agree that Aufderheide Drives best section is from 126 to Box Canyon and also think Hwy 58 from Eugene to Westfir is a bit of a bore. You did not mention Hwy 242 the Old McKenzie Hwy. which would be of the most interest to me it's one hell of road and some great views of the Three Sisters and the Lava beds.  

We'll likely do 126 and Aufderheide Drive south to the FS-1964 jct and back. We'll
definitely hit Hwy 242 to Sisters. BTDT and it's a terrific ride!

BTW, I thought that Hwy 20 (Santiam Hwy) was superb route btw Foster Lake and
the Santian Jct.

[sagerat]

Plan C could be 58 to Crescent cutoff to Cascades Lakes Hwy.  

[Grumbler]

Plan C could be 58 to Crescent cutoff to Cascades Lakes Hwy.  

Make that 138 from Roseburg to 97 then north to Crescent cutoff. Never been on Cascades Lakes Hwy so that's an option. Would have to find lodging out on or near 97.