Tee Time
For those who find a correlation between the beauty of the surroundings and the quality of their golf game, a tour of Central Oregon’s Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway is definitely in order. Golf course designers, pros and aficionados have long recognized this area for its dramatic mountains, 12 gleaming lakes, stately forests and sunny climate—and three days spent touring the Byway with golf clubs at the ready means encounters with both rugged grandeur and premium courses. Though snow keeps the Scenic Byway between Mt. Bachelor and Highway 61 closed until late May, the remainder of the Byway is accessible year-round, and the courses are open from mid-March to mid-November.
Start your tour (125 miles in total) at Widgi Creek Golf Club just west of Bend, near Todd Lake. Surrounded by the Deschutes National Forest, Widgi’s narrow greens wind through peaceful stands of ponderosa pine and feature plenty of variety and personality. Watch out for the par-3, 11th hole—its three-tiered green makes club selection critical for a decent landing. For the night, book a luxurious two- or three-bedroom townhome right on the course.
Nearby Bend is known for its variety of brewpubs and restaurants. Venture in for a taste of fresh, local cuisine at Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar, or, if your visit falls between Independence Day and Labor Day, drive 20 miles west on the Cascade Lakes Highway (the first leg of the Scenic Byway) to Mt. Bachelor and and take the Pine Mountain chairlift to the Northwest’s highest restaurant. Located at 7700 feet at the mid-mountain lodge, Scapolos offers Italian bistro cuisine and BBQ fare with spectacular views.
In the morning, hit the Byway early to catch the alpenglow on Mt. Bachelor, the Three Sisters and Broken Top. Just west of Green Lakes Trailhead, stop at Devil’s Garden, a meadow bordered by springs and covered with lush grass, moss and blue lupines. Indian pictographs painted on the face of a boulder indicate an ancient Indian trail; stretch your legs with a brief exploration. Continue 20 miles south to Crane Prairie Reservoir, where migrating waterfowl can be spotted at the Osprey Observation Point, accessible by a short walk from the marked parking lot.
Don’t dally too long with the birds; you have a tee-time to make. Continue south past Davis Lake then east on Highway 61 for 10 miles to Highway 97. Drive north about 25 miles (you’ve just done a U-turn of sorts) to Quail Run Golf Course. Named the No. 2 nine-hole course in North America by Golf Digest in 2001, Quail Run boasts stands of lodgepole pine and four sets of tees at every hole, promising a game with both character and solitude. Stunning views of the Paulina Mountains—all that remains of Newberry Volcano—complete the course’s allure.
At the end of the day respite awaits you at Sunriver Resort, just 10 miles north. Check into a lodge room, condo or vacation home, and then enjoy a seafood dinner—any way you like it. Sushimoto’s presents wonderful ocean-fresh sushi, or choose the Trout House, which overlooks the Deschutes River, for grilled seasonal Northwest fish.
In the morning, play nine or 18 holes at one of Sunriver’s three spectacular courses. The Woodlands features an abundance of water and outcroppings of lava rock, while The Meadows offers tremendous variety and river views. Crosswater, named one of America’s 100 greatest courses by Golf Digest, winds through woodlands and wetlands along the Deschutes and Little Deschutes rivers, and is open exclusively to members and guests of Sunriver Resort.
After your final, glorious round of golf, drive north toward Bend, making a stop at Lava Lands Visitor Center or the High Desert Museum to learn more about the natural wonders and cultural history of the Scenic Byway you’ve just completed. End your sojourn in downtown Bend, where, after dinner at the award-winning Blacksmith Restaurant, you can stroll through the park at Mirror Pond and catch one last glimpse of the lovely Cascades Range.