The exterior of Inn at the 5th, a luxury boutique hotel located in Eugene, Oregon’s 5th Street Public Market. The hotel’s elegant façade features balconies adorned with flower boxes and red patio umbrellas, with Pendleton Woolen Mills retail store on the

Boise to Eugene

Did you know Eugene, Oregon was just a 7.5-hour drive from Boise? 

We’ve been embracing road trips lately and exploring a lot of places that can easily allow for social distancing and outdoor recreation. This route has become an absolute favorite of ours – especially since it’s bookended by our two Inns – Inn at the 5th in Eugene and Inn at 500 Capitol in Boise. 

Here’s what we recommend along the way, whether you’re in the mood to meander or just stop for the basics.

Boise to Bend 

Head West on Interstate 84 to Ontario, Oregon, where you’ll exit to take Highway 20 all the way to Bend (about a five-hour drive from Boise). Note there are long stretches on this highway where gas stations are scarce, so fill up in Burns if you’re running low. 

Where to Eat/Drink in Bend 

Bend has a reputation for being a beer-lover’s paradise with more breweries per capita than any other city in Oregon, so of course a stop at a local taproom is a must. We recommend Bend Brewing Company both for its scenery on the banks of the Deschutes River (with ample outdoor service as weather allows) and its tasty pub fare. We also love Crux Fermentation Project for its non-traditional brewing methods and off-the-beaten-path location, housed in a former AAMCO Transmission Plant.  

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Bend, with something for every taste and comfort level. For a sit-down experience, we head to Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails for Northwestern cuisine with a Southern twist. The restaurant has taken some extraordinary precautions for the safety of their guests and staff, including installing UV and ozone scrubbers on all of their air handling units. Latin-inspired Barrio is another standout, which has ample options for dining in, curbside pickup or even a food truck on Bend’s Eastside. And speaking of food trucks, Bend has several food cart “pods” for a variety of open-air options suiting any taste. Our picks are The Lot and The Podski. 

Where to Stay in Bend 

Our friends at the Wall Street Suites are located right downtown and offer suites with fully furnished kitchens, king beds, marble and stone walk-in showers, and lots of natural woodwork. Many are pet-friendly. 

What to See/Do Near Bend 

Bend to Eugene 

It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Bend to Eugene, with several routes to choose from (all scenic). There’s no wrong choice – just check conditions and details in advance of your travels. 

Highway 126 along the McKenzie River is the best option for water-lovers, taking in roadside waterfalls like Koosah and Sahalie Falls, which are as impressive in their wintry splendor as their springtime glory. This route also has several romantic covered bridges, including the quintessential Goodpasture Bridge near Vida.   

If mountains and alpine lakes are more your scene, the Highway 97/58 option is for you. Oakridge is a prime spot to stop for mountain biking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, if you’re looking to stretch your legs. Don’t miss Stewart’s 58 Drive-In for burgers and shakes and Insta-worthy pictures of the classic 1950s building. 

You made it to Eugene! Now what? 

Check out our staff picks for the best of the best.