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Highway 26: Prineville to Dayville, John Day Country, Oregon
Photo: Cacophony · CC BY-SA 3.0

Drives Oregon Eastern Oregon

Highway 26: Prineville to Dayville

US 26 · Prineville → Dayville

Leisurely82 mi1 hr 40 min4,300 ft climbHigh point ≈ 4,700 ftOne way
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The drive

US 26 runs east from Prineville past Ochoco Reservoir and over the pines of Ochoco Pass, then down to Mitchell. West of Mitchell a short paved side road leads to the Painted Hills of the John Day Fossil Beds.

East of Mitchell the highway follows the John Day River and passes through the basalt walls of Picture Gorge, finishing in Dayville. It's 82 miles and about 1 hr 40 min, rated Leisurely with few bends. This section is part of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway, and Mitchell has fuel, food and lodging.

Along the way

  1. Prineville
  2. Mitchell
  3. Picture Gorge
  4. Dayville
Elevation
4,300 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 4,700 ft
PrinevilleDayville
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
PrinevilleDayville
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Mitchell has fuel, food and lodging; the Painted Hills are a short paved side trip west of town.
  • This section of US 26 is part of the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check ODOT TripCheck: road conditions.

Questions about this drive

How long does US 26 from Prineville to Dayville take?

US 26 from Prineville to Dayville is 82 miles and takes about 1 hr 40 min.

Is US 26 through Picture Gorge twisty?

No. The drive is rated Leisurely, with few bends.

Where are the Painted Hills in relation to US 26?

The Painted Hills are a short paved side trip north of US 26, west of Mitchell.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Highway 26: Prineville to Dayville, from Prineville to Dayville