Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Bend to Bend in Central Oregon, United States.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is July to September: high passes snow-free.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Active. Moderately active — expect some walking and light physical activity.

What transport do I need for this route?

Any self-driven vehicle works well for this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Balanced — a good mix of sightseeing and downtime.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Nature, Adventure, Classic road trip, Food & drink.

Cascade Lakes & Crater Lake Loop: Central Oregon Road Trip

Q: How long is the Cascade Lakes & Crater Lake Loop: Central Oregon Road Trip route?

This route takes 8 days taking in 7 stops.

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The route · 7 stops

1
Bend
2 nights
Central Oregon's outdoor hub on the Deschutes River and the start and finish of the loop. Spend two nights: float or paddle the river through the Old Mill District, ride the Mount Bachelor sightseeing chairlift, visit the High Desert Museum, and work through one of the densest brewery scenes in the country before the driving begins.
Central Oregon's outdoor hub on the Deschutes River and the start and finish of the loop. Spend two nights: float or paddle the river through the Old Mill District, ride the Mount Bachelor sightseeing chairlift, visit the High Desert Museum, and work through one of the densest brewery scenes in the country before the driving begins.
Book Crater Lake lodging weeks ahead in summer; in-park rooms are very limited. Bend has the widest choice of hotels, food and fuel on the loop.
2
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
1 night38m · 46 km from previous
The 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway climbs west from Bend past Mount Bachelor into a chain of alpine lakes. Sparks Lake mirrors South Sister and is prime for kayaking and paddleboarding; Elk Lake adds a marina and cabins. A relaxed day of short hikes, swims and viewpoints before you continue south toward Crater Lake.
The 66-mile Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway climbs west from Bend past Mount Bachelor into a chain of alpine lakes. Sparks Lake mirrors South Sister and is prime for kayaking and paddleboarding; Elk Lake adds a marina and cabins. A relaxed day of short hikes, swims and viewpoints before you continue south toward Crater Lake.
Buy a Northwest Forest Pass for trailhead parking. The byway is usually snow-free late June to October; check the status before you drive.
3
Crater Lake National Park
2 nights2h 13m · 159 km from previous
The deepest lake in the United States at 1,949 feet, filling the caldera of collapsed Mount Mazama with impossibly blue water. Base two nights to drive the 33-mile Rim Drive and its 30-plus overlooks, walk the rim trails, and catch both sunset and early light. Wizard Island, a cinder cone, rises from the western end.
The deepest lake in the United States at 1,949 feet, filling the caldera of collapsed Mount Mazama with impossibly blue water. Base two nights to drive the 33-mile Rim Drive and its 30-plus overlooks, walk the rim trails, and catch both sunset and early light. Wizard Island, a cinder cone, rises from the western end.
Fill up before arriving; the nearest fuel is outside the park. Rim Drive opens fully only once the snow clears, usually by July.
4
Diamond Lake & the North Umpqua
1 night31m · 37 km from previous
A quieter Cascade base below the spire of 9,182-foot Mount Thielsen, ringed by a paved cycling path. The descent along Highway 138, the Highway of Waterfalls, passes Toketee Falls and 272-foot Watson Falls. One night here breaks the drive between Crater Lake and the route's northern half.
A quieter Cascade base below the spire of 9,182-foot Mount Thielsen, ringed by a paved cycling path. The descent along Highway 138, the Highway of Waterfalls, passes Toketee Falls and 272-foot Watson Falls. One night here breaks the drive between Crater Lake and the route's northern half.
Toketee Falls is a short signed walk off Highway 138. Carry water and watch for log-truck traffic on the winding two-lane road.
5
Sisters & McKenzie Pass
1 night2h 24m · 173 km from previous
A walkable high-desert town and the gateway to the McKenzie Pass lava fields. Drive seasonal Highway 242 to the Dee Wright Observatory, built of lava stone in 1935, for a panorama of Cascade peaks across a black lava sea. Short interpretive trails and Three Sisters views fill an easy afternoon.
A walkable high-desert town and the gateway to the McKenzie Pass lava fields. Drive seasonal Highway 242 to the Dee Wright Observatory, built of lava stone in 1935, for a panorama of Cascade peaks across a black lava sea. Short interpretive trails and Three Sisters views fill an easy afternoon.
Highway 242 is closed in winter and unsuitable for large RVs and trailers. Confirm it is open before planning this leg of the loop.
6
Smith Rock State Park
1 night37m · 44 km from previous
The birthplace of American sport climbing, where the Crooked River loops beneath sheer welded-tuff walls and the Monkey Face spire. Hike the steep Misery Ridge loop for the headline view, watch climbers on the bolted routes, or follow the gentler river trail. A dramatic final night before the short hop back to Bend.
The birthplace of American sport climbing, where the Crooked River loops beneath sheer welded-tuff walls and the Monkey Face spire. Hike the steep Misery Ridge loop for the headline view, watch climbers on the bolted routes, or follow the gentler river trail. A dramatic final night before the short hop back to Bend.
Start the Misery Ridge climb early; there is little shade and summer afternoons are hot. Wear proper shoes for the steep switchbacks.
7
Bend
40m · 48 km from previous
Close the loop back in Bend after the short drive south from Smith Rock. Drop the car, or stay a final night to revisit a favourite brewery or riverside trail before onward travel from Redmond airport.
Close the loop back in Bend after the short drive south from Smith Rock. Drop the car, or stay a final night to revisit a favourite brewery or riverside trail before onward travel from Redmond airport.
Time the final 30-minute leg from Smith Rock so you reach Bend in good time for any evening flight from Redmond (RDM).

Cascade Lakes & Crater Lake Loop: Central Oregon Road Trip

The route · 7 stops

Bend

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Crater Lake National Park

Diamond Lake & the North Umpqua

Sisters & McKenzie Pass

Smith Rock State Park

Bend

Route highlights

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Cascade Lakes & Crater Lake Loop: Central Oregon Road Trip

The route · 7 stops

Bend

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Crater Lake National Park

Diamond Lake & the North Umpqua

Sisters & McKenzie Pass

Smith Rock State Park

Bend

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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