The Experience
From Eugene to Bend amid Central Oregon’s Cascades
Now this is living! Summer sun shining. Cold beverage in hand. Feet up, kicking back on the deck of Crater Lake Lodge. Marveling at the indescribable blue of the water… There’s nowhere you need to be and nothing you need to do. If there were, why would you want to? Thirty-three vigorous miles around the rim this morning, with views of Crater Lake from every angle – each new vista somehow even better than the last. You’re still feeling mesmerized. And completely content. You might even say you couldn’t wait for tomorrow…if life weren’t so perfect today. Challenging routes amid magnificent scenery in Central Oregon’s high country Skirt the rim of Crater Lake’s world-famous caldera – one of Bicycling magazine’s favorite rides Experience unsurpassed beauty along the rave-worthy Cascade Lakes Highway Soak up the scene and refuel at a craft brewery in outdoorsy Bend Get your cowboy on along the wooden boardwalk of historic Sisters
DAYS 1-2 Astonishing Crater Lake, the country’s deepest lake – uniquely beautiful and seemingly undiscovered From mile-high Diamond Lake Resort, pedal rolling terrain against a backdrop of thick conifer forests Cross into Crater Lake National Park – ready for the 2,500-foot climb to the top of the crater? As you circle the rim of this enormous caldera, you can’t help admiring the lake’s intense sapphire color and amazing clarity Each curve in the road brings another incredible vista, from the cinder cone of Wizard Island to the 9,000-foot-peak of Mount Scott Unwind at the lodge or explore the spectacular landscape on foot. DAYS 3-4 The Cascade Lakes Highway, a National Scenic Byway meandering through forests, lava fields and lake-dotted valleys Spin in the shadow of Broken Top Mountain and the Three Sisters’ volcanic peaks – the most demanding ride of the trip but also the most rewarding! Elk Lake, with Mount Bachelor looming ahead, sets the stage for lunch Finish your ride at the lake or pedal all the way to Bend Bike in the rolling Cascade foothills, savoring the fragrance of pines and mountain views in every direction. DAYS 5-6 Smith Rock, whose sheer volcanic crags are acclaimed by climbers worldwide Taking a break from your bike today doesn’t necessarily mean taking it easy: the optional hike at Smith Rock can be as mellow or challenging as you like Or log some epic miles on two wheels, pedaling from Bend to Smith Rock, then continuing on to the lively Old West-style town of Sisters Ride McKenzie Pass, one of Oregon’s most beautiful road biking routes, past ancient lava flows and into the lush valley The luxuriant grounds at Belknap Hot Springs provide an idyllic setting for our farewell picnic.
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The Route
