4-Day Crater Lake Getaway Bike Tour Experience

The two pick-up locations today are Comfort Suites Redmond Airport at 8am or the McMenamins Old St Francis School at 8:30am. Bring your luggage and be ride-ready. After brief introductions, begin your ride along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. The byway, which was originally paved with red volcanic cinders in the 1950s, was once called Century Drive because it was a 100-mile round trip between Bend and Elk Lake. If you wish, you can pedal up the volcanic Mt. Bachelor (no worries, it’s been more than 8,000 years since the volcano last erupted).

Alternatively, ride in the van to the top of Mt. Bachelor and enjoy the lovely, practically pedal-free descent. Along the route, stop for views of Sparks, Devils, and Elk Lakes. Enjoy a group lunch at Lava Lakes before hopping in the shuttle to Crater Lake National Park, where you check into your room at the famous Crater Lake Lodge.
Accommodation: Crater Lake Lodge
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 18 or 39 miles (29 or 62 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 320 or 3,250 feet (97 or 990 metres)
Terrain: Easier or Advanced

Today is the day you get to pedal one of the most wondrous bike routes in the world — the 33-mile ride around the rim of Crater Lake. Along the way, stop at the many pullouts to admire the lake’s pristine waters and two islands. You might even need to pinch yourself and ask: Am I in a dream? From every angle, Crater Lake is surrounded by volcanic peaks, verdant forests, and fertile valleys. It’s ABSOLUTE BLISS! As the ride around the lake’s rim is challenging, there are plenty of shuttle options to customize the ride to your desired perfection. Dinner is at the lodge.
Accommodation: Crater Lake Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 33 or less miles (53 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 250 feet (76 metres)
Terrain: Easier

Yesterday you explored Crater Lake from above, on the rim of the caldera. Today you explore the lake from down below. After breakfast, shuttle to a trailhead at the northeast corner of the lake. From there, hike a trail that will take you to Cleetwood Cove, where you embark on a multi-hour boat tour. Cruise the perimeter of the lake, visiting Phantom Ship, a natural rock pillar in the southern shore, as well as other natural formations.

Then head to Wizard Island, the 763-foot cinder cone that was created when the lake first filled with water after the collapse of Mount Mazama. You have three hours to spend on the island — plenty of time to hike Wizard Island Trail, which provides 360° views of the lake from the cinder cone summit. There’s time to swim and relax, too, before boating back to the cove and hiking the trail back to the van.

In the afternoon, enjoy an optional 11-mile bike ride that descends nearly 2,000 ft. down the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and past the eerie-looking Pumice Desert. Enjoy your final dinner at the lodge — you deserve it!
Accommodation: Crater Lake Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional Biking: 11 miles (17 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 250 feet (76 metres)
Elevation Loss: 2,000 feet (609 metres)
Terrain: Easier 

Wake up this morning and savor the breathtaking views with a cup of coffee on the back deck of the lodge. Or rise a bit earlier and hike the nearby Garfield Peak or Discovery Point Trails as the sun rises in the sky. Either way, you are bound to make lasting memories at Crater Lake.

Mid-morning shuttle back to the two starting options in Bend or Redmond, where we say our goodbyes. Plan for the shuttle to arrive back at McMenamins in Bend by 2 p.m. and the Redmond Airport or the nearby Comfort Suites Redmond Airport by 3 p.m.
Accommodation: Crater Lake Lodge
Meals: Breakfast