Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Crater Lake Getaway Bike Tour
Trip Overview
This four-day adventure highlights the most wonderful sights at Crater Lake National Park. If you are someone who appreciates being wowed by the immense beauty of the natural world, then this tour is for you! Crater Lake was formed more than 7,500 years ago when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of Mount Mazama. The eruption left behind a massive crater that became the deepest lake in the U.S. Crater Lake’s pure blue water is absolutely mesmerizing … as is the stunning Cascade Mountain Range that surrounds the lake in all directions.
As you make our way to Crater Lake National Park, pedal the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway — lined with lakes and mountain views galore. The next day, you cycle the rim around Crater Lake, known as one of the top unforgettable bike rides in the country. Mid-trip you take a boat tour to explore the lake’s perimeter as well as its picturesque volcanic cinder cone known as Wizard Island. You are able to hike some of the trails around the lake, too. On this tour, you spend every night at the historic Crater Lake Lodge, which sits on the caldera’s edge nearly 1,000 ft. above the lake.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
The trip begins with a welcome meeting at 8:30 a.m. at a hotel in Bend, an easy shuttle ride from the Redmond Airport (RDM). 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.
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.
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!
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.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
3 nights’ lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, shuttle at one time each to/from the start/end and the meeting hotel in Bend or Comfort Suites Redmond Airport; leaders, van support, route directions. Use of a bicycle, lights and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $750 holds your reservation for most tours. For tours less than 6 days, the deposit is $500.
What’s Included
3 nights’ lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, shuttle at one time each to/from the start/end and the meeting hotel in Bend or Comfort Suites Redmond Airport; leaders, van support, route directions. Use of a bicycle, lights and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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