Adventuring: Fabulous 5's
A WORD ABOUT THE MAPS AND ROUTES:
MAPS CAN BE CONFUSING SO WE'VE MADE OURS SIMPLER,
but ALSO HAVE OMITTED SOME MINOR STOPS.
HOWEVER, MOST STOPS ARE STILL LISTED IN THE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW.
AS WITH our TERRIFIC TENS, FEEL FREE TO CUSTOMIZE THESE!
PAY ATTENTION TO our OTHER STOPS listed AND SEEK OUT OTHERs NEARBY.
BESIDES OUR NATIONAL PARKS & MONUMENTS, DON'T FORGET TO consider
STATE PARKS, BOON-DOCKING IN NATIONAL FORESTS & BLM LANDS, FARMS, WINERIES & BREWERIES.
Oregon Lava Lands
Built by Volcanoes
A glorious part of the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire are Oregon's Cascade Mountains, where ancient volcanoes abound. In fact, there are ten jagged 8 to 10 thousand-foot peaks within sight of this loop, plus the spectacular collapsed caldera of Crater Lake National Park. Surrounding them are rugged lava fields, forests, icy waterfalls and lakes - so many recreation opportunities.
This is officially a 5-stop tour, but don't let that fool you. Many, many side trips and stops can easily entertain you for weeks! We also throw in Eugene, Bend, and everyone's favorite small western town - Sisters. Three great places to hang out!
Remnants of a Fiery Past
What Makes it Special
In the Oregon Cascades, the effects of ancient volcanism is laid out for all to see. Extensive lava fields, caves and lava tubes, waterfalls and even "instant rivers" emerge from the rocky remains.
Fun fact
In the early 1960s Central Oregon's lava fields were dubbed "Moon Country" after NASA astronauts trained here. Prior to the moon landing, they didn't know what to expect on the lunar surface. So they practiced walking in their bulky moon suits, on the rugged lava.
Best time to visit
Western Oregon's climate is moderate most of the year. Springs and summers can vary from rain to sun, warm to hot - with long stretches of sunshine.
Be aware that in winter, 3 road sections can close because of winter snow. Always check before you go:
- Old McKenzie Pass (take the Santiam Pass instead).
- Cascade Lakes Highway (west and south of Mt. Bachelor).
- Crater Lake (it usually gets lots of snow, but they do plow the South entrance).
Time & Distance
- Minimum suggested time for this trip - 1 week.
- Total distance of this loop - 550 miles.
5 Lava Lands Descriptions
old mckenzie pass
Sparks lake
newberry volcanic
national monument
fort rock
natural area
Steeped in Oregon history, the Old McKenzie Mountain Pass -across extensive lava flows is not to be missed. The rugged landscape offers extensive mountain views and in the fall, vibrant vine maple hikes with the turning leaves against cobalt blue skies.
Important RV Note:
Although the road is paved, it's twisty in spots with very narrow shoulders. Maximum vehicle length (including a trailer) is 35 feet. There are auto length-monitoring stations on both ends of the pass and turn-around spots for long vehicles are limited. Also, the highway closes down for the winters because of deep snowpack. Check before you go!
On the way to Sparks Lake
Nestled up close to its namesake 3 Sisters Mountains, Sisters is a historic and charming small western town, and a wonderful jumping off place for exploration of nearby mountains, lakes, streams, mountain bike trails and more. It's small but always busy with shoppers, coffee aficionados and outdoor adventure seekers.
Stop in for the Sisters Rodeo on the second weekend in June, and the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show is on the second weekend of July. Other events include the Sisters Glory Daze Car Show in mid July and the Sisters Folk Festival the weekend after Labor Day in September.
3 Creeks Lake
This small lake sits at the base of fascinating Tam McArther Rim, just a short 18 mile drive from downtown Sisters (turn South on Elm Street). The lake is stocked with rainbow trouts and native browns, and are a great catch and release fishing experience.
Bend started off as a ranching town but in recent years it's experienced rapid growth as a center of recreation. It features nice restaurants, brewpubs and many outdoor sports, including mountain biking, fishing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, white-water rafting, skiing, paragliding and golf.
Mt. Bachelor is one of the premiere ski mountains in the west, with many great north-facing runs known for their nice powder. Stop in and shush!
Sparks Lake is beautifully situated at the base of 3 major volcanoes - South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor. Its a canoe and kayakers paradise.
Sparks is calming to the spirit and interesting to explore. Paddle to the south end and check out the many intimate bays among lava stacks and rocky ridges.
On the way to
Newberry Volcanic
National Monument
Many Cascade Lakes
Along the 37 mile stretch of the Cascade Lakes Highway after Sparks Lake are so many other similar and lovely lakes.
Devil's, Elk, Hosmer, Lava, Little Lava, Cultus and Little Cultus lakes , plus Crane Priarie Reservior can also be paddled and fished.
Newberry Volcanic National Monument is a large volcanic caldera similar to nearby Crater Lake National Park. It houses two lakes in the center - Paulina and East Lake. You can drive up to 7,800 feet in elevation to the top of the caldera, and also hike or mountain bike its 20 mile circumference.
You can also hike a trail in the huge obsidian lava flow near the lakes, amidst the glistening black glassy rock.
On the way to Fort Rock
Natural Area
Hole in the Ground
A large, round volcanic crater, approximately 300 feet deep and a mile wide.
Although some would assume that Hole In The Ground was caused by a meteoroid, it is instead a maar - a volcanic crater formed by steam explosions.
Fort Rock Natural Area is a tuft ring volcano core on an ancient lake bed. It measures almost a mile across and more than 200 feet high.
The feature is located in central Oregon's Great Basin. The rock is solid and the interior is great for exploring.
Homestead Village Museum
Step back in time. The Fort Rock Valley Historical Society, founded in 1984 conceived and built the museum to document the life and times of this chapter in Oregon history. Appealing to adults and children alike, it includes a wonderful gift shop full of local history books and souvenirs. Call
541-576-2251 for details.
On the way to
Crater Lake National Park
Klamath Marsh
National Wildlife Refuge
is a sanctuary for migratory birds. This large natural marsh provides important nesting, feeding, and resting habitat for waterfowl, while the surrounding meadowlands are attractive nesting and feeding areas for sandhill crane, yellow rail, and various shorebirds and raptors.
The adjacent pine forests also support diverse wildlife including the great gray owl and Rocky Mountain elk. During summer months, opportunities to canoe in Wocus Bay allow for wildlife observation and a great scenic route.
South Sister, Broken Top and Mt. Bachelor
Broken Top and Sparks Lake
Paulina Lake, The Big Obsidian Flow, and East Lake in Newberry Volcanic National Monument
crater lake
NATIONAL park
Your very first look at Crater Lake will likely stay with you your whole life! The view over the rim at the oval expanse of vibrant cobalt blue - it hits you in the face. And you realize you're seeing the inside of what once was a massive, ancient volcano.
The Crater Lake caldera is about a mile across, 35 miles around the rim, and almost 2,000 feet deep - the deepest lake in North America.
On the way to Eugene
Waldo Lake
With a maximum depth of 420 feet, Waldo is the second deepest lake in the state. It also has extremely clear water with very little organic material. On a clear day one can see depths of up to 120 feet.
No gas motors are allowed on the lake, making it a peaceful and pristine boating experience for kayak, canoes and sailboats.
Salt Creek Falls is a 286 foot waterfall on Salt Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork Willamette River. It's a dramatic sight as it plunges into a gaping canyon. Hiking trails access it from on top and down below.
It's the third highest waterfall in Oregon, after Multnomah and Watson Falls.
North Umpqua Highway 138
is alternative route back to Eugene, along a picturesque river corridor. It follows the Umpqua River's north fork as it descends from the Cascades to Roseburg, then to Interstate 5.
Along the way are wonderful stops like Diamond Lake, with its view of dramatic Mt. Thielsen, plus Tokatee and Watson Falls. Be sure and stop by the classic Steamboat Inn for lunch.
The incomparable Crater Lake
A perfect day on Waldo Lake
Mt. Thielsen above Diamond Lake
Tokatee Falls
