Bend, Oregon is about an hour’s drive from Crater Lake National Park, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The two attractions are often combined into one trip, as they offer a variety of activities and sights to see.
The drive from Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park is approximately 163 miles and takes approximately 3 hours.
What is there to see between Bend and Crater Lake?
The top stops along the way from Bend to Crater Lake National Park (with short detours) are:
1. Rim Village Visitor Center – this is the perfect place to start your journey, as it provides an overview of the park and its history.
2. High Desert Museum – a great place to learn about the local wildlife and ecology.
3. Bachelor Ski & Sports – the perfect place to pick up any gear you need for your visit to the park.
4. Pilot Butte – a great spot for views and photo opportunities.
5. Rim Dr – the perfect place to take a scenic drive and enjoy the views.
6. Tumalo Falls – a must-see stop for any waterfall lover, and an easy hike with a great payoff.
There are a limited number of hotels and lodges near Crater Lake National Park, so many visitors choose to stay in the nearby city of Bend. The historic Crater Lake Lodge is the only Oregon hotel located within the national park, and it fills up quickly. Visitors can also choose to stay at one of the many hotels or motels in Bend, which is the largest city closest to the park.
What is the best month to visit Crater Lake
The best time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months from July to mid-September. Winter prevails from November through April, so unless you and your traveling companions are winter sports aficionados, the summer season is the preferred time to visit for most guests.
Crater Lake is an amazing place and well worth the hassle of getting here. Once you’re actually in the park, take the time to explore and enjoy all it has to offer. Stay overnight if you can, so you don’t have to worry about getting back to your car and can just relax and take in the beauty of the lake.
When should you not go to Crater Lake?
If you’re planning on hiking in the park, be aware that deep snow can make trails difficult or dangerous to follow. In May and June, it’s best to check conditions beforehand and stick to lower, easier trails.
Bend, Oregon is known for its outdoor activities and craft breweries. Downtown Bend is a great place to explore on foot, and Drake Park and Mirror Pond are perfect for relaxing. The Ale Trail is a great place to drink a pint of craft beer, and Tamolitch Falls Blue Pool is a great place to hike. Sahalie Falls is a must-see for anyone visiting Bend, Oregon.
What town to stay in when visiting Crater Lake?
There are many lodging options available beyond the next closest options in Chemult (42 miles away), Shady Cove (55 miles), and Klamath Falls (57 miles).
Crater Lake Lodge is the only lodge inside the park and is open from mid-May to early October. The Cabins at Mazama Village are nestled in a lodgepole pine forest and are open year-round.
Is Crater Lake Worth seeing
Crater Lake National Park is a National Park in southern Oregon, United States. It is the fifth-oldest National Park in the U.S. and is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the country.
There are plenty of things to do in Crater Lake National Park. Visitors can take a boat tour of Crater Lake, hike to the top of Mt. McLoughlin, or take a scenic drive around the caldera. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, loons, and eagles.
There is no need to make reservations in order to enter the park. You can just show up and enjoy the sights and attractions.
How do you dress for Crater Lake?
But Crater Lake is more than 6,000 feet above sea level, so it’s relatively cool even in summer. Temperatures plummet in the evenings, so bring long pants and a jacket to wear.
There are many things to see and do when circumnavigating the lake by car or motorcycle. Allow a minimum of two hours to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake. This will ensure that you have plenty of time to take in the scenery and maybe even stop for a swim. If you are driving a larger vehicle or towing, you may need to allow more time.
How long should I stay in Bend Oregon
There is never enough time in Bend! I could easily spend 4 days doing just one of the activities on this Bend itinerary. If you have more time, you can stay longer at each place or head south and check out the High Desert Museum, the Lava Cave, or hike/mountain bike Peter Skene Ogden trail.
The Phantom Ship is a great hike for those looking for a moderate to difficult intensity hike featuring wildflowers and lava flows. The views from the top of the ship are unbeatable, and the hike itself is fairly steep. However, the rewards are well worth it, as you’ll have outstanding views of the Rogue Valley, Cascade peaks, and Crater Lake.
What time of day is best to see Crater Lake?
One of the best ways to avoid the crowds at Crater Lake National Park is to arrive before 9 am. The annual average snowfall in the park is 43 feet, so the lake is often hidden from view by snow clouds.
Volcanoes are one of the most dangerous natural hazards. They can cause a variety of destructive events, including hydrothermal explosions, ash/tephra fall, pyroclastic surges, lahars, and landslides/rockfalls. All of these events can pose a serious threat to life and property. It is important to be aware of the dangers these hazards can pose and to be prepared for them.
What is a problem in Crater Lake
Invasive plants are a major threat to Crater Lake National Park. Exotic invasive plants cover approximately 14 million acres of NPS lands and waters, and Crater Lake National Park is particularly vulnerable because of its high visitation rates and moist conditions. However, there are still areas in the park that are composed entirely of native plant species.
Crater Lake is one of the snowiest places in America, receiving an average of 43 feet of snow per year. Thus, there are only a few months when people can swim at Crater Lake, given the extreme winter season. Visitors to the lake can swim from June through September.
Conclusion
The distance from Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake National Park is approximately 100 miles.
While Bend Oregon is a beautiful city located in the state of Oregon, it is approximately 80 miles south of Crater Lake National Park. Though Bend is a great place to live, work and raise a family, those who want to experience the serenity and wonder of Crater Lake will need to travel a bit further.
