Crater Lake Family Multisport
Bike, Hike and Raft through Untouched Oregon
Pack your sense of adventure for a wilderness romp through Oregon's Cascade Mountains. First we set our sights on picturesque Klamath Lake and ease into vacation mode with a meandering ride that traces a prime migration route for pelicans, egrets and other waterfowl. Up the ante on a hike to the rim of Crater Lake for jaw-dropping vistas of the fascinating six-mile-wide caldera. Adults and youngsters alike will marvel at its sheer immensity and peculiar geologic formations. Whether on terra firma or by boat, discover a new awe-inspiring vantage point around every turn. Finally, arrive in Bend, one of Outside magazine's most beloved towns, and grab your oars for a splashing good time on Deschutes River rapids.
Trip Planning Links
- Play in a national park that many wish to see, but relatively few do
- Pedal the famed Crater Rim Drive for one of the most magical vistas in the United States
- Hike on the scenic Pacific Crest Trail
- Crater Lake Lodge, where cards replace TVs and fireside chats replace video games
- Raft the Deschutes River and cool off at a favorite swimming hole
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Klamath Falls
Meet in Ashland and shuttle into the hills of southern Oregon 
Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, enjoy a family-friendly ride to Upper Klamath Lake through the Cascades.
Days 2-3 Crater Lake
Shuttle into Crater Lake National Park Hiking through dense pine forest, join part of the Pacific Crest Trail, which snakes all the way from Canada to Mexico Your efforts are rewarded with stunning views of the crater and its namesake lake, the deepest in the United States Kids enjoy a gentler route shadowing Annie Creek A morning hike highlights vistas of cobalt water, craggy snow-dusted peaks and old-growth firs As you picnic above this magnificent crater, picture that a volcano stood here 7,700 years ago Adults can opt for a rewarding - but challenging - ride along famed Crater Rim Drive Explore the park further on foot or by boat (weather permitting), or simply kick back at our historic lodge.
Days 4-5 Bend
Lava fields and lake-dotted valleys provide an ever-changing backdrop for your ride along Cascade Lakes Highway, a National Scenic Byway Brave kids - and kids at heart - can jump into the serene but chilly waters of Elk Lake After an exhilarating rafting trip down the Deschutes River, cool off with a dip at a favorite swimming hole Extend your stay in Bend or shuttle back to Ashland.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Crater Lake Family Multisport
RELAXING HANG-OUTS: Casual Inns
Running Y Ranch
Klamath Falls (1 night) A beautiful forest surrounds this comfortable lodge near the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge.
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake (2 nights) This grand lodge, with panoramic views of the lake, has been welcoming families since 1915.
McMenamins Old St. Francis School
Bend (1 night) Kids will get a kick out of the fact that each guest room was once a classroom. Adults will enjoy the on-site pub and brewery, while everyone will agree that the elaborate soaking pool is a must!
Crater Lake Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options available
- Biking 12, 30 miles
- 200 - 800 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options available
- Hiking 2, 5 miles
- 100 - 1100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 2 5 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 3, 5 miles
- 600 - 800 feet elevation gain
- Biking 8, 19 miles
- 800 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 17, 39, 50 miles
- 600 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Rafting on Deschutes River 2 hours
- Optional Biking 15 miles
- 1200 feet elevation gain