Road trippers agree: Oregon is one of the best states for this American pastime. Whether you’re traveling along the Pacific Coast or heading inland, there’s so much to see — this state has certainly earned its right to boasting one of America’s greatest states to plan a road trip through. Looking for some suggestions on what spots to visit? It’s always a good time for this Oregon road trip.
You can drive south to north (or north to south!) and spend however long you want exploring the many spots you’ll find, both natural and man-made. The following two spots are not to miss on an Oregon road trip.
Crater Lake
You’ll agree when you arrive — this is well deserving of its spot at the top of your list of stops. Crater Lake is also a national park. The lake itself was created more than 7,000 years ago. A volcanic eruption blew off the top of a mountain, creating the nation’s deepest lake.
Along Rim Drive, a 33-mile-long route, you can see the lake from multiple vantage points. Rim Drive traverses the entire perimeter of Crater Lake and there are 30 places to stop with overlooks offering stellar panoramic views.
Seeing Crater Lake is easiest in the summer, when skies are clear, as dreary winter days’ clouds can make it hard to see the lake. The National Park Service operates a live webcam that lets you see visibility before you go. Because the lake is so popular and in the middle of a national park, it can make finding accommodations difficult. If you enjoy being outdoors, though, there are plenty of places to camp out.
North Umpqua
Only around an hour away from Crater Lake heading north, you’ll find North Umpqua. Fun fact: Umpqua Ice Cream is made in Roseburg less than an hour away! At last check, the ice cream company was working on a way to offer public tours of their facility — check back often, as this is some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have.
But aside from ice cream, there’s a lot more that makes North Umpqua a worthy visit. Waterfalls, natural attractions, and more round out the region. For instance, Watson Falls has a nearly 300-foot drop and is one of Oregon’s tallest waterfalls. There’s a less than half-mile trail from which you can see the falls easily.
Toketee Falls, on the other hand, is a little more strenuous hike, but round-trip it’s not even a mile — and the views! Breathtaking! Along the hike, you might notice that the fencing is bent in certain spots. This is a result of many years’ worth of hikers scaling the fences to get to spots below the path. Park rangers advise against this dangerous activity.
Naturally, it’s always a good time for this Oregon road trip. Where (and when) will you head on your Oregon road trip?
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