Road Trip from Portland to Crater Lake National Park
One of America’s unique landforms is Crater Lake. An incredible journey from Portland to Crater Lake National Park will take you to a location that has inspired people for hundreds of years on a road trip from Portland to Crater Lake. Even though it’s a quick journey, there are many sights to see.
It will take four hours to drive the approximately 235 miles from Portland to Crater Lake. Important stops include the Cascade Lakes, Mt. Hood, the Willamette, Siuslaw, and Umpqua National Forests, and Eugene (or Bend, if you opt for).
You guarantee the greatest road trip experience possible; make sure you read through to the end for assistance in creating your schedule.
How long will it take to drive from Portland to Crater Lake?
| Route | Distance | Driving time |
| Eugene Route | 235 miles | 04 hours |
| Bend Route | 270 miles | 06 hours |
The 235-mile drive from Portland to Crater Lake should take you roughly four hours, though it will take a little longer if you include stops. It is ideal to spread out the road trip over a few days or a weekend, but you could certainly drive this in half a day.
The shortest way to go to Eugene from Portland is to head south. To get to Crater Lake, this route will next pass through the verdant Umpqua and Willamette National Forests. Although the first half of the route is mostly freeway, it is a lovely drive overall.
But there’s another way, which we’ll refer to as the Bend Route. Although the Bend Route is longer, it offers a wider variety of landscapes and some breathtaking, lovely roads. If you have extra time, this route is a fantastic choice because of the Mount Hood and Cascade Lakes gorgeous byways.
With 270 miles to cover, the Bend Route is longer and takes 6 hours to travel. There are many breathtaking views along the route, so you’ll also want to stop more often. This option is better if you have a few days to appreciate the journey.
The Ideal road trip route from Portland to Crater Lake
What you want to see and how much time you have will determine the ideal road trip route from Portland to Crater Lake. The Bend Route is longer but more scenic than the Eugene Route, which is shorter and more straight.
How to travel from Portland to Crater Lake
Our recommendations for the top driving routes between Portland and Crater Lake are displayed on the map above. Keep reading for thorough explanations of both routes, accommodations on each, and the top things to do along the route.
Eugene Route
From Portland, head south on Interstate 5. Proceed south toward Salem after crossing the Willamette River. This is the route’s first significant landmark. Proceed on Interstate 5 via Salem in the direction of Eugene.
At Eugene, you will merge with Highway 58 and start traveling eastward. You will pass Lookout Point Lake and Dexter Reservoir on this highway. You will pass Odell and Crescent Lakes on Highway 58 and enter the Willamette National Forest.
After that, you’ll quickly cross Highway 97 before heading onto Crater Lake National Park’s Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
The Bend Route
From Portland, head south on Interstate 5. Proceed south toward Salem after crossing the Willamette River. This is the route’s first significant landmark. Proceed on Interstate 5 via Salem in the direction of Eugene.
At Eugene, you will merge with Highway 58 and start traveling eastward. You will pass Lookout Point Lake and Dexter Reservoir on this highway. You will pass Odell and Crescent Lakes on Highway 58 and enter Willamette National Forest.
After that, you’ll quickly cross Highway 97 before heading onto Crater Lake National Park’s Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
After that, the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway merges onto Highway 58 and ultimately Highway 97. After that, Highway 97 leads to Crater Lake National Park’s Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. This route’s final part is identical to the Eugene route.
Ideal locations to stop between Portland and Crater Lake
Although the drive from Portland to Crater Lake might be completed in a single day, I suggest allowing at least a few days for this journey. Depending on the route you take, the accommodations listed below are advised.
Relax like never before in Eugene
The Valley River Inn is a peaceful, upscale lodging option located directly on the banks of the Willamette River. The rooms are roomy and fully furnished. In addition to well-kept gardens, the Valley River Inn features an indoor hot tub and a seasonal pool.
You may eat by the Willamette River at their on-site restaurant and bar. To let you experience Pacific Northwest cuisine, they go out of their way to serve local meals and drinks.
It is quiet because it is slightly outside Eugene’s core. You can quickly access everything available downtown because Eugene’s centre is just a five to ten-minute drive away.
If you decide to take the Eugene Route for your road journey from Portland to Crater Lake, this is the best option to stay overnight because of its ideal location, reasonable pricing, and on-site parking.
Experience luxury and solitude in magnificent Deschutes
The Riverhouse is situated directly next to the Deschutes River, a breathtaking setting. The northern part of Bend is the ideal location for this lovely hotel if you want to take advantage of everything the area offers.
You may take in the peaceful appeal of the nearby river from the private balcony and balcony in each accommodation. The rooms have clean, modern decor, plenty of space, and all of the comforts you could want.
After a long day of traveling, you may relax in the fitness center, pool, and hot tub. The hotel contains everything you need if you’re looking for food and drink.
Places to see on a road trip from Portland to Crater Lake
There are several fascinating locations along the way and breathtaking landscapes on both routes from Portland to Crater Lake. To see everything along the way, it’s better to spend a few days traveling each route, if you have the time.
Drive one way to Crater Lake and the other way back if you have the time. In this manner, you can experience all this Oregon region has to offer.
Oregon State Capitol- Enjoy the fantastic white marble architecture of the State Capitol building situated in downtown Salem.
Cascades Raptor Center- To learn more about these powerful predators, get up close and personal with 21 different kinds of raptors.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art – Besides local art from the Pacific Northwest, the museum has a global collection of artwork from China, Japan, and Europe.
Eagles Rest Trail Head- The Eagles Rest Trail, which begins on Highway 58, offers some breathtaking views of the surrounding forest if you need a respite from driving.
Diamond Creek Falls- Another great hike is Diamond Creek Falls, which is located directly along Highway 58. The 3-mile round will lead you to the serene falls, where you can stretch out and feel the water spray as it falls if you’re up for a quick ascend.
Crescent Lake – Located on Highway 58, this gorgeous natural lake is the ideal spot to pause for a quick snack or lunch.
Umpqua and Willamette National Forests – Two of the most stunning forests on the West Coast surround the lovely itinerary. Beautiful waterfalls, such as the 293-foot Watson Falls, are the main attraction of Umpqua Forest.
The Bend Route
Mt. Hood – Any season is a good time to visit Oregon’s top outdoor recreation destination.
Mount Hood- For those who enjoy the outdoors, Mount Hood is a terrific area to go hiking and backpacking in the summer and skiing in the winter.
Timberline Lodge – The Timberline Lodge offers the best views of the mountain because it is situated right on top.
Trillium Lake – This serene little lake provides a fantastic view of Mount Hood and is just off the main highway.
Smith Rock State Park- This park, close to Redmond, is breathtaking, with rivers flowing through rocky formations.
Deschutes River Trail – The Deschutes River trail is close to Bend’s heart if you need to stretch your legs.
High Desert Museum – Visit the High Desert Museum to learn more about the people, animals, and plants of the High Desert.
Bend Ale Trail – Take a tour of more than 24 local breweries to sample the tastes of Bend’s craft beer, which the city is proud of.
Tumalo Falls – For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, trek to the 97-foot waterfall in the Deschutes National Forest.
Cascade Lakes –Be sure to appreciate the breathtaking sights and pristine lakes along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway.
Best time to drive from Portland to Crater Lake
Crater Lake is accessible by car from Portland at any time of year. Some of the Bend Route’s roads will be blocked, but Crater Lake is a well-liked spot for winter sports. Before you go, use Google Maps to confirm your planned route in case of any seasonal road closures.
Depending on snowfall, the Cascades Lake Scenic Byway is typically available from June to October. Crater Lake is a great place to visit in the winter, and since some of the roads will be closed, you’re encouraged to explore on foot.
Summer is the most popular season since the weather is at its best. Because you may go out onto the lake for activities, Crater Lake is a fantastic summertime getaway.
Fall and spring, the shoulder seasons, are peaceful times to go. You will need to be ready for the cooler weather, though. With affordable rates on surrounding hotels, this may also be the most inexpensive time to travel.
Frequently Asked Question
Is Crater Lake worth the drive from Portland?
With so many spectacular stops along the way, the drive from Portland to Crater Lake National Park is as thrilling as the final destination. With our five-day trip, you’ll see breathtaking mountains, charming towns, and the stunning Crater Lake!
How long is the drive from Portland to Crater Lake?
It could take four to five hours depending on traffic and the route you select. In Eugene, we stopped for brunch after heading south on I-5. It takes a little longer, but you can take the more scenic route instead and stop in Bend.
What to see between Crater Lake and Portland?
We’ve researched and compiled a list of fantastic road trip destinations from Crater Lake National Park to Portland, including Eugene, Salem, and McMinnville, as well as popular destinations like LaPine State Park, Salt Creek Falls, and the always-popular Diamond Lake Resort.
What is the best month to go to Crater Lake?
The ideal time to visit Crater Lake is the summer, especially from July to September. The weather is better, more amenities are available, and there are more things to do during this time.
For more details, kindly visit http://www.nps.gov
