Backroads

Meet in Ashland, just north of California's border  After a brief shuttle into the Siskiyou Mountains, enjoy a lakeside picnic lunch Warm up with a spin past fragrant ponderosa pine and manzanita Descending to the foothills, arrive at Klamath Lake, Oregon's largest freshwater lake and host to more than 430 species of resident and migratory birds.

Observe the morning light over Klamath Lake as you bike north  Pedal rolling terrain against a backdrop of thick forest, interspersed with wide-open vistas Fuel up with lunch on the edge of Crater Lake National Park before embarking on a 2,700-foot climb to the crater's rim  Midway, catch your breath at Annie Creek gorge, carved out by the river below Your efforts are rewarded upon reaching the crater and its namesake lake  As you circle the rim of this ancient volcano, with views around every bend, marvel at the lake's intense sapphire hue Kick back with a cool drink at the lodge or explore this spectacular scenery on foot.

Immersed in pine forest, bike along aptly named Cascade Lakes Highway, following paths used by the first explorers of the Northwest  Ride in the shadows of Broken Top Mountain and the volcanic peaks of Three Sisters  Enjoy lunch beside Elk Lake, with Mount Bachelor looming ahead Descend to the charming town of Bend Cap off your trip with a thrilling water-water rafting trip on the Deschutes River.