Crater Lake Family Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Rafting 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.
- 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 Play in a national park that many wish to see, but relatively few do 
Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, enjoy a family-friendly ride past fragrant ponderosa pine and manzanita to Klamath Lake, Oregon's largest freshwater lake and host to more than 430 bird species.
Days 2-3 Crater Lake: the country's deepest lake, uniquely beautiful and seemingly undiscovered 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 Kids pedal a gentler route shadowing Annie Creek A morning hike around Crater Lake highlights vistas of cobalt water, craggy snow-dusted peaks and old-growth Douglas fir As you picnic above this magnificent crater, can you believe 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.
Day 4 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.
Day 5 Exhilarating Class II-III rafting on the Deschutes River, the perfect way to cap off your trip - along with a dip at a favorite swimming hole!
Adult Route Rating What's this?
- 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:
Alaska Multisport Maine Multisport Redwood National Park MultisportOther National Park Trips
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Crater Lake Family Multisport
Casual Inns
Running Y Ranch
Klamath Falls (1 night) A comfortable lodge near Klamath Lake with timbered ceilings and flagstone floors, and opportunities for spotting hawks and eagles. (pool)
Crater Lake Lodge
Crater Lake (2 nights) Perched on the crater's rim, this classic national park lodge transports you to a bygone era, where guests play cards in the lobby, talk over a cold drink or watch the sun set over the lake.
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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
- Optional 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
- Optional Biking 15 miles
- 1200 feet elevation gain
- River Rafting 2 hours