Crater Lake Biking
Escape into Oregon's rugged wilderness to experience epic biking and magnificent scenery at their finest - with heart-pumping routes that reward you with up-close views of geologic formations, alpine lakes, soaring high-desert mountains and virgin forests. From historic Ashland, discover Klamath Basin Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birds and outdoor enthusiasts. Skirt the edge of one of the world's most famous calderas, Crater Lake, on one of Bicycling magazine's favorite rides. Cradled by towering cliffs, the country's deepest lake is mesmerizing at every angle. Then bike the Cascade Lakes Highway, a National Scenic Byway that showcases the Northwest's unsurpassed beauty. Stroll through the classic mountain town of Bend and celebrate your accomplishments with an exhilarating white-water rafting trip down the Deschutes River. A full-service resort, classic national park lodge and converted schoolhouse provide welcoming retreats along our journey's path.
Day 1 Klamath Falls
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.
Days 2-3 Crater Lake
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 turn, marvel at the lake's intense sapphire hue Kick back with a cool drink at the lodge or explore this spectacular scenery on foot.
Days 4-5 Bend
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 white-water rafting trip on the Deschutes River Stay in Bend or shuttle back to Ashland.
CASCADE COMFORTS: Casual Inns
Running Y Ranch (1 night): This comfortable lodge near Klamath Lake overlooks a golf course and features a swimming pool and fitness center.
Crater Lake Lodge (2 nights): Perched on the crater's rim, this classic national park lodge takes you back 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 (1 night): This stylish converted schoolhouse in the heart of Bend charms guests with its lively décor, Turkish-style soaking pool, restaurant and pub.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options available
- 30, 51 miles
- 1000 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options available
- 48, 64 miles
- 2000 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 22, 34 miles
- 2500 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 4 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 47, 79 miles
- 2500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 15, 34 miles
- 1000 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Rafting on the Deschutes River 2 hours
Trips 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. |
||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/11-15Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/25-29Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/8-12Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/22-26Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/29-9/2Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/5-9Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-16Price: $2298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $490 for sgl. occ.)
Guest Trip Reviews
Possibly the best vacation and Backroads trip ever taken!!!! Crater Lake loop is the best bike ride I have ever taken complete with stunning scenery, snow, geologic features, forests and wild flowers, and even a surprise glissade down a still snow covered avalanche shoot. Besides the fantastic previously mentioned epic bike rides, we hiked, swam in snow melt filled Crater Lake, ate, drank, photographed and glissaded our way to one of the most memorable vacations ever!- Aurora, OH
This was the most enjoyable group of riders I have ever encountered. Despite wonderful weather, beautiful scenery, great routes and riding experiences, talented leaders, I will remember this trip most fondly for the people I had a chance to live with for 5 days - unforgettable for me.- Stafford, PA