Arrive in friendly Bend, Oregon's adventure capital • Walk along the rollicking Deschutes River, passing ponderosa pine and western juniper while keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife • Climb Tumalo Mountain for sweeping views of the Cascades • Explore Smith Rock State Park, a high-desert wonderland of sheer cliffs, deep canyons, dramatic volcanic crags and vertical faces • Wander through vibrant downtown Bend, packed with art galleries and cafés • Cap off your day of hiking with a relaxing "beer-venture" at a classic Bend craft brewery.

Hike around Paulina Lake, past a glistening obsidian flow • Climb Paulina Peak for far-reaching views—you might even glimpse the Golden State • Rustic elegance and world-class amenities abound at Sunriver, an outdoor-lover's paradise ideally situated at the foot of the Cascades • Hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail to discover alpine lakes hidden in the Cascades' dense conifer forest • Pause at Lower Rosary Lake—a perfect mirror for monolithic Pulpit Rock looming overhead.

Catch your first glimpse of pristine Crater Lake's intense sapphire color and amazing clarity from Mount Scott • Gain a bird's-eye view of spectacular scenery from the summit • Venture deep into Oregon's natural landscape as we hike among stands of western hemlock and white-bark pines • Embark on an exhilarating walk along the rim of the crater • Hike to the top of Garfield Peak for one last expansive view of the lake • Or perhaps unwind at rustic and historic Crater Lake Lodge—the amazing vistas from the lodge's back deck are hard to resist.