Crater Lake - 'the best bike ride in North America' - is a cyclist's must-ride. Here's a way to get there that ups the ante.

Meet in Portland early on a Saturday morning and van two hours south through the lush Willamette Valley farmland to Eugene, Oregon. Today’s ride is long and spectacular: head west, climbing over the Coast Range on a road with very little traffic. Follow the Smith River through evergreen forests and pastureland as it slowly descends toward the Pacific Ocean. Spend the night near the ocean in Reedsport.

Sunday, head south along the coast, bicycling through forests and along pristine beaches with sand dunes and lighthouses. The rolling hills of the aptly-named Seven Devils Road drop out onto the coast again at Bandon, a vibrant fishing and resort town.

Today is another day of cycling Oregon's wild coastline: sandy beaches; rocky cliffs; waves pounding the rocky seastacks. The finish line is Gold Beach, a sport fishing town in the heart of Oregon’s “Banana Belt.” Boasting more sun than any other town on the Oregon or Washington coasts, Gold Beach is so far from any major metropolitan area that its gorgeous beaches remain wonderfully uncrowded. Dinner is on your own tonight, so you’ll have time to explore.

Today, ride even farther south along the coast, then inland to historic Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge, a rafting and fishing resort perched right on the river. 

This morning, take a thrilling whitewater raft trip through the gorges, canyons and old-growth forest along the Rogue River (the raft trip is included in your tour price). After lunch at Morrison's, head to Union Creek, birthplace of the Rogue. Pedal your bicycle 24 miles right into Crater Lake National Park, across a high meadow covered with volcanic pumice from the explosion of Mt. Mazama some 8,000 years ago. From Crater Lake's rim, gaze down 1,500 feet to the stunningly blue lake below. Spend the next two nights here, at the famous lodge perched right on the rim of amazing, stunning Crater Lake.

Today, bicycle around Crater Lake's rim. This 35-mile ride is considered by Bicycling magazine to be one of the most spectacular one-day rides in the entire country. At an elevation of 7,000 feet and with plenty of ups and downs, the rim ride is more challenging than the 35-mile distance would indicate. A hike and boating expedition to the caldera’s tiny Wizard Island is on today’s schedule as well; the boat tour is included as part of your trip package. Not a boater? If you prefer, hike up to Mt. Scott or Garfield Butte for phenomenal views of the lake and surrounding region.

Pedal north out of Crater Lake to another gorgeous gem today - sparkling Diamond Lake, beloved by fishermen and wilderness enthusiasts alike. Ride a paved bicycle path around the lake, through wetland meadows laced with sparkling streams, then follow the North Umpqua River through evergreen forests and out into the farmland near Roseburg. Enjoy lunch at beautiful Clearwater Falls Park before cycling to our lodging for the night at the Steamboat Inn, right on the Umpqua River.

This last day, ride onward to Glide, where the North Umpqua River meets the Little River head-on – the only place in the world where this happens. After a gourmet picnic lunch and a final celebration, load up and head north again to Portland.