Oregon Coast to Crater Lake Bike Tour

Meet in Portland early and van two-and-a-half hours southwest over the Central Oregon Coast Range to Newport. Pedal south with the coastal tailwind providing a gentle boost. Soak up the views of the sparkling Pacific Ocean and the Oregon Coast’s famous rock formations, or ‘sea stacks.’  Ride through tiny coastal villages, beachfront shaded by forests, and sand dunes. Spend tonight near the ocean in Reedsport.

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 sea stacks. The finish line is Gold Beach, a sportfishing 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.

Ride even farther south along the coast to Crescent City, California – 56 miles of wild, scenic beauty. Lunch is a lovely picnic on the beach at Crissey Field, an Oregon State Recreation Site perched between the California border and the Winchuck River. Continue riding south to explore the magnificent old-growth redwoods of Jedediah Smith State Park. Stay tonight at Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge, a rafting and fishing resort perched right on the river.

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, the birthplace of the Rogue. Pedal your bicycle 24 miles through the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest 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.

Bicycle around Crater Lake’s rim – guaranteed to be one of the most memorable rides of your life. 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 heading on to Roseburg and tonight’s lodging.

Sample yet another flavor of Oregon countryside as you ride up, down and through Winchester Wine Country. Enjoy a creekside picnic lunch in the shade before shuttling north to your drop-off in Eugene or Portland.