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Crater Lake is Oregon’s top visitor attraction and we make it easy to visit! How do you get to the lake? Where can you stay? What is there to do besides visiting the Park? Crater Lake Country provides the ultimate planning tool for visiting Crater Lake and its breathtaking neighborhood. Enjoy. CLICK HERE for current news and special travel offers.
Gateways | Attractions | Lodging | Things to See & Do | |Foodies’ Delight
BEST GATEWAYS TO CRATER LAKE
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KLAMATH FALLS
DISCOVER KLAMATH (Highway 97, 57 miles to Crater Lake) – One of the most scenic routes to Crater Lake is a journey up the Eastern side of the Cascade Mountains on Highway 97 into Klamath County, which provides one of the most beautiful and authentic nature experiences anywhere. The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway will take you on a fascinating journey to and from the Park. With numerous lodging choices, the town of Klamath Falls is only a stone’s throw away. Klamath County is just the kind of place that compels you to touch, try, and taste its bounty. It may change your life. Redefine your next Road Trip by visiting Klamath County. Visitor Center Location: 205 Riverside Dr., Klamath Falls, OR, Phone: 1.800.445.6728. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
CRATER LAKE AIRPORT
CRATER LAKE – KLAMATH REGIONAL AIRPORT (Klamath Falls, 57 miles to Crater Lake) – Newly renamed the Crater Lake – Klamath Regional Airport, the historic Klamath Falls airport is the closest airport to Crater Lake. Just minutes from downtown Klamath Falls, which offers convenient car rentals and excellent lodging, the airport makes it easy to plan your own “FLY-DRIVE-SEE CRATER LAKE” trip. The airport has excellent commercial air service direct from Portland and San Francisco, and easy connecting service from most major cities. Location: 6775 Arnold Ave., Klamath Falls, OR, Phone: 1-541-883-5372. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
ASHLAND-MEDFORD
ASHLAND SPRINGS HOTEL, LITHIA SPRINGS RESORT, ASHLAND HILLS HOTEL & SUITES, INN AT THE COMMONS, (Interstate 5, 80 miles to Crater Lake) – If traveling from California via I-5, Ashland and Medford are your first gateways to Crater Lake. The locally owned Newman Hotel Group offers an outstanding collection of fantastic places to stay. The Ashland Springs Hotel (212 East Main Street, Res: 1.888.795.4545) is a restored historic landmark in downtown Ashland with 70 tastefully appointed, non-smoking guest rooms, free continental breakfast, wi-fi, and 24 hr. parking. It’s also home of the Waterstone Spa & Salon and Larks Restaurant. Lithia Springs Resort (2165 West Jackson Rd., Res: 1.541.482.7128) is a spa-like retreat on the edge of town that celebrates its mineral hot springs heritage with hot mineral water private soaking tubs in all 28 bungalows and suites. The Ashland Hills Hotel & Suites (2525 Ashland St., Res: 1.855.482.8310) is nestled on the quiet side of Ashland with panoramic views. Its spacious suites provide kitchenettes, balconies, wi-fi access and free parking. Medford’s Inn at the Commons (200 N. Riverside Avenue, Res: 1.541.779.5811) is in the heart of downtown. Newly renovated, its 118 non-smoking spacious rooms and suites feature all top-rated hotel amenities. To learn more about each property, see individual Lodging listings below.
GRANTS PASS
HELLGATE & MORRISON’S (Interstate 5, 96 miles to Crater Lake) – Located right off Interstate 5, Grants Pass offers you the unique opportunity to WOW the family with a visit to Crater Lake and a Rogue River family adventure. Start your Grants Pass visit by booking a reservation on the Northwest’s #1 River Trip, Hellgate Jetboat Excursions (966 SW 6th St, Grants Pass, Res: 1.800.648.4874). See the beauty of the Rogue River, jet through the jaws of Hellgate Canyon, experience 360° spins and dine family style at their exclusive riverfront OK Corral. Follow it up with a relaxing stay along the Rogue River at historic Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge (8500 Galice Road, Merlin, Res: 1.800.826.1963) or reserve one of their cozy cabins. Swim, play tennis and experience their fine dining while you watch herons fish, osprey dive, or eagles soar along the river.
ROSEBURG
LAND OF UMPQUA (Interstate 5, 102 miles to Crater Lake) – The trip from the City of Roseburg to Crater Lake via the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway is considered by many the most scenic route to Oregon’s only National Park. The “Land of Umpqua,” which stretches from the coast to the Cascade Mountains is filled with authentic adventures. On your way to the Park stop at dozens of waterfalls, hike or mountain bike the North Umpqua Trail that parallels the “Wild and Scenic” North Umpqua River (dotted with campgrounds). Cast a line for steelhead, trout or bass and as much adventure as you could hope for in one river. The perfect base for exploring the area is the town of Roseburg offering over 1,000 rooms. Stroll through historic downtown, with unique shops, galleries, outstanding brewpubs and restaurants. Venture out and sip your way through the Umpqua Valley wine region, one of Oregon’s fastest growing. Roseburg Visitors Center location: 410 SE Spruce Street, Roseburg, OR, Phone: 1.800.444.9584. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST
EUGENE, CASCADES & COAST (Highway 58 via Oakridge to Crater Lake 176 miles or Interstate 5 via Cottage Grove to Crater Lake, 173 miles) – The Adventure Center (I-5, exit 194) can provide you with road conditions, weather, free maps and points of interest to Crater Lake National Park. Eugene – Springfield is a cornucopia of wineries, breweries, performing and visual arts, outdoor recreation and sports. Two scenic routes lead to Crater Lake: Highway 58 takes you via Oakridge, “The Mountain Biking Capital of the Northwest,” and some of Oregon’s best natural wonders. One spectacular “must see” is Salt Creek Falls, Oregon’s second highest continuous waterfall. The second route takes you south on I-5 to Roseburg via Cottage Grove, an “All America City” steeped in pioneer culture with the largest concentration of historic covered bridges west of the Mississippi. (Visitor Center & Gift Shop: 3312 Gateway St, Springfield, OR, Phone: 1.541.484.5307. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
OREGON SOUTH COAST
GOLD BEACH & BANDON (Highway 101, Gold Beach 221 miles, Bandon 187 miles to Crater Lake) – Many Crater Lake visitors don’t realize that combining a tour of Oregon’s spectacular South Coast is very doable with a visit to the Park. There are numerous routes that connect the coast to the Park. You can either start or end your trip with a coastal experience. The highlights of any South Coast visit are the towns of Bandon and Gold Beach. Bandon (Visitor Center location: 300 Second Street, Old Town, Bandon, OR, Phone: 1.541.347.9616) is a charming and unspoiled town that is world-famous as the home of Bandon Dunes, one of the top golf destinations in the world. Gold Beach (Visitor Center location: 94080 Shirley Lane, Gold Beach, OR, Phone: 1.800.525.2334) is where the Rogue River meets the sea. It offers Rogue River jetboat trips, easily accessible beaches, and great fishing. To learn more about both towns, see Attractions below.
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ATTRACTIONS AROUND CRATER LAKE
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CRATER LAKE’S BACKYARD
(Things to do near Crater Lake) – Welcome to the “30 Mile Club,” the friendly communities of Chiloquin, Rocky Point, and Fort Klamath (often referred to as the best 30 miles in Oregon). These welcoming communities are right in Crater Lake’s backyard, just south of Crater Lake National Park along the north side of Upper Klamath Lake. Sunset Magazine rated the area as the #1 birding destination in the West with the largest freshwater ecosystem west of the Great Lakes. The area offers rural roads for touring and mountain trails for hiking and cycling. If you love water, there are 15,000 acres of marsh and waterways for canoe or kayak exploring. Their popular visitor website has complete information on businesses in the area. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
KLA-MO-YA CASINO
CHILOQUIN (50 miles to Crater Lake) – Located close to Crater Lake and 25 minutes from Klamath Falls on Highway 97, Kla-Mo-Ya Casino is the premier gaming destination in Southern Oregon. They are open 24/7 with a restaurant, full service lounge, blackjack, slots, exciting giveaways and a friendly staff waiting to serve you. NEW – Try out their Espresso Bar. There is plenty of free parking for RVs and specials too. Stop by the Bonus Club desk to ask for your perks. Just next door is the Crater Lake Junction Travel Center, open 24/7, with competitive fuel prices and convenience store. Location: 34333 U.S. 97, Chiloquin, OR, Phone: 1.541.783.7529. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
LAKE OF THE WOODS RESORT
(51 miles to Crater Lake) – This high mountain historic lake resort sits beside one of the clearest natural lakes found in Southern Oregon. Rekindle the spirit and family traditions of the Great Northwest with a getaway to this pristine area! One can enjoy cabin life, comfort food, the wonders of nature, and a variety of outdoor recreational activities… summer and winter! The resort also operates nearby Forest Service facilities with camping and day use areas. A true outdoor lover’s paradise, the resort offers catering for groups and is a pemier wedding venue. Escape to Paradise! Location: 950 Harriman Route, Klamath Falls, OR, Phone: 1.866.201.4194. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
ROE OUTFITTERS
KLAMATH FALLS (57 miles to Crater Lake) – When you need someone to organize your family friendly adventure, call ROE! All tours are guided with equipment and instruction. For nearly 30 years ROE has been offering a variety of fun adventures like: (1) whitewater rafting on the Upper Klamath River & Rogue River from mild to wild (half or full day), (2) scenic and sunset kayak or canoe tours on calm rivers and wetlands, (3) fly fishing on the Williamson, Wood, Klamath and Rogue Rivers, (4) lake fishing, (5) sport fishing for salmon and steelhead on the Rogue River, (6) extreme birding tours and (7) fly fishing clinics. Join Southern Oregon’s family friendly outfitters for an adventure of a lifetime! Location: 9349 Hwy 97 South, Klamath Falls, OR, Phone: 1.541.884.3825. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
EDENVALE WINERY AND VOORHIES MANSION
MEDFORD ( 82 miles to Crater Lake) – This is more than a premium winery (off I-5 between Exits 24 and 27). It is also home of the historic Eden Valley Orchards and the renowned Voorhies Mansion and formal gardens, recognized as the birthplace of Medford’s commercial pear industry in the late 1800’s. In this beautiful setting, you can relax with ultra-premium Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet, Viognier and Chardonnay as well as many other blends and ports. Their tasting room is open seven days a week and is host to music, special winery events, and other entertainment. They also have a tasting room in Ashland, EdenVale’s Enoteca – Wine Bar and Bistro, right on the Plaza (1.541.482.3377). Main Location: 2310 Voorhies Road, Medford, OR, Phone: 1.541.512.2955, Ext 2. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE ABOUT EVENTS, THE HISTORIC ORCHARDS AND THEIR WINES.
BRITT FESTIVALS
JACKSONVILLE (84 miles to Crater Lake) – Discover the Britt Experience. Britt is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival. Located in the historic 1850s gold rush town of Jacksonville, Britt presents a summer series of concerts—a signature mix of classical, blues, folk, bluegrass, pop, rock and country music—on a dramatic Jacksonville hillside setting under the stars. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed setting in this one of a kind venue. Location: 350 S. First Street, Jacksonville, OR, Phone: 1.800.882.7488. See their full 2014 season lineup at their website. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
OREGON SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
ASHLAND (89 miles to Crater Lake) – You will be amazed at the scope and scale of this Tony Award-winning theater company. First, it does not just perform Shakespeare in the summer. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) presents 11 classic and contemporary plays on three stages from late February through October. Also, you don’t have to reserve a seat in advance. While reservations are highly recommended (the OSF website makes it easy to reserve online), you can “rush” – just go to the box office before a performance and see what is available. And you can also enjoy the ever-changing Green Show, which runs before summer evening performances, for free! Location: 15 South Pioneer Street, Ashland, OR, Phone: 1.800.219.8161. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE
MORRISON’S ROGUE RIVER LODGE AND RAFTING
MERLIN (103 miles to Crater Lake) – Adding a Rogue River adventure is the perfect complement to seeing the deep blue beauty of Crater Lake. No one knows more about this renowned river (and Rogue Valley attractions) than your hosts at the historic Morrison’s Rogue River Lodge. Hosting savvy anglers and enthusiastic white water rafters for almost 70 years for un-boring, real life adventure! Book a guided fishing, white water rafting, or hiking trip. Relax in the luxurious retro lodge or cozy cabins with fireplaces, sit by the pool or play tennis. Enjoy fine dining on the deck overlooking the river while you watch herons fish, osprey dive, or eagles soar. Location: 8500 Galice Road, Merlin, OR, Reservation Phone: 1.800.826.1963. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
WILDLIFE SAFARI
WINSTON (110 miles to Crater Lake) – This 600-acre drive-through animal park is just south of Roseburg (Exit 119 off I-5). The park is filled with hundreds of animals from Africa, Asia and the Americas. Family-pleasing adventures include: photos with our ambassador cheetahs, U-feed bear, elephant and giraffe encounters, camel rides, animal shows and camping experiences. This summer Wildlife Safari will unveil two new exhibits: the Elephant Waterhole, where three African elephants will splash in their own custom designed waterhole, complete with a waterfall and up close viewing area, and the new Wonders of the Wetlands exhibit where guests can stretch their legs outside of their vehicle and enjoy a snack or picnic lunch while learning about wetlands conservation and ecosystem management. The park also offer day and overnight adventure camps for kids and adults. Safari Village is free to the public and includes a children’s petting zoo, Safari Café and gift shop. Summer Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM daily. Location: 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR, Phone: 1.541.679.6761. CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO.
OREGON CAVES CHATEAU
OREGON CAVES (123 miles to Crater Lake) – The Chateau at the Oregon Caves National Monument, located off Highway 199 which connects Crater Lake to the Oregon Coast, is the perfect setting to leave behind demands of everyday life. Enjoy hiking trails to mountain lakes or choose from various guided tours of unique marble caverns. This National Historic Landmark offers overnight lodging and an authentic 1930′s-style Café serving breakfast, lunch and old-fashioned shakes. Enjoy fresh Northwest cuisine and impressive canyon views in the creekside dining room. The Gift Gallery features work from artisans of regional renown. View the free live music and lecture schedule online. Special lodging rates May, June, September. Location: 20,000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, OR, Phone: 1.877.245.9022. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
BANDON BY THE SEA
OREGON’S GOLF COAST (187 miles to Crater Lake) – On the breathtaking South Coast, the charming and unspoiled seacoast town of Bandon is world-famous as the home of Bandon Dunes, one of the top golf destinations in the world. But Bandon offers far more than world class golf courses. Its charming Old Town and scenic beauty are also unparalleled. Enjoy birding, surfing, crabbing, fishing, and so much more! There are also numerous quality lodging choices. The people who live here love it, and each year, first-time visitors discover why. Visitor Center location: 300 Second Street, Old Town, Bandon, OR, Phone: 1.541.347.9616. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.
GOLD BEACH
NATURE’S WILD SIDE (221 miles to Crater Lake) – Also located on the South Coast, Gold Beach delivers the Coast as it’s meant to be: Wild and Natural. Whether your ” Wild Side” is salmon fishing, rafting, jetboating on the mighty Rogue River, or the adrenaline rush of windsurfing one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, you’ll find it here. Perhaps your “Wild Side” is just getting away to walk miles of uninterrupted, secluded beaches or hiking windswept headlands. Your “Wild Side” could be watching amazing animals, on land and sea, or capturing nature in a photograph or painting inspired by our gorgeous scenery. Visitor Center location: 94080 Shirley Lane, Gold Beach, OR, Phone: 1.800.525.2334. CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE.