Bend to Crater Lake National Park Road Trip

One of my favorite road trips in the Pacific Northwest is the 2-hour stretch from Bend to Crater Lake National Park. The breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains along Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway followed by the bright blue waters of Crater Lake make it an unbelievable trip.

With countless pull-offs and hiking trails along the way, this Oregon road trip offers something for everyone to check out. Here are some of my favorite hikes and lakes to explore along the way!

How far is Bend to Crater Lake National Park?

The distance from Crater Lake to Bend, Oregon is about 100 miles. Without stops, the drive from Bend to Crater Lake’s north entrance takes about 2.5 hours.

Of course, this drive is stunning and it’s worth checking out many spots along the way. While it’s possible to plan a day trip from Bend to Crater Lake, I’d recommend spending at least a full day driving and hiking along Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway. Then spend at least 2 full days exploring Crater Lake! 

When to Drive from Bend to Crater Lake

It’s best to take a Bend to Crater Lake road trip from late spring through early winter. While Crater Lake National Park is technically open year-round, weather permitting, the full Crater Lake Scenic Rim Drive has a short season. It usually opens between the end of May and mid-June and closes at the end of October or early November as snow begins to settle.

The Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway has a slightly longer season but the road is closed from December through March. As one of the travel highlights from Crater Lake to Bend, I’d recommend going when the scenic byway is open.

Bend to Crater Lake Road Trip Itinerary

Hike up a Cascade volcano, swim in the freshwater of Crater Lake, enjoy a couple of scenic drives, and picnic alongside one of the many lakes. The route from Bend to Crater Lake offers plenty to explore whether you enjoy an active trip with long day hikes or setting up a camp chair and taking in the breathtaking landscapes.

These are some highlights along the drive from Bend and Crater Lake.

Bend

Known as a trendy city and popular destination for both its beauty and easy access to outdoor recreation, Bend, Oregon is a gem in the Cascades.

The Deschutes River runs right through downtown. Relaxing along the river is a great pass time for both locals and visitors. Even better, pick up some beers from one of the many local breweries and float the river!

If you’re into adrenaline activities it’s also worth visiting the water park on the Deschutes River. Whether you want to practice whitewater kayaking or get a workout on your paddleboard, these human-made rapids are a fun activity to check out.

Mount Bachelor

Mount Bachelor is one of the most prominent volcanos in the area. Filling up the landscape, Mount Bachelor is a dormant stratovolcano in the Cascade Mountains. It’s just south of the Three Sisters volcanoes and stands tall and proud.

Mount Bachelor is definitely worth checking out as it’s an outdoor recreation area year-round!

Ski Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

During winter you can ski at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort. It’s one of the most popular ski resorts in Oregon! Throughout the winter Mount Bachelor Ski Resort also offers a snow tubing park, snowshoe tours, and dog sledding rides.

Mountain Biking

During the summer months, Mount Bachelor’s bike park is open for downhill mountain biking. Enjoy lift-served downhill trails. Whether you’re just getting into mountain biking or an experienced rider there are trails for all abilities.

Hike Mount Bachelor

6.5 miles out & back, 2740 foot gain

Summer is also an incredible time to hike Mount Bachelor. It’s a steep hike from the parking lot to the summit but you’ll have stunning views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top, and the surrounding Deschutes National Forest. On a clear day, there’s a chance you will even see some of the other Cascade Volcanoes!

Three Sisters Volcanoes

Some of the most iconic volcanoes in the Cascade Mountain Rainge, the Three Sisters, are located just west of Bend. There are three glaciated stratovolcanoes next to one another. They all rise to over 10,000 feet in elevation. They fill up the skyline beautifully.

The Three Sisters are another popular spot for outdoor recreation. In the winter the Three Sisters are a great spot for experienced backcountry skiers. In the summer the Three Sisters offer stunning but steep hikes up to their summits.

Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway

One of my favorite drives in the United States is Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway and it’s right on the route when driving from Bend, Oregon to Crater Lake. Winding through the picturesque Deschutes National Forest, there are many pullouts and lakes to explore along the way.

Devils Lake

Located right off of Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Devils Lake is a shallow 23-acre lake known for its stunning bright turquoise-green color. It’s conveniently located right off the road and easy to access. Devils Lake is a great spot to go on a short hike, have a picnic, or fish from the shore for rainbow trout.

Sparks Lake

Sparks Lake sits a little off of Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway down a bumpy dirt road. It’s a shallow lake and wetlands area that beautifully reflects the horizon including Broken Top and South Sister.

Wildlife sightings are common here and it’s also a great spot to camp or take a dip on your way from Bend to Crater Lake.

Green Lakes Trail

9.1 miles out & back, 1200 foot gain

If you’re looking for a long but gradual hike along your drive from Bend to Crater Lake then check out Green Lakes Trail in Three Sisters Wilderness. It’s located right off the scenic byway and is the perfect spot to go for a hike or trail run.

To the west, you’ll have striking views of South Sister and to the east, you’ll have stunning views of Broken Top, a glacially eroded stratovolcano.

Crater Lake

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States reaching 1,943 feet deep. It’s also one of the clearest lakes in the US with visibility well over 100 feet on the clearest days. Not only that, it’s one of the biggest blue lakes you’ll ever see! There are no mineral or sediment deposits in the lake which helps it maintain its clear and bright color.

Here are some of the best things to do in Crater Lake National Park.

Cleetwood Cove Trail

2 miles out & back trip; 620 foot gain

The Cleetwood Cove Trail will definitely be a highlight along your Bend to Crater Lake road trip. The Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only place you can legally access the shoreline of Crater Lake. It’s also the only swimming spot in Crater Lake National Park. While the water is freezing cold from the long-lasting snowmelt it’s worth taking a refreshing dip!

Keep in mind that this trail descends over 600 feet over a mile. That means you have to climb back up on the way out. It’s a tiring and tough ascent if you’re not a regular hiker, so take your time and pack water.

Wizard Island Boat Tour

Wizard Island is the main island in Crater Lake. The cinder cone rises over 700 feet tall. During the summer, usually from early July to mid-September, it’s possible to take a boat ride over to the island or a tour of the lake.

Boat tours usually spend a few hours on the island allowing enough time to hike to the top of the crater or to wander around on the shore.

Wizard Island Boat Tours board from the base of the Cleetwood Cove Trail. Reserve tickets ahead to guarantee your spot!

Hike to Watchman Peak for Sunset

1.7 miles out & back; 400 foot gain

Watchman Peak is located on the west side of Crater Lake and offers spectacular views of the crater and Wizard Island. It’s also the perfect spot to watch the sunset. The summit of the moderate hike overlooks Crater Lake as the sky turns hues of orange, pink, and purple.

Looking to the west you’ll see the sun set over distant mountains. On a clear enough evening you can even see Mount Shasta to the south. Don’t forget to pack a headlamp for the hike out!

Drive the Scenic Rim Drive

The Crater Lake Scenic Rim Drive offers 33 miles, 53 kilometers, of beautiful scenery as you circle the lake. The views are breathtaking and there are many pullouts along the drive.

Not only are the views of Crater Lake impressive but many pullouts feature the unique volcanic geology. You’ll also see stunning views of the surrounding rolling mountains and dense forests surrounding Crater Lake National Park.

Check out the Rim Village Visitor Center

If you want to learn about park history and geology a stop at the visitor center is always a must. The Rim Village Visitor Center offers spectacular views overlooking the lake as well as in-depth information about the volcanic and native history of the area. Park rangers can provide you with information about the best hikes and things to do in Crater Lake National Park.

Where to Stay

There are both camping and lodging options along the route from Bend to Crater Lake. Campgrounds range from private and well-established campgrounds to primitive camping sites.

Accommodations range from hotels to quaint lodges.

Camping

The route from Bend to Crater Lake offers many opportunities for camping. Most of the lakes along Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway have campsites. Some are private and require reservations ahead, and some are national forest campgrounds. Of the national forest campgrounds, some require bookings ahead at recreation.gov, and others are walk-up campsites.

Crater Lake has two park campgrounds. Lost Creek Campground is a 16-site walk-up campground located on the south side of the rim of Crater Lake. It’s for tent campers only, there are no hookups. It’s a basic primitive campsite. You must bring water with you. It costs $5 a night. Lost Creek Campground is open when clear of snow, usually early July to mid-October.

Mazama Campground has 214 sites including electric, RV, and tent sites. It’s open in the summer, usually from June through September. The campground is reservation-only during the busy season from July to September. Sites here have potable water, flushing toilets, and picnic tables.

Lodging

If you’re looking for luxury accommodation when visiting Crater Lake then check out the Crater Lake Lodge. It’s located right along the rim of the lake and offers stunning views. It also boasts a beautiful dining room where you can make dinner reservations.

Bend also has a variety of lodging options throughout the city ranging from hotels to motels to Airbnbs.

The drive from Bend to Crater Lake is one of the most beautiful Oregon road trips you can explore. With so many sites packed so closely together, you won’t be disappointed.

From one of the most stunning national parks in the US to the impressive Cascade Volcanos and the numerous pristine lakes, you better start planning your drive from Bend to Crater Lake National Park!