sunnysb

I'm planning a trip up to Crater Lake for Labor Day Weekend. The plan is to drive from the bay area to Mt. Shasta on Saturday, and stay one night. On Sunday I head to Crater Lake and stay at Steamboat Inn for 3 days and spend Wednesday driving back.

Should I stay around Crater Lake for 2-3 days, or try and go further north? Are there other must-see sights? I don't think I'll have time to hit Portland.

Would appreciate any input! I have read the posting by luv2globetrot-- great pics!!

bob_brown

I would not spend that much time around Crater Lake. Instead, I would head for the Oregon Coast and view some of the beauty there.

While at Crater Lake, you might think twice about taking the cruise on the lake itself. I did and found that the view was like that of looking up a funnel from the small end.

Walk down to the side of the lake, and look around, and then decide if you want to take the boat ride. It is not devoid of interest, but it failed somehow to flip my switches to the on position.

If I had an extra day, and was going to Shasta, I would include Mt. Lassen.
It is also a premier volcanic area.

sunnysb

Which places along the Oregon coast do you recommend?

cabovacation

The only time I drove there it was completely fogged in and I couldn't see it at all! Very disappointing.

Ashland, the coast, or the other side: Bend. All are lovely and interesting.

Presocia

Although the coast is great, if you're already planning on Crater Lake, I would suggest incorporating Bend and Sisters into your itinerary. I don't think you'll need 2-3 days just dedicated to Crater Lake, and central Oregon is a great area to explore.

Fodorite018

I respectfully disagree with Bob. We did the boat tour just over a week ago and loved it! The ranger on board was fantastic and did a great job at explaining all the interesting features, etc. We also saw a deer down near the water, which seemed amazing considering where you were. You have to buy tickets for the boat tour up near the rim at the Cleetwood Cove trailhead. You cannot walk down to the water and then decide.

I would allow a full day for Crater Lake, but spend the other time over near Bend. There is so much to do over there, and great hiking if that interests you. Labor Day weekend is a great time for there, and the crowds will be gone by the time you arrive. We always stay just south of Bend at Sunriver Resort.

starrsville

I also enjoyed the boat tour on the lake very much.

JackOneill

I like the Bend and Sisters. There are some great hiking spots up that way. I was really impressed with the Deschutes River; for a little river is was something. The little town of Sisters is cute and the drive there is pretty nice.
I also prefer the view of Crater Lake from the top. To me, you lose all perspective when you're done at the bottom. Plus, the light favors you when you're looking down. It makes the color of the lake pop out more.

sunnysb

Bend sounds lovely. Can you tell me more about it and Sisters? I am also a foodie and would love to have one good meal.
Does the boat ride need to be booked in advance?

Fodorite018

What do you want to know about Bend? Shopping? Sights? Hiking/outdoor things to do?

The boat ride for Crater Lake cannot be booked in advance. You need to go to the ticket booth the day of, and definitely go early to book as they sell out for the day early. We arrived about 9:30am and got the last few spots for the 11:00 tour. The tour lasts 2 hours. The walk from the ticket booth down to the boats is 1 mile and 700 ft elevation loss. After our tour, we did part of the rim drive and went to the lodge for lunch. Thunderheads rolled in the day we were there, and so we were glad to do the boat tour while they were still operating. I would have hated to miss it!

sunnysb

Well, I'm still unclear on how to divide my time.
9/2 - Mt. Shasta
9/3- Crater Lake
9/4 - Bend
9/5 - Bend?
9/6 - head home

Is the hiking in Bend better than Crater Lake? Where can I find a gooood meal?

sunbum1944

There are some nice hikes around Crater Lake area - There are some waterfall hikes close to Steamboat.
There are also some nice hikes around the town of Prospect which is close to Crater Lake.
Diamond Lake has a nice trail around it for walking or rent bikes at the store and ride bikes around. Not sure about Diamond this year- last couple of years has had green algae so you might want to check before you did this- but the bike ride around is easy and beautiful.
If you are into doing something more challenging- Mt Thielson is close by also.

Hiking around Bend and Sisters is great too but if you dont want to drive that far, there is a lot to do just around the Crater Lake area.

Steamboat is so beautiful you might not want to leave

bob_brown

I like the section of the Oregon Coast in the vicinity Yachats, which is between Newport and Florence.

Cape Perpetua is a particularly spectaculart cliff towering 800 feet out of the ocean. Several hiking trails are in the area through rain forests, while below waves pound the rocks.

Several state parks and viewing areas are along the coastal highway.

sunnysb

Does anyone have recommendations for accommodations in Bend other than Sunriver?

sunbum1944

The Old St Francis School is a fun place to stay - walking distance to downtown Bend and restaurants. Its an old Catholic School turned into hotel-
has movies, pub, turkish bath - fun place to stay

The Riverhouse is also nice - right on the river.

Presocia

When I'm in Bend, I usually stay at the Phoenix Inn. It's in the heart of downtown, and you can explore on foot from there (boutiques, etc.) and walk to dinner. I've had good meals at Merenda and also love the gnocchi at Guiseppe's Italian Ristorante.