Oregon Caves and Crater Lake Road Trip
4 days/3 nights

Day 1 - Portland to Ashland
285 miles/4.5 hours
Ashland is just one of those special places that always makes me wish I had just one more day to explore. Set in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, natural beauty and outdoor adventure abound. But it’s Ashland’s culture and artsy vibe that for me makes this small Oregon town one of a kind. Ashland is perhaps most famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival which, trust me, even if you think you’re not a theatre fan you must see. There’s just something about watching Shakespeare in an Elizabethan Theatre beneath the stars on a warm summer night that is really special.

For more information about visiting Ashland, check out Travel Ashland and Travel Oregon.

Day 2 - Ashland - Oregon Caves National Monument - Ashland
90 miles/2 hours each way
There’s a little backtracking to get from Ashland to the Oregon Caves, so my advice is to start early and enjoy the ride. Once off of 1-5, the drive is rural and beautiful as you meander through the Siskiyou forests. To break up the drive, consider stopping in Grant’s Pass for coffee at the first ever Dutch Bros. in the morning and at Foris Vineyards in Cave Junction in the afternoon. The Cave Tour at the Oregon Caves is excellent! Make sure to dress warm and wear close toed shoes. The historic Oregon Caves Chateau makes a great spot for lunch. Then check out one of the monument’s beautiful hiking trails. Head back to Ashland for dinner and a show or a relaxing walk around town.

Day 3 - Ashland to Crater Lake National Park
75 miles/1.5 hours
If you’ve booked a Crater Lake Boat Tour (which I highly recommend!) just know that it is going to take a lot longer than you think to drive to Crater Lake, check-in at the park, grab a to-go lunch at the Rim Village Café, drive to Cleetwood Cove Trail, stuff a sandwich in your face, make sure the kids have used the porta potties then run down a 1.1 mile trail to catch your boat. It will be worth it, I promise. But to prevent choking, swearing and mild palpitations give yourself plenty of time.

There are several lodging options within Crater Lake National Park but the historic Crater Lake Lodge is my favorite. The rooms may be lackluster but the view of Crater Lake is spectacular. Plan to book your room a year in advance and be aware of seasonal park closures.

Day 4 - Crater Lake to Portland
230 miles/4 hours
Here’s the day you wish you had another day, mourn for all that you haven’t done and seen yet and promise to come back soon. The drive back to Portland is a straight shot once you hit I-5 in Eugene, so you can take some time in the morning to drive the historic Scenic Rim Drive. This 33-mile drive boasts 30 overlooks with parking, five picnic areas, hiking and did I mention the views? There are several Visitor Centers in the park where gifts and mementos can be purchased. My favorite is the historic Sinnott Memorial Overlook near Crater Lake Lodge. The view here is stunning and the small interpretive center was just perfect for the kids.

And there you have it - an unforgettable trip to the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve and Crater Lake National Park. As always, be sure to check local resources for weather, road conditions and COVID-19 related closures when planning your trip. And don’t forget to post your photos to #lifelivedoregonstyle on Instagram. We’ll see you out there!