Basics
- Location:
- Southwestern Oregon through Crater Lake National Park
- Surface:
- Paved
- Length:
- 140 miles (804 km)
- Time:
- Five to seven hours to enjoy the Byway.
- Season:
- Drivable year round (Road looping Crater Lake NP closes Nov-May)
Description
The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway is a great place to come for natural beauty in varied forms and expressions. From an ancient 7,700-year-old calderic lake to wetlands filled with pacific wildlife, this is a region bursting with outdoor possibilities.
The Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway starts at Crater Lake National Park in the southwestern region of the state. Travel south on HWY 62 and then onto HWY 140 until the California border where the Oregon section ends.
Starting from the north, Crater Lake National Park is the first stop of note, a deep and pure lake hanging high in a crater formed volcanically millennia ago. Take the drive around the 33-mile rim of the crater or hike down the Cleetwood Cove Trail to explore the lake by boat or on foot. Every season has something different to offer when it comes to outdoor recreation; hiking trails like the nationally recognized Pacific Crest Trail are plentiful, fresh powder brings cross country skiers out in droves, great fishing is but a cast away, and a kayak-based adventure proffers fresh perspective for the effort of paddling. A must see during the fall is Klamath Lake where over one million migratory birds ranging in over a thousand different species fly through or stop for a break on their way to warmer climates.
