7 Wonders Road Trip: Day 6, Crater Lake to Bend

March 1, 2015 (Updated April 3, 2015)
Hike or bike around Crater Lake, or just sit back on the porch of the historic lodge and enjoy the view.
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Day 6: Crater Lake to Bend
(Driving time: 140 miles/2.25 hours)

Linger overnight at Crater Lake’s lodge or campground so you can take in the quiet beauty of this special place at sunset and sunrise. In the morning, hike the trail down to the water or into the backcountry, or bike the rim road. Wander through the historic lodge and get breakfast in the dining room, or take a comfy seat on the porch and put your feet up.

Then it’s time to head north to the town of Bend. This sunny outdoor recreation mecca is also home to the Old Ironworks District, an enclave of artists and makers housed in a 1912 railroad building. Do some shopping for one-of-a-kind finds here (and don’t miss tiny Sparrow Bakery).

Lace up your hiking boots or snap on your bike helmet and hit the Deschutes River Trail. Following the river and running through the heart of town, the 19-mile trail system offers several points of entry for hiking and biking.

Beer lovers won’t want to miss the Bend Ale Trail, your guide to 14 of the area’s craft breweries. And Bend’s walkable downtown core is a great spot to get drinks and dinner, take in a show or do a bit of shopping.

This is part of an epic two-week road trip to see all of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. See Day 7 or view the full itinerary here.

About The
Author

Eileen Garvin
Eileen Garvin lives and writes in Hood River. When she’s not hunched over her keyboard or digging in the garden, you can find her mountain biking, kiteboarding, hiking, skiing or camping somewhere in Oregon.