| Description: Beginning at the Oregon-California border, the drive meanders around the waterfowl-rich marshes of the Upper Klamath Lake National Wildlife Refuge complex, through the deep mixed-conifer forests & grassy highlands of the Winema National Forest, then over the great extinct volcano protected by Crater Lake National Park. The route is 140 miles one-way, & takes a minimum of 5-7 hours, although you could also spend the whole weekend on this route.
Birdwatchers linger at the refuge. Visitors to Upper Klamath Lake also enjoy the canoe trail. Others dawdle in the forest, or at historic Fort Klamath, or at the historic markers & museums en route. Most travelers on the byway stop at Crater Lake, to boat or fish in the lake, camp, or hike. Facilities include a campground in Crater Lake National Park; dispersed camping permitted in Winema National Forest. Campgrounds are also nearby in the Winema or Umpqua National Forests.
Location: The byway loops from US 97, northwest around Upper Klamath Lake on OR 140, northeast on County Road 33 (West Side Road & Nicholson Road), north on OR 62 into Crater Lake National Park, & back out to US 97 on OR 138. An optional (and recommended!) side trip loops around Crater Lake, but this road is closed in winter.
Season: seasonal closures in Crater Lake NP.
Fee: no; fee for Crater Lake National Park.
Reservations: no. |
Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
42.249676, -121.789263
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Campground: Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Klamath Falls Oregon *