Astoria Oregon - Crater Lake National Park

From the Salem area (Silver Falls) you could also go south the Eugene, and take OR54 over the Cascades. It's pass is near the south end of the Cascade Lakes loop, and is barely higher than the US97 area (around 5000'). Or go south to Roseburg, and take OR138 to the north side of Crater Lake. Once you reach its high point it is almost level to the Nat Park entrance road.

OR138 coming west from US97 is a straight gradual climb.

You guys are awesome for coming up with creative ways to get me where I'm going! Now I'm going to sit down with my map and do a little thinking and figuring.

Thanks,

WoodGlue

Not only Silver Falls.....but the Oregon Gardens is on the same road as Silver Falls.......little known about and absolutely gorgeous...even in August.

How about OR22 from the coast to Salem? Silver Falls is a short detour off of 22 to the east of Salem. Then continue on 22 to US97.

The first time we camped in Oregon (in rental car with backpacking tent), we stayed on night in the mountains near Mt Hebo (roughly 101 and 22) (wet coastal forest). Then crossed to the Sisters area, camping at Camp Sherman in open pine forest (and kayaked a bit on the Metolius). Then through Bend, and up the Cascades Lakes area to Davis Lake. The next day we drove to Crater Lake (north entrance), and then camped on a reservoir along OR138.

On the east side of the Cascades, north and south of Bend, you can almost throw a dart at the map and hit a decent campground (esp if you don't need hookups).

I strongly recommend getting an Oregon map atlas, such as DeLourme or Benchmark, if you want to see anything off the main highways.

Or if you would rather have less freeway time...

From Astoria head back south to Seaside and pick up US 26. Near Banks take OR 47 south to McMinnville and take 99W south to OR 22 and go west.

All are good two lane roads.

Edit: That should have been east on 22.

WoodGlue wrote:
Thank you donn!

Any place you can suggest to stay in or around Bend that you like?

WoodGlue

There is a city park in Sisters that is quite nice: full hookups and walking distance to the lovely downtown area. Don't miss the Sisters Bakery and the Sisters Coffee Company.

donn0128,.....the Metolious is absolutely one the most beautiful locations in central Oregon......I agree. And I think CO is not praised enough :)....

You could always get reservations at one of the wonderful NF camp grounds on the Metolious River. My favorites are Gorge and Smiling River. These are about 30 miles to Bend proper. Closer is Tumalo State Park which is only about fiver miles to down town. But I much prefer LaPine state Park. We have camped there since way before there was a sign on the highway. Have hosted there too. In fact next year we are scheduled for two months at Lapine. One of my all time favorite camp grounds. But it is about 30 miles south of Bend. About two hours farther south on 97 is Collier Memorial State Park. There is a nice camp ground and a great logging museum on the property. From there back to SFO area could easily be done in a day.
Back north closer to where I started this rant, the head waters of the Metolious is a great place to visit. Wonderful camping. Closer to Bend you have the High Desert museum, lava cast forest, lava river caves, several cinder cones that offer great views of the surrounding area from the top. Pine mountain observatory, is a ways east of Bend, they do offer tours in the summer. All in all Bend area is probably one of the best places on earth to visit. There is so much do see and do.

I, who lives in LaPine, Oregon, can not disagree with ANYTHING donn0128 says. That's exactly the route I'd recommend. If you can't get reservations at Tumalo or LaPine state park, try the campgrounds around Wikiup resv or Crane Prairie Resv. We've been there in August and had LOTS of empty spaces. East and Pauline campgrounds are usually VERY busy. :) Wikiup and Crane Prairie are further off the road, but not too far. :)

ENJOY!

Thank you donn!

That looks to be an excellent route and one I don't think I've ever been on before.

Any place you can suggest to stay in or around Bend that you like?

I'm asking early because I like having reservations, especially in your state parks!

WoodGlue