Best route from JB Lewis/McChord to Crater Lake, OR

[realladyat57]

Looking for suggestions for this leg of our trip. We like traveling "red line" roads but know this isn't always feasible. We are under a mild time crunch which doesn't help. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks. MA

[Roy_Lynne]

We did that trip twice. Once we took I5 to the I205 and then I84 to 97 and headed down that way. We were in no hurry so we camped at Deschutes which had a lot of train noise but was a nice campground The next time we did it, we had to stop in Portland, so we cut over on Hwy 20. That was a really nice road, even had a covered bridge to check out. I've done 26 but I avoid Portland like the plague.

[donkeydew]

1-5 to pdx 205 around i-5 to 58(eugene) to 97 south to 138 to north entrance

[525pilly]

Good suggestions so far. However, traffic in Portland to get onto US 26 can be hectic, and Hwys 26 and 97 are both 2 lane most of the way, and can be slow going depending on traffic.

I would suggest I-5 south to Roseburg, OR, then Hwy 138 east to Crater Lake, Hwy 138 follows the North Umpqua River part of the way and is quite scenic but not a high speed road in places. Traffic is not a problem, the grades are much easier and there are no mountain passes to cross. And, it leads right to the north entrance to the Park, where the other route would take you.

Crater Lake is one of my all time favorite places, spent a lot of time there over the years. Enjoy your trip!

[enblethen]

Should add to take I-205 to get to US 26 in Portland.

[Marine_By_Choic]

enblethen wrote:
I would suggest I-5 south to the Portland area then catch US 26 east and then US 97 south to Chemult, OR area then into Crater Lake.
US 26 takes you right by Mt Hood. Timberline Lodge would be side trip from Government Camp.

X2

[enblethen]

I would suggest I-5 south to the Portland area then catch US 26 east and then US 97 south to Chemult, OR area then into Crater Lake.
US 26 takes you right by Mt Hood. Timberline Lodge would be side trip from Government Camp.