Oregon's Crater Lake & Cascades Easygoing Walking Tour
Dolce Tempo Journey & National Park Adventure in the Pacific Northwest
You are here. Meandering river trails through old-growth forests. Pondering Crater Lake’s clear sapphire waters and the natural art of Smith Rock State Park. In the Cascades, an ordinary walk becomes something sublime, inspiring further adventure and discovery.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $4,399/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Take it easy on a scenic hike along a slower-moving section of the Deschutes River, keeping your eye out for wildlife
- Walk a section of the Pacific Crest Trail through a mixed forest of moss-draped trees to triplet lakes
- Get to know vibrant Bend, Oregon, a lively and picturesque hub of outdoor adventure and craft brewing
- The world-famous lake must be seen to be believed―a bird’s-eye view from a trek along the rim will leave no room for doubt
- Explore Smith Rock State Park, a high-desert wonderland of sheer cliffs, deep canyons and dramatic vertical faces
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Bend Airport & Travel Details
- Arrive in friendly and outdoorsy Bend, Oregon’s adventure capital
- Walk a paved path along the Deschutes River that opens up to gorgeous boulder-studded river views
- A scenic chairlift ride to the top of Mount Tumalo reveals spectacular views of surrounding peaks
- Explore Smith Rock State Park, a high desert wonderland of sheer cliffs, deep canyons, dramatic volcanic crags and vertical faces
- Wander through vibrant downtown Bend, packed with art galleries and cafés
- Cap off your day of hiking with a relaxing “beer-venture” at a classic Bend craft brewery.
Nights 1-2
Deluxe Hotel
A boutique hotel ideally located amid the shops, galleries, cafés and brewpubs of vibrant downtown Bend.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Follow a trail to Paulina Lake, one of twin lakes located in the Newberry Volcano’s caldera
- Rustic elegance and a cozy ambience await at Sunriver Resort, ideally situated at the foot of the Cascades
- Hike a section of the Pacific Crest Trail to uncover alpine lakes hidden in the Cascades’ dense conifer forest
- Pause at Lower Rosary Lake—a perfect mirror for monolithic Pulpit Rock towering overhead.
Nights 3-4
Deluxe Hotel
Situated in the pristine natural setting of the Cascade Range foothills, this resort is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and recreation lovers. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Catch your first glimpse of pristine Crater Lake’s intense sapphire color from the famous Rim Trail
- Gain a bird’s-eye view of this spectacular landscape from Watchman Lookout
- Venture deep into Oregon’s natural beauty on a hike among stands of western hemlock and white-bark pines
- Embark on an exhilarating walk along the rim of the crater
- Hike to the top of Garfield Peak for one last expansive panorama of the lake
- Or perhaps unwind at historic Crater Lake Lodge—the amazing views from the lodge’s back deck are hard to resist.
Night 5
Casual Hotel
Perched on the crater’s rim, this simple yet classic national park lodge offers incredible view of its namesake.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Bend Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 1-2
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
