Crater Lake & the Columbia River Gorge
Things we love on this route:
Take a food, brewery, or coffeehouse tour in Portland
Stand underneath a 611-foot tall roaring waterfall at Multnomah Falls
Watch world-class mountain climbers (or take part yourself!) at Smith Rock State Park
Hire a boat tour to take you out onto the pristine waters of Crater Lake
Take in a few shows at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Go wine tasting in the heart of Oregon Wine Country
Trip Details
Duration: 10 nights
Starting/Ending City: Portland
Pricing varies. Please see Pricing Page for more info.
Overview
Start your Oregon vacation in Portland, a city full of bicycles, parks, microbreweries and food trucks. Just outside of town begins the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, where you’ll encounter roaring waterfalls, stunning views, and abundant outdoor activities. Make your way to Bend and float the Deschutes River or climb, hike, and bike at Smith Rock State Park. Continue to Crater Lake National Park and take in the views of the pristine blue waters from above or hire a boat tour. Your last stop takes you to charming Ashland, complete with winetasting and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Return to Portland for one final night before returning your RV and catching your flight home.
Crater Lake & the Columbia River Gorge Suggested RV Itinerary
Portland - 1 night
Fly into Portland and explore why this city’s motto is “Keep Portland Weird”. Wander through bookstores and parks, sip at coffeehouses and breweries, and get your fix at one of the many food trucks.
Columbia River Gorge - 2 nights
Here you’ll find some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country. This area is known for both its immense beauty, as well as its outdoor activities. You may even try your hand at windsurfing.
Bend - 2 nights
Head to the east side of the Cascades for some sunshine, river floating, and microbreweries. Explore nearby Smith Rock State Park for world-class mountain climbing, biking, and hiking.
Crater Lake NP - 2 nights
Not only will you be astounded at how blue the water is, you’ll find loads of activities, including hiking, cycling, and scenic drives. Hire a boat tour to take you to Wizard Island or for a cruise around the lake.
Ashland - 2 nights
Get to know the charm of this southern Oregon town with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Sample this region’s wine or hire a guide to take you rafting on the Rogue River.
McMinnville - 1 night
Spend your last night in the heart of Oregon Wine Country. Go wine tasting or have some family fun at the huge indoor water park and Aviation & Space Museum.
Return to Portland to drop off your RV and fly home.
Optional Add-Ons:
Drive the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor for views of off-shore rock formations and hike to secluded beaches.
We recommend spending at least 2 nights here.
Take in the breathtaking views, play on sandy beaches, and wander picture-perfect coastal towns.
We recommend spending at least 2 nights here.