So I'm going to (basically) a photography camp in Bend, Oregon, next week. I'll be done next Friday at about 8am and don't have to fly out until Sunday night so I thought about spending some time seeing some nature and being peaceful and whatnot.

Wanted to see what yall thought would be fun to see in that area OR if I should do something aggressive like drive over to Crater Lake and onward to Redwoods then down to San Fran. I don't mind the drive, just want to get some thoughts.

Smith Rock State Park is not far. I wouldn't pass up a chance to visit.

Lava Tube Caves - Rent one of their spotlights, don't bring your own. Also may need a sweatshirt.

Where do you fly in and out of?

Spend some time at Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge and Ski during the summer

ColoradoMooseHerd said:

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Where do you fly in and out of?

Spend some time at Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge and Ski during the summer

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Flying into RDM, haven't booked my return yet.

I would do Crater Lake, and then find a spot on the PCT to do a bit of hiking. If you're into photography, you'll have ample opportunity to find some great shots.

To access the PCT just get on any of the highways that go up and over the crest until you hit the trail: US-20, hwy 242, hwy 58, hwy 138.

coop-aero-06 said:

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I would do Crater Lake, and then find a spot on the PCT to do a bit of hiking. If you're into photography, you'll have ample opportunity to find some great shots.

To access the PCT just get on any of the highways that go up and over the crest until you hit the trail: US-20, hwy 242, hwy 58, hwy 138.

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In that example though, where should I end up? My mindset is if I'm going to go all the way over to the coast I should either go to Portland (which I've already been to) or go to Redwoods and if I go to Redwoods I might as well drive the PCH all the way down to SFO.

bthotugigem05 said:

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coop-aero-06 said:

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I would do Crater Lake, and then find a spot on the PCT to do a bit of hiking. If you're into photography, you'll have ample opportunity to find some great shots.

To access the PCT just get on any of the highways that go up and over the crest until you hit the trail: US-20, hwy 242, hwy 58, hwy 138.

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In that example though, where should I end up? My mindset is if I'm going to go all the way over to the coast I should either go to Portland (which I've already been to) or go to Redwoods and if I go to Redwoods I might as well drive the PCH all the way down to SFO.

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I'm suggesting you go to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) not the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

I would get go spend Friday afternoon/evening at Crater Lake. Stay the night somewhere near there. Then get up the next day and go to a trailhead for the PCT like here: https://goo.gl/maps/V1SuX8mN2RT5kaxN8

Spend the day hiking and taking photos. You could work your way back to RDM for a return flight.

You are very lucky to visit this part of our country. I have been in that area a couple of times and will give you a little feedback without knowing your interest. If you are in bend you are just over the mountains in a more arid region so to speak. It is very pretty for what it is. I just got back from a job in that area last month. If you like the outdoors and photography let me suggest to go into sisters. I'm not a tourist type but it is a very cute little town I think most would like. I will say they have an ice cream shop there that was pretty tasty.

I would then go over the pass on 242 I believe it is called McKenzie pass. Warning drive the posted limit as a trooper seems to like to set close to observatory. More on that to come. The first part is pretty average. Like parts of flatter Colorado. You will then start to climb and get into an area that has been cleared of underbrush. Tons of wildlife in these green meadows. About 3 miles you will see why they are cleaning up as major fire damage. Shortly after the fire you will climb and start to see one really neat feature I never would have throught I would see but it is one massive lava flow. Miles and miles of lava field and views of mount Washington I believe and the sisters. I suggest getting out and climbing to the top of the observatory that they built all out of lava rock. Great views from up there. Lots of information on how this region was formed. Also ada type sidewalks so very easy gradual climb. After you leave the next 5 miles or so of lava you hit a couple of miles of high land that is different. There is a grave on top of a hill to the left that gives a bit of history about why the trail was made and how supplies were carried over the pass. Somewhat interesting. You will then start to descend through an almost magical spruce Forrest. Truly a beautiful very windy 30ish mph twist and turn with scenery abound. That is about 15 miles or so. The pass is 40 miles or so in total. Top speed 30'ish. Tons of photo ops. That road should hit 126. My suggestion is to turn right and go 10 or so miles north to a place called Sahalie Falls. Park there and walk the 2-3 mile circle trail. You will see 4 beautiful water falls. Some of the best beauty I've ever seen In Oregon. The falls are 40 footers or a tick more but the water volume, color, and setting are second to none. I literally set on a tree stump and just listened for 20 minutes. If you don't go there and like outdoor stuff I have nothing for you. I only had half a day in this area so I didn't see any of it. Tons of hiking trails and lakes to see. I was told about a lake close by called clear lake they said was some amazing kayaking but I can't vouch for it.

As for the coast it is pretty neat. I have traveled from seaside all the way to California on the road. This is just my 2 cents. The Tilamook creamery is neat but a tourist place. The north side has a few outlooks and I'm sure I missed a bit of the beaches as you often have to know the little side streets to take to really get to beaches. To me the best part starts at about 7 miles north of Newport and head down. Otter rock is an awesome place to look out for whales. This takes time but I saw 3 there last mount. Another place I spotted them north with a huge overlook but I can't recall how far north. Just a bit south is Yaquina head light house. Some pretty amazing photos to be had there especially if you get great light. We spent the night in a small dive town south of Newport called Yachats(ya hots). There is a motel there called adobe something. Has a restaurant in the middle with 180 degree ocean view. The rooms all look like old cabins in the 80's but very clean and comfortable. The bluff is pretty serious but you can get down to beach. The waves crash violently here. Best night of sleep I have ever had with window open. The waves are so amazing at night. When the tide goes out the ocean is your table. The tide pools are full of sea creatures. Star fish anemone urchins. If you get in the cracks where the light doesn't reflect and wind doesn't ripple water you can get some amazing shots here as well. I can not remember the state park but it is only a few minutes south of yachats(ya hots). There is a trail that goes to the states largest spruce. It is enormous. Like a medium sized redwood. Tons of trails to hike here. One that goes out to the beach and a huge devils spout but you have to time tide to see it. I took my family here and we did see a whale here as well.

We continues on all the way south to San Fran. We did all the redwoods and a place called fern canyon. It is amazing but isn't a drive for the weak. I will load up and be in Iowa in the morning or drive 10 hours without thinking much. Let me warn you from bend to SF isn't a small journey. The traffic and speed limits and tons and tons of tiny towns make this a long drive. Be warned. I'll try and check back to see if you have specific questions.

TLDNR: if you don't go over McKenzie pass and see sahalie and Kiosah falls you missed out. Coast is beautiful but I like south half better. All the way to SF is a long long drive.

Hope this helps. I know it is long but I want to help if I can. I like outdoors but if you have different interest post them and I'll give it a stab.

One more thing I thought of that is very odd but really cool and not really in my wheelhouse. Not many know about it but there is an old time carrousel in Albany. They rescued it and reerected it in a very nice building. They hand craft every animal. You can ride a black bear or a steelhead or a traditional horse and even a dragon if that is your thing. They take years to hand craft each animal downstairs by local craftsman. They will take you down for a tour of how they carve. They are disney amazing in detail. The bear has a pot of honey and bees and flowers and some trees all carved in the fur. The paint jobs are world class. They change animals at different seasons. Maybe 30 minutes to hour but if anywhere near Albany and you appreciate craftsmanship worth the stop. Like 2 bucks to ride it. My wife and kids loved it and I appreciated the level of detail. All ran on donations and the fee to ride an old boardwalk carrousel. Worth a stop if close. Maybe not a detonation. That being said I overheard a lady from Chicago came to see it as her dad used to take her as a girl to ride same model and he was no longer with her. I could see that as well.

That was incredible, thank you so much for typing it out!

My wife and I just got back from a fantastic trip to Oregon. We spent 9 days touring the state and had a wonderful time.

Highlights below...

1. Hood River area was gorgeous and lots of good hiking/orchards in the are
2. Mt Hood was a great time. We took the ski lift up the mountain and went on a beautiful hike. Super relaxing and not a lot of people
3. Crater Lake was super. The boat ride in the lake (get reservations) is 2 hours and well worth it. The scenery is super and there are great hikes in this area. We could have spent more time here.
4. We dipped down into Northern California and saw redwoods in the Jedediah Smith SP. Didn't spend a lot of time here but it was nice
5. Next stop was Gold Beach. Took Jerry's Rogue River Jet Boat tour. Absolutely a blast with beautiful scenery!
6. As the post above said, Yachats is a great little ocean side town. LOVED it. Stayed at Ocean Creek B&B. Thor's Well is beautiful there as well as the Cape Perpetua.
7. On the way up the coast, we stopped at 4 lighthouses (Umpqua, Heceta Head - cool tour here of the lightkeeper's house, Yaquina - really awesome tidal pool here and Cape Meares). All were unique and neat
8. Depoe Bay had a host of grey whales. We probably saw 15-20 different grey whales from shore.
9. Oceanside was our last stop and our favorite beach. It was incredible. The scenery was incredible and the privacy was unmatched. What a gorgeous place. If you go here, eat at Roseanna's cafe with a window view of the Pacific!

If I were staying closer to Bend, I would go to Mt Hood or Crater Lake. If I were doing the trip town to Cal that you suggested, I would go over to Crater Lake over to Gold Beach and down through Northern California. Have fun! It is wonderful!

Wes '87

No problem. That is what Aggies are for. Hope you have a blast. If you have time hit us with a favorite photo or two when you get back. A man or woman can't see it all so if you find a neat spot please post on your return. I may get another chance to head that way next year. Always looking for a destination. I need to figure out how to post photos. I know it is on here somewhere but I'm an old. Lol.

Honestly I wanted to go to crater and didn't make it that far. I was based in Albany so working until 3 and flying out the next morning at 7 is why I stopped shy and didn't go on but it was worth it.

After i left and came back a friend went up same area rock hounding. Is you are into that seems to be a destination. I could enjoy that for sure but have very little know where to start. If that is of interest lots of it within an hour of Bend.

I've been a few times. Just last week most recently. I've done the coast, Portland, Medford, Portland, Bend, Hood River, Wallowas, and the Snake River in Hell's Canyon.

Smith Rock state Park is fun and close to Bend. Hike Misery Trail Loop. Crater Lake is a must. Hood River is awesome. Kite Surfers are fun and a good photo op.

As much as I like the redwoods and the coast, that is a bit too much with your window of time.

Also - I liked Green Lakes Trail for a lake with a mountain for pics which is close to Bend

So much. Pick a place or two and dig deeper there.

If you only have a couple of days, I would limit the drive time. I agree w the previous poster on going out to Sisters and doing the Santiam pass loop.
Here are a few more stops on that route.
- hike Tam Mcarther rim. Views from the rim are spectacular. From the rim, continue on for an awesome shot of the 3 Sisters mountains.
- once you cross the summit on 242, stop at Proxy falls on the way down to Sahelie
- if you are up for more hiking, go to the blue hole (Tamilich pool). This is where the river resurfaces after being underground for several miles

Another great drive is the Cascade Lakes highway from Bend to Elk Lake. Green lakes trail is on that drive. 45 minutes from Bend to Elk Lake.

Also near Bend is Tumalo falls. Most people only see the first big waterfall and turn around but keep hiking and you there are lots of falls up higher.

I live in the area, feel free to PM and I can give you some other tips.

Well bthotugigem what did you get to see that was not mentioned above? Really interested to what you found as I plan to go back. Hope you had a great trip.