Bike around Crater Lake

CRATER LAKE, Oregon

5.0/5

based on 1 reviews

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Added by Colton Jacobs

Distance: 40 miles total. Elevation gain: 5,200 ft. Beautiful views of Crater Lake. Well maintained roads for cycling. Wild Life.

I forgot how large Crater Lake was. Wikipedia said it was only 6 miles in diameter, multiply X 3.14 or C = πd and boom its only 18.84 miles around, that's cake, or pie. Imaging a NASCAR track with a pond in the middle.

WRONG, hindsight being 20/20, dramatic landscape rarely equates to flat, cycle friendly roads. It was really around 40 miles, 5,200 ft elevation gain and about 7,900 ft elevation at our highest peak, its no Everest "Into Thin Air" story but my lungs didn't know that. Don't check my Strava, I never exaggerate these kinds of things.

Dramatic landscape does however translate to sheer cliffs and amazing photo opportunities which I capitalized on most of the time, after all I didn't self inflict carrying an extra 20 lbs of camera gear around the lake for nothing. Long assents lead to grand descents, so four wide we raced down every road hooting and hollering like a bunch of squawking chimps.

See entire trip description here.

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Explorer

Michael Graw

Explorer

Bike around Crater Lake

10/23/16

Seeing Crater Lake by bike is infinitely better than driving around the lake in a car. The slower pace lets you really take in the scenery, and adds an element of having had to work for those views. The ride isn't easy, but it shouldn't be particularly challenging for people who ride hills regularly - the biggest change is the altitude. There's also an option to add on 10 miles and 1,300 feet of gain by taking the spur out to the Pinnacles. The Pinnacles are mildly interesting, but the climb back to Rim Drive will grab your attention! Also, check out the park's car-free days in September for an even better experience. East Rim Drive is closed to cars, tons of cyclists come out to ride, and the park hosts aid stations around the rim.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake

Drive to the overlook at Crater Lake well before sunrise. Actually, you should probably just sleep in your car for a bit to make sure you're not late for this incredible sight. Witness the changing colors and light as the sun creeps over the east side of the lake, throwing shadows and reflections around the rim.You can hike up the ridges near the parking area for to get a different perspective ...

Explore Crater Lake

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Snowshoe or XC Ski to Watchman Overlook

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The Rim at Crater Lake NP

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Hike the Garfield Peak Trail

Crater Lake is one of the most visited natural wonders in the U.S. Anyone who has gone will tell you, it strikes a magic chord. Where there was once the volcanic Mount Mazama, now sits the deepest lake in the States. It's brilliant blue color and incredible depth of clarity leaves visitors from all over the world in a state of awe.The Garfield Peak Trail leads to the 2nd highest peak in the par...

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake

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Bike around Crater Lake

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Leave No Trace

Nearby

Watch the Sunrise at Crater Lake

Explore Crater Lake

Snowshoe or XC Ski to Watchman Overlook

The Rim at Crater Lake NP

Hike the Garfield Peak Trail

Visit the Lady of the Woods at Crater Lake

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