Hi,

I'll be taking a driving trip with family shortly from Portland to SanJose and was planning on stopping at Crater Lake & Mt Shasta along the way. Need advice on chalking the fastest route since I just have 2 days.
Day1 - Leave portland in morning. Arrive at Crater Lake by afternoon. How many hours needed here? Have older parents & a 3yr old too. Is the hike to boat tour feasible? Leave by night towards Klamath Falls route and stopover for a night there. (I belive this is the shorter route than going via Ashland but not sure if it is faster than I5)
Day 2 - Head out to Shasta Lake and see Shasta Caves too. Reach Sanjose by night.

Any tips or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks.

I think the quickest route to Crater Lake is I-5 to Eugene, then 58 southeast to 97 to 138, which takes you through the north entrance, not far from where the boat tours leave. We drove the reverse of this route a couple years ago, and it took about 4.5 hours to our home in the SW Portland 'burbs. I don't know boat schedules, but do know that the hike from the Lake back up to where cars are parked is strenuous; don't know if I'd chance it with your parents. So, if you have a little extra time, consider I-5 all the way to Roseburg, then 138 up to the Lake. Beautiful scenery along 138 especially.

Drive around the Lake in a clockwise direction for easiest access to viewpoints. Not to mention the comfort of anyone with a fear of heights.

I think you're right about 97 through K Falls being the shortest route to San Jose.

Mt Shasta is a small town quite a bit north of Lake Shasta so it doesn't sound like you'll be stopping in there. Going from K Falls then through Weed, you should end up going by Mt. Shasta about 1.5 hours into the days drive. It's another 40 minutes to the lake. Take exit 695 just after O'Brien to get to the caverns.

Hi, I just got back from Oregon yesterday and think I can help. We drove from Portland I5 South, took 4 1/2 hours. We spent 3 hours at Crater Lake - felt that was enough. Stopped numberous times around the rim, took loads of pictures etc. My daughter even had a snowball fight with my husband!! My parents were with us so did not do the boat tour-strenuous to get down and there was only one time - 9:30 a.m. and I was told it was a total of 5 hours (including walking down to boat and back up) It was worth the stop as very beautiful. It was hazy and we were told it was due to the CA. wildfires. Still plenty of pics. Have fun!!