portland to crater lake
 

I need advice for a trip in Aug. I have reseervations for CR but can't decide if we should take a day driving to Cr and stop along the way. If we do stop where should we stop. I know interstate 5 is the fastest way down but propally not inviting and secenic. Then we need help with the a stop along the coast on the way back to portland. any advise is welcome. thanks

How's this; head east through the Columbia River Gorge to Hood River, then up Mt. Hood on hwy 35 to hwy 26. If you've got time, take a detour to Timberline Lodge. Continue on hwy 26 to hwy 97 towards Bend, taking a slight detour to Smith Rocks, just north of Redmond. Spend the night in Bend, and visit Newberry Crater National Monument the next morning before continuing on to Crater Lake.

Yachats or Newport make the best sense as stopovers for the return drive to Portland.

sounds like a good idea. do you know the driving time off hand or i can go on map quest.

If you drive the Historic Columbia River Highway, I'm thinking about 4.5 hours, not including the detours (10-12 miles oneway to Timberline, and 3-4 oneway to Smith Rocks).

You could spend a lot of time in the Gorge; waterfalls, hiking, etc. Timberline is a nice stop for the view, and a short walk around. Then, if it's of interest, reserve some time to watch the climbers at Smith Rocks.

Oh... the 4.5 hours is Portland to Bend. Bend to Crater Lake is another 2.