Hello!

We will be traveling to Southern Oregon the first week of July. We are spending a night at Crater Lake Lodge (we could only get one night). With respect to the remaining 6 nights, we are debating whether to spend all 6 nights at SunRiver or split with 2 nights at Running Y Ranch (Klammath Falls) and 4 nights at SunRiver. The 2 nights at Running Y would give us more time to explore Crater Lake. Not sure how the scenery and activities compare at the two places. We have a 6 year old child, and we do NOT play golf. Any thoughts?

Thank you!

If you want to spend more time at Crater Lake, try for a night at the Diamond Lake Resort. It is not as far out of your way as the Running Y.
I'm glad you were able to get a night at the Crater Lake Lodge.
It is only 90 miles from the north entrance of Crater Lake NP to the south end of Bend. (Even less to Sunriver).
Be sure to see the High Desert Museum and the Lavalands Visitor Center.
The Lava River Cave is now open for the season. I had a cool walk in it last week.

I suspect that for most visitors, one night at Crater Lake is enough, even if planning to take the boat ride. That may be especially true in your case as hikes with the gorgeous lake views may not be suitable for your six year-old. So I'd not book Running Y, knowing that if you don't get your fill of Crater Lake, you could visit again as a day trip from Sunriver. It's only about 10 miles farther from there to the park's north entrance than it is from Running Y to the Lodge, so difference in drive time isn't really that much.

We've spent many summer weeks as a family in central Oregon, never running out of stuff to do, but if you think you'd want to break up the Sunriver stay, maybe have a look at this place: http://www.metoliusriverresort.com/.

One night at Crater Lake would be plenty. Count yourself lucky additional nights weren't available. I've never stayed at Metolious River -- but it sure looks nice. Maybe next time I'll stay there instead of Sunriver. (I've stayed there a couple of times but last was years ago when my folks were still alive - one of their favorite places anywhere)

Have never stayed at Running Y so can't comment on that.
I think one night at Crater Lake is enough - unless your 6 yr old is into hiking.

Sunriver would be my choice. There is a lot to do for both adults and children.
It's a wonderful family resort!

And Bend is close by where there is a lot of activity.

The Metolious is one of my favorite places but it's a quiet, peaceful place and not sure there would be enough to keep a 6 yr old occupied.

I vote Sunriver.

"The Metolious is one of my favorite places but it's a quiet, peaceful place and not sure there would be enough to keep a 6 yr old occupied."

Okay, how about Black Butte then. With a visit to the Metolius, Camp Sherman, and the Fish Hatchery. I'd recommend it before Sunriver if we all agree that one night at Crater Lake is enough. One of my favorite places on the planet.

http://www.blackbutteranch.com/

We stayed at Black Butte a couple of times years ago and loved it. It was safe for kids to go out exploring by themselves (don't know if that's still the case) - biking, walking, hiking, golf, pools, kids activities. But, I've not been to Sunriver or the others so can't compare.

Oh, and rafting (off site, and yes, I think my DD was 7 at the time - I have a distinct memory of her losing a tooth that day)

It's been years since I stayed at Black Butte so can't make an educated comment about that. I think it would be a great place for family vacation however, Sunriver is still my favorite spot and gets my vote!

Thank you all for your help! It is very much appreciated. Based on your feedback, we are going to skip Running Y and either spend the entire 6 nights at Sunriver or split it with Black Butte.

With respect to Sunriver, is anyone familiar with the new development, the Caldera cabins? If so, what are your thought regarding staying there vs. in the original Sunriver community?

Thank you again!

I have not driven around the new Caldera Springs area south of Sunriver but it looks very nice. http://www.calderasprings.com/sunriv...accommodations
If you like riding a bicycle on paved paths, stick with Sunriver.
If you have a handheld GPS, I do have a couple of geocaches hidden in the Sunriver area.

We have a vacation home in Sunriver. Lots of activities. Hubby's cousin rented a house in Caldera Springs. While very nice, Sunriver is closer to bike trails, the village and other activities. If you stay in Caldera Springs, you will need to drive to most places. Caldera Springs is more similar to a spread out housing development, while Sunriver had hotel/resort, condos, and cabins with pools spread throughout the resort. It also has a village with restaurants, shops, kids activities, etc. Caldera Springs is directly across from Crosswater (private & gated), know for expensive houses and a spectacular golf course.

Your son would love the Sunriver Observatory, lava cave, Lava Lands and the High Desert Museum.

Agree with BarbAnn! Vote still in for Sunriver.

Hi all:

I just want to thank you all for your assistance again. I really appreciate you taking the time to help. We decided to go with 1 night at Crater Lake and 6 nights at Sun River. We are going to check out Black Butte Ranch while we are there to see if we might like to stay there in the future (the pictures of scenery on their website are stunning!).

Thanks again!

A few things a 6 yr old plus adults might enjoy in SR area-

A hike to Benham Falls- easy hike, no elevation

Ride the chairlift at Mt Bachelor. Pine Martin Lodge serves sunset dinners on the weekend.

Raft the Big Eddy with Sun Country tours.

Visit Lava Land- park rangers have frequent talks, explore a cinder cone.

Rent bikes at SR.

Hope you will enjoy!

One of my best geocaches is "Batter Up" which is just off the Cottonwood Road Exit of US 97. Kids love going on a "treasure hunt".

Thank you, Sunburn 1944 and tomfuller! The list is great!