What to leave off my itinerary
 

tomfuller, last year I was doing some research for an Oregon trip and you were very knowledgable and helpful, as were others. The trip is happening this summer instead. I hope I can get some good information from all of you as I try to put this trip together. I'll probably post questions in bits and pieces. I know there is so much to see so it's tough figuring out what to leave off , but since I won't have time to do everything I need help deciding.

I have been to Lake Tahoe and loved it. I have read a TA review that said if you've seen that than you can skip Crater Lake. I know it will be amazing but given I have to cut some things off the itinerary, would you say there is truth to this statement? Also, if we were to go (1.5 hours each way out of our route) would it be a bad idea to just go for the day? Thanks for my first question.

Whomever compared Crater Lake NP to Lake Tahoe never spent much time at either.
I have been to both. There is one boat on Crater Lake that goes from the dock at the foot of Cleetwood trail over to Wizard Island. Cleetwood is the only open public trail down to the water.
Tahoe has lakefront private property and towns with casinos which don't interest me at all.
Where are you coming from and how are you arriving in Oregon?
Give a list of the places you want to see and I and others will help pare it down.

Making a detour to take a peek at Carter Lake really isn't the way to go. It is a place that needs to be savored. If you can't spare at least one night there, keep on truckin'--perhaps on 101 up the coast.

HTtY

If you go up the coast, you can visit Carter Lake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVVpPWLz9D4
Carter Lake is nothing like Crater Lake.
If your "route" is straight down I-5 from Portland to northern California, you are missing about 95% of what Oregon has to offer.

Tom apparently hasn't spent much to e at Tahoe. There is soooooo much more to Lake Tahoe than what he describes. But yes, crater lake and Tahoe are very different. Crater lake is a sight to see for sure, but IMO it isn't 'worth' doing that day trip diversion. It simply isn't a day trip sort of place.

That should read >>much time at Tahoe <<

<i>Making a detour to take a peek at Carter Lake really isn't the way to go.</i>

I meant to write <i>Crater</i> Lake--the topic under discussion. I know nothing about Carter Lake.

<i>If your "route" is straight down I-5 from Portland to northern California, you are missing about 95% of what Oregon has to offer.</i>

Heed. So very true.

HTtY

If I want to go to a casino, I'll go to Reno. If I want to see a beautiful undeveloped lake I'll go to Donner Lake instead of Tahoe. http://www.google.com/search?q=donne...w=1272&bih=846
Make your list of what you want to see in Oregon. I will not agree to cross off Crater Lake. The time you spend in the park should not be less than 4 hours. Yes, I spent less than 4 hours at Lake Tahoe. I saw enough for a lifetime.

Nope, those two lakes are not alike! Nothing against Tahoe but Crater Lake is amazing.

Juldie, Since I don't know what's ON your itinerary, I can't really make suggestions for what to skip.

Hello, hello.

Here is a bit of our itinerary thus far; it is far from complete. We fly into PDX in July, arriving before noon; we will be in Oregon 11 days including arrival day. Our last 5-6 days are going to be split between staying with people in Neskowin for probably 2 nights and Portland. While in Portland will be visiting the gorge and Hood river.

What we want to add is a couple of nights in McKenzie River Bridge; we are interested in doing some biking on the Mckenzie River trail. We may stay outside of Bend and visit Sisters 1 night. We definitely want to go to Terwilliger Hot Springs (AKA Cougar Hot Springs).

So, one question is about Crater Lake for a day from Bend? The coast besides Neskowin; should we stop along the coast and where? Originally we were going to spend time in Ashland but it seems too far out and wouldn't allow time for the other things we want to do.

Do you see any poor errors of judgement in these plans? FYI; we are not into typical tourist things to do. We live in New England on the coast so I would be interested in more quaint, low key, non touristy ocean locations, if we stop. From what I am reading and checking into it seems as though the southern coast is probably more of what would interest us but that seems like a different trip. Thank you

Since you mentioned McKenzie Bridge, check out Belknap Spring just up the road. http://www.belknaphotsprings.com/cabins.html
When you leave there go over the McKenzie Pass with a stop at the top to see the Dee Wright Observatory.
There are a couple of good places to stay in Sisters if you didn't want to stay in Bend.
The north entrance of Crater Lake is 90 miles from Bend.
Once you see Crater Lake, either stay in Prospect or go to Ashland if you want to see that city.

Juldie, I've spent time at Lake Tahoe, and I love its beauty and the memories that enhance its loveliness. I visited Crater Lake only once but, being a volcano nut, I was blown away not only by the beauty of the lake but by the profound knowledge that it sits in the top of a volcano. How often can you see such a sight? I wouldn't miss it if I were you.

Are you going to see Mount St Helens? (I'm not helping, am I?)(smile)

Silver Bee, no, there won'r be time to see Mt. St. Helens. Thank you for your comments. tom fuller; I am aware of Belknap Spring from my research but I think my husband and I will prefer the Terwilliger hot springs that are natural pools by the river, unless there is something you know about them that I don't. What do you think about the coast for a stopping point?

I would go to Crater Lake and recommend the boat ride. You have never seen water that blue or that clear.

You can do the park in one day if you sleep nearby the night before or the night after. Pre-order the boat ride so you get the time you want.

Tom may have suggested Belknap as they do have cabins and lodge rooms - and are right on the McKenzie River Trail- great for hiking or mountain biking. And you can have a hot soak when you are done.

Another place to stay on the McKenzie is Holiday Farms - very cute cabins on the river- close to McKenzie Trail.
http://www.holidayfarmresort.com

Not far from Sisters is the Metolius River area - one of my favorite spots- some nice biking, walks - cabins along the river some rustic, some more upscale.

In the area is Clear Lake- very beautiful, nice trail around- also a great spot for a hike or a bike ride. You could really take the trail from Clear Lake all the way to Belknap- you will pass by Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls -

Terwilliger hot springs, I am sure you know, is mostly nude. There used to be a lot of crime in the area but have not heard much about it lately so assume it has tamed down.

Endless possibilities

Ps- since you are into biking, you might consider biking around Crater Lake- I think its a challenging ride- not up for it myself but I have friends who have done it