oregon road trip itinerary

From Crater Lake to Lava Lands: an unusual West Coast itinerary part 2

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Here we are with the second part of this fascinating itinerary along the most bizarre, unusual, and little-known natural wonders of the American West Coast (what?! You missed the first part? No problem: here are the first 3 stops on this unusual West Coast itinerary).

After crossing a beach with self-propelled rocks, a science-fiction lake (both in California), and an unlikely geyser resulting from the unintentional collaboration between man and nature (Nevada), it’s time to move on to a new state: the beautiful and perhaps a bit neglected Oregon. What awaits us? What are the most unusual natural wonders in this state?

How about an immense lake-crater so deep that it’s awe-inspiring (Crater Lake), an improbable stretch of desert dunes along the coast (Oregon Dunes Recreation Area), a natural well so impressive it’s been dubbed Thor’s Well, or apocalyptic volcanic lava features (Lava Lands)?

If, like me, you are fascinated by these unusual natural spectacles, then follow this Oregon road trip itinerary. Ready to go? Let’s resume our journey along the route from Crater Lake to the Lava Lands!

Stage 1: Crater Lake, an impressive clear lake inside a crater

crater lake

We pick up our journey from Fly Geyser in Nevada and continue across the border in a northwesterly direction, crossing into California and bidding it our final farewell (I know, it’s heart-wrenching…) to land in Oregon. Driving along US-62 from Medford, you will enter Oregon Crater Lake National Park, but you won’t be able to say you’ve arrived until you’ve reached the shores of the crater itself, the deepest lake in the western hemisphere, formed after a frightening volcanic eruption.

The extraordinary depth of Crater Lake gives it such a clear blue color that it is considered unique in the world. It seems that after developing his photos, a photographer was so incredulous of the results that he thought it was an “unnatural” blue color due to a technical error. Obviously, that was not the case.

Enjoying Crater Lake from the west bank, near the Watchman Observation Point, admiring the tip of the volcanic cone (Wizard Island) emerging from the clear waters in all its majesty, is an impressive experience. From other observation points you can see Phantom Ship, another volcanic peak that, during periods of fog or low light, really gives the impression of being a ghost ship.

Crater Lake offers beautiful views even when it is covered with snow, the view is totally awesome! For more information on how to visit it and where to stay please refer to our guide at Crater Lake National Park.

Stage 2: Oregon Dunes, huge dunes by the sea

Oregon-Dunes-Recreation-Area

Who said that to see the desert you have to go to Nevada, New Mexico, or other inland areas? In Oregon, a marvelous and evocative desert of dunes (certainly more fascinating than the arid and monotonous one in Nevada) is located right on the Oregon coast, just a short distance from the ocean!

The dunes, interspersed here and there with stretches of woodland and a few lakes, are huge, extending along the coast for about 45 miles and reaching 160 feet in height. The dunes are not easily visible from the Highway (101); the best thing is to enter the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and follow one of the hiking trails, which will allow you to explore the area up close. Find all the information on how to visit them and where to stay overnight in our article on the most beautiful attractions on the Oregon Coast (coming soon).

Stage 3: Thor’s Well

Thor's Well Cape Perpetua
Thor’s Well: Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua

A short distance away (only an hour’s drive), continuing north along the coast, you’ll come to another bizarre spectacle of nature, the kind that the most daring photographers dream of capturing. This is Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua, a natural depression that is constantly emptying and filling with water, releasing impressive jets of water into the air, pumped up by the currents, especially at high tide.

It is a fascinating but dangerous spectacle: photographing the continuous flow of water is a temptation for many keen photographers, but be careful not to get too close, the tide could drag you fatally into the well.

Stage 4: the apocalyptic scenery of the Lava Lands and the Newberry Volcano

Big Obsidian Flow newberry national volcanic monument
Big Obsidian Flow at Newberry National Volcanic Monument in Oregon

After 2 stops on the coast, it is time to head back inland. Driving east, towards Bend, we will enter the Lava Lands, where Newberry National Volcanic Monument stands, a volcano that dates back 7000 years, and whose activity has left indelible traces on the surrounding area, creating an apocalyptic natural landscape.

Lava Lands Oregon
The ghostly lands of the Lava Lands

Of the things to do in this area choose at least one of these 3:

  • Lava River Cave: a 1-mile underground passageway produced by the action of lava, where the temperature remains constant at 41 degrees (for $4 they will also give you a flashlight).
  • Lava Cast Forest: a circular forest filled with basalt stems and trees burned by lava action.
  • Big Obsidian Flow: apocalyptic landscape characterized by huge hills of black volcanic glass, an impressive surface entirely covered with obsidian. You will find many accommodations for your stopover in the nearby town of Sunriver, about a 10-minute drive from the Lava Lands visitor center.

All available accommodations in and around Sunriver

Oregon road trip map

Here’s a recap of the second part of our itinerary, complete with travel distances from one stop to the next. To read the third one find the link just below.


Our Tip:
Looking for accommodations for your trip from California to other parts of the Southwest? Read our guide that contains reviews of hotels and strategic tips for finding accommodations near major attractions: Where to Stay: Our Tips for the SouthWest Area

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

lorenzo puliti
lorenzo puliti

I am fascinated by the wonders of the world I never tire of going in search of them.

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