Road has been singled out by the
State of Oregon for its jaw-dropping beauty.
1 Starting with a bang
Geologically, the Volcanic Legacy
began several thousand years ago. Geographically,
the Byway begins at Diamond Lake Junction, about halfway between Bend
and Klamath Falls on US Route 97. Here, Oregon Route 138 climbs as
straight as a ponderosa pine to the north entrance of Crater Lake
National Park. Because of snow, this entrance is usually open only from
June through October.
2 Captivating Crater Lake
The road ascends through a pumice moonscape
created by the massive eruption of Mt. Mazama about 7,700 years ago.
The eruption left a six-mile-wide caldera, which now cradles the
deepest lake in North America. The vast depth and clarity of Crater
Lake give it remarkable blueness that makes it one of the most
awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world.
The 33-mile rim drive not only takes in the full
spectacle, it provides access to the lake via the Cleetwood Trail, a
side trip to the Pinnacles near the south rim, and breathtaking views
in all directions. The Rim Village Visitors Center is open all year,
making a great starting point for wintertime cross-country skiing and
snowshoeing adventures. In summer and fall, enjoy the views, history
and accommodations at Crater Lake Lodge.
3 Fort Klamath.
Exit the park through the south entrance and turn
left on Oregon Route 62. The "Crater Lake Highway" follows
Annie Creek through peaceful pastures down to Fort Klamath. In summer,
the museum here details the antagonism between settlers and Native
Americans, which culminated in the Modoc War of 1872-73. An
especially beautiful spot to visit in the Fort Klamath area is Jackson F. Kimball State Park.
4 The Call of the Wildlife.
The byway tour continues on Weed Road to Sevenmile
Road west, then south on West Side Road. Soon you'll be driving on the
edge of the Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge and Upper Klamath
Lake. Covering 133 square miles, the lake is Oregon's largest body of
fresh water, filling a basin created when the earth's crust dropped
along fault lines on both sides. Situated in the heart of the Pacific
Flyway, the area attracts more than 250 species of birds, including
sandhill cranes, pelicans and bald eagles.
Several campgrounds and resorts with marinas
invite you to stay and explore canoe routes. In the shadow of Mt
McLoughlin, West Side Road connects with Oregon Route 140 along the
lake. Howard Bay is a common place to see nesting pelicans, blue herons
and snow geese. The southern end of the lake is home to bald eagles all
year long.
5 Klamath Falls.
The Byway continues south as Oregon Route 140
meets US Route 97 on the southern outskirts of Klamath Falls. Take a
trip into town to visit the historic Baldwin Hotel Museum and the
Favell Museum's impressive collection of Indian artifacts. Then head
south again on US Route 97.
6 Final Refuge.
After passing through cropland along the Klamath
River, you'll travel between the Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge
and Lower Klamath National Refuge. This segment of the Byway ends on
the California border at the Francis S. Landrum Historic Wayside, which
commemorates the Applegate Emigrant Trail.
Rest Areas: One at Crater Lake Lodge and another
about 10 miles south of Klamath Falls.
Gas: Have plenty before leaving Chemult or Klamath
Falls.
For more information, contact the Great Basin
Visitor Association at 800-445-6728 or 541-882-1501.
More Scenic Drives For a fabulous preview of
Scenic Byway attractions take a look at www.volcaniclegacy.net and see panoramic views of the best places to visit! To see the entire Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Oregon
and California
To learn more about the major volcanoes in the
Klamath Basin please visit these links:
