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Things to do / Travel Guide
Southern Cascades Tourist Attractions
Shaped by volcanoes, with eruptions as recent as 1915, the existence of this pristine wilderness is almost a secret. Crater Lake is the most popular attraction in the area. Mt. Shasta is an impressive sight and can be conquered in a non-technical climb. In addition to lava formations and geothermal areas, there are also excellent whitewater rafting opportunities and interesting towns to visit in the region.
Crater Lake Tourist Attractions
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest lakes in the world at 1,958 feet deep. But it's not the depth of Crater Lake that draws visitors to its rocky shores, but the fact that it is a stunning crater and a stunning lake (hence the name). This huge, sapphire blue lake rests deep in the crater bowl and is surrounded by 2,000-foot high walls. The view from above is spectacular—those who make it to the top of Mt. Scott, the highest mountain in Crater Lake National Park will be awarded by this breathtaking scene.
Tourists can choose to hike in the park (includes the forests and mountains around Crater Lake), go scuba diving in the ice cold water, go on a boat tour out on the lake, or go for a road trip along Rim Drive—all exciting ways to experience Crater Lake and Crater Lake National Park.
Other tourist attractions in the area—all nature related—include a visit to Umpqua National Forest, Winema National Forest, or Fremont National Forest. Cat Ski Mount Bailey at nearby Diamond Lake is also a popular Crater Lake tourist attraction.
Crater Lake, Oregon Vacation Spots
Once you're visiting Oregon's Crater Lake, you'll want to make sure that you also spend some time getting to know some of the region's other vacation spots. Most of the following spots are easily accessible just off of I-5, making for easy road tripping in the Southern Cascades.
First, closest to Crater Lake, is the Natural Bridge at Rogue River National Forest, which is, as it sounds, a natural bridge—it's one of the great natural wonders of the region, and provides an excellent picnic spot. There's also plenty of light hiking around the bridge and through the forest.
Note that the breathtaking site of Crater Lake, California will not be found on any map - since it is in Oregon. However, as you do follow your map of Oregon further down I-5 into Northern California, you'll hit the Rogue River itself. The Rogue River is wild, beautiful, and, as the name implies, rather rogue—that is, you never quite know how it'll be acting up during your visit. Go fishing, boating, waterskiing, rafting, and sailing down the Rogue and then spend some inside time at the Woodville Museum before heading back out to the Rogue River's Palmerton Arboretum—a great way to acquaint yourself with the region's plants, trees, and flowers.
Finally, just before you hit the California border, you'll get to Ashland, Oregon, a town pleasantly situated in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges. Plan your trip between February and October and you'll get to enjoy the main Ashland attraction—a play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.
Mt. Shasta, California Tourist Attractions
Moving your way down into California, you'll soon come to Mt. Shasta, a major Northern California tourist attraction and the second highest peak in the Cascades. The mountain is located in Shasta Trinity National Forest and consists of at least four volcanic cones, seven glaciers, and other interesting geological features.
Of course hiking is the most popular activity at Mt. Shasta, but it's by no means the only one. Other Mt. Shasta tourist attractions include skiing or snowboarding at the Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park Resort Area, whitewater rafting down the Sacramento River, and paying a visit to the Shasta Dam. You won't want to miss water skiing or fishing for carp, Chinook salmon, or channel squawfish in Lake Shasta, so set aside some time for the third largest lake in California while you're here!
Crater Lake, Oregon Road Trip Getaway Planner
Instead of having a home base, plan a weeklong driving route to cover the major attractions in the region. Give yourself longer if you want to hike or take a multi-day rafting expedition.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Crater Lake, Mt. Shasta, California and Oregon Cascades
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