Cycling in Oregon - Eugene, Bend and Crater Lake

Day 1: Arrival in Eugene & biking the stunning Aufderheide
60 miles

Meet your group at the Home2 Suites by Hilton in Eugene at 9:00 am or at the Graduate, Eugene, at 8:15 am. If you've not overnighted in either establishment, you'll need to take a taxi to either location to join the group ready for transfer.

Set off on your first exhilarating ride along the breathtaking Aufderheide Scenic Byway, one of the top ten roads for cyclists in the West. Cycle alongside the magnificent, wild McKenzie River through the dense tree cover of the atmospheric Willamette National Forest. You'll be staying the night in a historic cottage in Blue River, situated on the McKenzie River.

Elevation gain/loss: + 3,659 ft / - 3,528 ft

(Meals L, D)

Day 2: Blue River - Bend
48 miles

This morning you'll ride up to the incredible Cascade Mountain range, an impressive 3,700-ft climb spanning 22 miles. The snow-capped mountain view at the peak of the McKenzie Pass is worth every effort for an unmissable Oregonian view! Enjoy an exhilarating descent through the majestic pines of the Willamette National Forest into the Old West town of Sisters. You'll spend two nights in Bend, enjoying breathtaking surroundings and sumptuous craft beer!

Elevation gain loss: + 4,608 ft / - 2,621 ft

(Meals B, L, D)

Day 3: Bend

Today you'll ride through Smith Rock State Park, a rock climbing paradise. The thousands of routes up these colossal cliff faces attract climbers from all over the globe, eager to try out the many difficulty levels offered by the tuff and basalt cliffs. The afternoon will be yours to explore Bend on your own terms. The hardest part will be deciding where to go! Bend offers a plethora of exciting activities: world-class fly fishing on the Deschutes or Metolius rivers, stellar hikes and mountain biking trails, river rafting, and, of course, brilliant brewpubs, shops, and art galleries. If you'd like to enjoy another cycle, your guide can help you with route suggestions.

(Meals B)

Day 4: Bend - Crater Lake
40 miles

Today leads you to the Cascade Lakes Highway, a breathtaking National Scenic Byway in the Deschutes National Forest. Following the foothills of Mount Bachelor from Dutchman Flat to Crane Prairie Reservoir, you'll witness the activities of the captivating wildlife (especially nesting or migrating birdlife) from a premier position. This area is a popular breeding ground for ospreys, whilst the shallow waters are home to record-breaking numbers of rainbow trout.

In the afternoon, you'll cycle to Crater Lake National Park, pedaling across a high alpine meadow strewn with the remnants of the volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama 8,000 years ago. As you reach the crest of the volcano rim, you'll enjoy your first unforgettable view of Crater Lake, one of Oregon's 'Seven Wonders', 1,500 ft below. You won't forget this iconic moment! You'll spend the next two nights at Crater Lake Lodge, the lovingly restored National Park Lodge perched on the west rim, offering spectacular views.

Elevation gain/loss: + 1,718 ft / - 2,348 ft

(Meals B, L, D)

Day 5: Crater Lake
35 miles

According to Bicycling Magazine, the cycling itinerary that unfolds today is one of the most spectacular one-day rides in the USA. As you ride the rim road of Crater Lake, the deepest in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth, to one side you'll find a rocky cliff dropping down to the water, and on the other side, a 100-mile panoramic view from 7,000 ft of elevation. Take in the unforgettable views of the Cascade Mountains; Eastern Oregon’s high desert, Cinnamon Butte, and The Sisters.

Elevation gain/loss: + 4,165 feet / - 4,163 feet

(Meals B, L, D)

Day 6: Diamond Lake | Transfer to Eugene

Today's final day of cycling packs a punch! You've earned the initial exhilarating downhill towards the shores and glittering waters of the sensational Crater Lake. Descending further into Umpqua National Forest, you can cycle along the tranquil shoreline of the beautiful Diamond Lake on a traffic-free paved bike path, soaking up blissful scenery. Finally, ride back to the resort to pack up and board your transfer back to Eugene. Eugene drop-offs are between 4:00-6:00 pm. The three drop-off locations are Valley River Inn, Graduate, or Eugene Airport.

Elevation gain/loss: + 1,112 / - 3,014 feet

(Meals B, L)