Author Topic: TransAm to Crater Lake  (Read 5811 times)

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Offline c_steve_j

TransAm to Crater Lake
« on: April 30, 2024, 04:10:35 pm »
Hello ... Need some help. I will be riding the Trans Am eastbound from Astoria in early summer. Crater Lake National Park is on my bucket list. I very much want to see this park. And since I am going to be in the area, I want to come off-trail and see this park. It's the perfect opportunity. I plan to take the Eugene Spur and from Eugene ride to Crater Lake NP. My dilemma is the most appropriate route. As a starting point, I used Google and it has suggested 3 possible routes. The suggested routes are; 1) via OR-138 E, 2) via US Frst Service Rd 21, or 3) via Row River Trail (BLM) and US Frst Service Rd 21. I'm hoping someone with knowledge of the area or experience riding to Crater Lake from the Trans Am route can make my dream come true. Thenks everyone!

Offline John Nettles

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Re: TransAm to Crater Lake
« Reply #1 on: April 30, 2024, 06:07:29 pm »
Welcome to ACA's Forums!
I personally am not familiar with the area so am a bit reluctant to offer a route.  The problem you have is that there just are not that many roads.  Others may chime in with more personal experience. 

However, if I were doing the route, I would at least check out RWGPS and cobble together routes as those are what local riders use.  Google Maps is fine in cities but sucks outside them.  Also, you can check out Oregon's "Traffic Flow Maps" https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Data/Pages/Traffic-Counting.aspx to see if you are comfortable with the traffic volumes.  Be sure to factor in services (food, lodging, etc.) for your route.

Tailwinds, John
« Last Edit: April 30, 2024, 06:10:06 pm by John Nettles »

Offline jamawani

Re: TransAm to Crater Lake
« Reply #2 on: April 30, 2024, 06:19:32 pm »
25 years ago I did it riding westbound.
I got on US 97 part of the way and thought I was gonna die.
I can't imagine what US 97 is like now - mega traffic & tons of trucks.

Getting to/from Crater Lake from the west is no problem.
Hwy 138 wasn't bad and Diamond Lake has nice campgrounds.
Everything depends on when you are doing this.
Rim Drive doesn't open until late June or even July.
Westbound I hit it in late summer.
But eastbound, you may be too early.

Also, remember riding clockwise puts you next to the lake.
To repeat - it's east of Crater Lake where the route connections are dicey.

PS- My guess is that you are not from the West.
How early is early and how much do you know about when spring arrives in the high country.
« Last Edit: April 30, 2024, 06:22:24 pm by jamawani »

Offline c_steve_j

Re: TransAm to Crater Lake
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2024, 08:54:22 am »
John .... Thanks for your routing suggestions. I do have an account with RWGPS. I will check out your links. Thanks for your time and appreciate your advice.


jamawani .... I am not from the West. And I am not versed in the seasonal changes that occur in the high country. I've experienced some seasonal changes in the Rockies but not intuned with them. I will be leaving Astoria starting the 2nd week of July. Google was only used to give me some sort of idea about getting to the Park. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Offline John Nettles

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Re: TransAm to Crater Lake
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2024, 09:54:46 am »
Just to clarify, none of my RWGPS routes are in the Crater Lake area.  I was just suggestion you use RWGPS to search for a suitable route. Hope you have a great ride!

Offline zzzz

Re: TransAm to Crater Lake
« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2024, 11:03:03 pm »
Hi:
I have not done the far west section of the TransAm but some years ago I did the Sierra Cascades route which crosses the TA in Sisters. From there the SC heads down to Crater Lake. It was a good route that I enjoyed. It shows on Map 2 for the SC. Between Sisters and Bend it breaks south off of 20 and it’s kind of serpentine for awhile but then meets up w 372 to 46 to 58 to 97 to 138 (it would be best to buy the map). Crater Lake is about 120 miles south of Sisters and how best to get back on the TA is something I can’t help you with. I don’t mean to discourage you though, it looked like a post card the day I was there.