I'm a fledgling bike tourist. I'm working on plans for a trip this summer. I'm thinking of riding the rim of Crater Lake, and surrounding areas. Anyone have any advice for a trip like this? Roads to use, gear to bring, places to camp, best times to travel, etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Bike Love Forever!
Adam
Good choice! I did this route about 20 years ago as my first self contained tour. I started in Sutherlin, went up to the lake, rode around the lake, then down to the Rouge River Campground.
I think this was 4 days. Camping on the way up and down was easy to find a spot ( I prefer to stealth camp). But, be careful up on top! There were no camp sites then on the top, only a camp 7 miles down on the Rogue River side. I found a place after dark, but didn't sleep very well as I was worried about getting caught. I had asked a guy at a restaurant about places and he warned me about a steep fine ($250) if I got caught.
I went in the early Spring as the day I got there the road wasn't open yet around the lake, but they let me ride it anyway, so I had it all to myself. I did have to walk for a short distance once but that was well worth the solitude.
I think I would come up from the Rogue area then stay at that campground and ride on up and around the next day. Then you could find a camping spot on the way down to Roseburg or go back down the way you came, then you could pick a campsite on the way up.
As far as gear, basic tent, sleeping bag, rain gear, food, and stove should be good for a few days.I do remember being surprised that there were mosquitoes up there even though there was still snow on the north slopes.
Good Riding, Kidflash