📷 Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes

The Columbia River Gorge, high desert around Bend and the deep blue of Crater Lake.

Distance: 437 km (271 mi)
Driving: 4 h 51 min
Suggested days: 3
Stops: 4
States: OR
Updated: June 13, 2026

At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 437 km (271 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 51 min of driving in total.

More road trips in Oregon · More road trips from Portland

Route description

From Portland, follow I-84 east into the Columbia River Gorge to Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet in two tiers, reached from its own exit on the interstate. In summer a timed permit may be required, so check before you go.

Continue east to Hood River, then take OR-35 south around the flank of Mount Hood and US-26 toward Warm Springs, joining US-97 at Madras. East of the Cascades the damp fir forest gives way to juniper and sagebrush, and the high desert opens up around Bend, a lively town on the Deschutes River with volcanic buttes and lava fields close by.

South of Bend, US-97 runs through pine forest before OR-138 turns west toward Crater Lake National Park, where the deepest lake in the US fills a collapsed volcano. Rim Drive is usually fully open only from July to October, and snow can linger along the rim into early summer. Stop at several overlooks, as the color of the water changes with the light.

Stop-by-stop itinerary

In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.

1

Portland
OR
Start
2

Multnomah Falls
NatureBridal Veil, OR
Oregon's tallest waterfall, 620 feet in two tiers, just off I-84 in the Columbia River Gorge. Timed permits may apply in summer.
53 km
3

Bend
OR
216 km
4

Crater Lake National Park
NatureCrater Lake, OR
The deepest lake in the US fills a collapsed volcano. Rim Drive is usually fully open from July to October.
167 km

Suggested stages and overnight stops

3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.

Day 1: Portland → Multnomah Falls · 33 mi · 0 h 35 minOvernight nearby, for example: Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park (8 mi); Ainsworth Campground (3 mi).
Day 2: Multnomah Falls → Bend · 134 mi · 2 h 24 minOvernight nearby, for example: Scandia RV Park (2 mi); Sun Outdoors Bend (3 mi).
Day 3: Bend → Crater Lake National Park · 104 mi · 1 h 51 minOvernight nearby, for example: Diamond Lake Trailer Court (14 mi); Farewell Bend Campground (17 mi).

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.

Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons

Practical notes for the road

Crater Lake Rim Drive (2,300 m). Usually open July–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The south entrance road to Rim Village usually stays open.

Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.

FAQs

How long is Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?

3-day road trip of about 437 km (271 mi) with 4 stops, from Portland to Crater Lake National Park. About 4 h 51 min of driving in total.

How many days do you need for Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?

We suggest 3 days: about 4 h 51 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.

Where does Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes start and end?

It starts in Portland and ends in Crater Lake National Park.

Which states does Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes pass through?

Oregon.

Where can you camp along Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?

OpenStreetMap lists 98 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Columbia River RV Park, Vancouver Mall RV Park and Lewis & Clark Campground & RV Park.

When is the best time for Oregon's waterfalls and volcanoes?

The most pleasant months are usually September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)