5 Days: Pacific Northwest Loop – Crater Lake, Diamond Lake & Mount Hood
A scenic loop through south-central Oregon's volcanic landscape, anchored by the impossibly blue Crater Lake and looping through high-altitude forests and pristine alpine lakes. Ideal for hikers and anyone seeking mountain scenery without desert heat.
What to expect
- Crater Lake rim drive: deepest lake in the USA, electric-blue water
- Wizard Island day hike and boat tour (weather permitting)
- Diamond Lake loop trail through subalpine meadows and forest
- Mount Scott summit hike (8,926 ft) overlooking the caldera
Day by day
Arrive Klamath Falls. Pick up supplies (Crater Lake has no lodging or food services).
Drive to Crater Lake National Park (1 hour). Begin Rim Drive circuit (26 miles scenic loop).
Stop at Rim Village for sunset over the caldera. Stay at Crater Lake Lodge or nearby motel.
Optional boat tour to Wizard Island (ranger-guided) and scramble to volcanic cinder cone.
Hike Watchman Trail (1.4 miles) for westside peak views, or continue Rim Drive loop.
Complete Rim Drive; camp or lodge near Rim Village. Stargazing over the caldera.
Hike Mount Scott Trail (5 miles round trip, 2,100 ft elevation gain) for panoramic views.
Drive south and west toward Diamond Lake (45 minutes). Stop at viewpoints.
Settle in Diamond Lake area; stay at lodge or rustic cabin.
Hike Diamond Lake Loop Trail (10.3 miles) or shorter 4-mile section through forest and meadow.
Drive scenic byway toward Mount Bailey views. Fish at lake outlets or explore wildflower meadows.
Return to Diamond Lake area. Bonfire and stargazing if camping.
Scenic drive west on Highway 62 toward Medford, passing old lava tubes and wildlife refuge.
Stop at Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge for birdwatching; return to Klamath Falls.
Depart or stay another night in Klamath Falls.
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