Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in Oregon
Usa, north-america
53 km
1,981 m
moderate
Year-round
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamt of circling a volcanic caldera with views that'll knock your socks off? Then you NEED to experience Rim Drive in Oregon's Crater Lake National Park.
This 33-mile loop is paved, but don't let that fool you - it's an adventure! You'll climb from 6,500 feet to a dizzying 7,877 feet at Cloudcap, one of Oregon's highest roads!
Carved into the landscape between 1926 and 1941, this road is a true engineering marvel. But be warned: it's only open during the summer months (usually July to October) because winter brings insane amounts of snow - think drifts up to 60 feet deep! Always check conditions before you go because things can change fast.
Rim Drive is packed with about 50 turnouts, each offering a unique perspective of Crater Lake. But heads up, if you're not a fan of heights, this might test you. The road can be narrow and winding, and often lacks guardrails with some pretty steep drop-offs. Keep an eye out for fallen rocks too! Big rigs and buses are allowed, but be prepared for some tight squeezes, especially when it's crowded.
Trust me, the views are worth it. Crater Lake is seriously stunning, and the drive around it is unforgettable. Take your time, soak it all in, and snap a million photos! You'll find tons of info plaques to learn about the area too.
The speed limit is a chill 35 mph or less, and you'll be sharing the road with cyclists, so keep an eye out. Plan for at least 1.5 hours without stops. You'll be treated to incredible lake vistas, panoramic views, forests, and meadows. Crater Lake itself is not only gorgeous but also one of the deepest lakes in the USA! With 8 main viewpoints and 15 vista points, each stop offers a fresh and breathtaking perspective.
Bonus: Rim Drive is a highlight of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a 500-mile route that links Crater Lake with Lassen Volcanic National Park. But honestly, the Rim Drive loop might just be the most dramatic and stunning part of the whole journey! Don't miss it!
Where is it?
Rim Drive is a scenic 33-mile road around Crater Lake in Oregon is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 43.4475, -100.1280
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 53 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,981 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.4475, -100.1280
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