Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway
Scenic-Viewpoints Tour
| Departure: | Crater Lake National Park, Oregon |
|---|---|
| Destination: | Lake of the Woods, Oregon |
| Time to allow: | 2 days |
The Cascade volcanoes are the star attraction from any viewpoint along the West Coast, and 14,162-foot Mount Shasta is the king of them all in the central coast region. Its snowy crown can be seen from nearly any hilltop between Redding, California, and Crater Lake National Park. While you're at it, see if you can pick out Lassen Peak, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Scott or the Three Sisters.
Wildlife, particularly waterfowl and raptors, are abundant throughout Klamath and Modoc Country. Migratory waterfowl number in the millions during spring and fall months. Bald eagles are relatively easy to spot during the late winter months. For the best wildlife viewing begin your drive or hike just as dawn breaks.
You'll find fire lookout towers at some of the viewpoints. During the summer season when the towers are occupied, visitors are welcome to climb to the top and look around. In the off-season, climbing on the towers is discouraged.
Day 1
-
Start: Crater Lake National Park
Here are the world-renowned views you've seen on post cards and in magazines. There are far too many individual spots to mention here. Many viewpoints are accessible by wheelchair. Some are found at the end of hiking trails. Stay the night in a campground or at Crater Lake Lodge.
Day 2
-
Stop 1: Fort Klamath
Directions from previous place: Take State Road 62 to the city of Fort Klamath.
Fort Klamath was established and garrisoned by the Oregon Volunteer Cavalry in 1863 to protect immigrant trains from Native American attack and maintain peace in the region during the Civil War.
-
Stop 2: Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges
Directions from previous place: Return to Byway from Fort Klamath and continue south.
Conserving the basin's otherwise dwindling habitats, these refuges support over 400 species of wildlife and serve as migratory stopovers for the Pacific Flyway waterfowl, whose populations peak over one million in the Fall.
-
Stop 3: Ouxkanee Overlook
Directions from previous place: From Klamath Falls go north 32 miles on Highway 97, west on Forest Service Road 9732, and one mile to overlook.
Distance from Previous Site: 33 miles / 52.8 km Suggested Time at This Site: 15 minutes A short drive off Highway 97 leads to a picnic area with a stunning overlook of Williamson River valley and surrounding landscape. Scan the horizon as far as Mount Shasta in Northern California.
-
Stop 4: Pelican Butte
Directions from previous place: Located 24 miles west of Klamath Falls on Highway 140 to Forest Service Road 3651, north 9 miles to spur number 980, east 3 miles to the summit.
Distance from Previous Site: 36 miles / 57.6 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 hour Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes The summit offers breathtaking views of Upper Klamath Lake and Sky Lakes Wilderness. Old-growth timber lines the narrow, rough road to the top. About an hour's drive from Klamath Falls to the summit. Accessible by high-clearance vehicle and by foot only.
-
Stop 5: Calimus Butte
Directions from previous place: From Chiloquin, Oregon, head east for 5.5 miles on Sprague River Highway. Turn left on Williamson River Rd. for 11 miles, then right on Forest Service Road 4542 for 2 miles. Head left on Road 4555, 1 mile to summit.
Distance from Previous Site: 14 miles / 22.4 km Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes This historic cupola-style lookout built by Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1920 overlooks the scene of 48-square-mile Lone Pine fire in 1992.
-
Stop 6: Herd Peak
Directions from previous place: From Macodel, go south 17 miles on Highway 97, west on Forest Service Road 45N22, follow signs for approximately 5 miles to lookout.
Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes A gravel road off Highway 97 leads to Herd Peak where a fire lookout is staffed during the summer months and is open to the public. The summit offers breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta and the surrounding area. Accessible by passenger car.
-
Stop 7: Upper Klamath Canoe Trail
Directions from previous place: From Klamath Falls, head west 25 miles on Highway 140. Turn north on the Rocky Point turnoff to Rocky Point resort. Malone Springs launch is a further 4 miles north on Westside Road.
This 9.5 mile trip through freshwater wetlands takes you past abundant wildlife, through lakes and streams and dense forests. The canoe trail has four segments: Recreation Creek, Crystal Creek, Wocus Cut and Malone Springs.
-
End: Lake of the Woods
This high mountain lake resort sits beside one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cascades. A great variety of recreational opportunities are here for visitors.
