We have combined these two natural wonders in a five day tour that will take you high and low, in and out and up and down these fabulous coastal mountains. Our tour assembles in Medford on Day 1 and we shuttle up to Crater Lake National Park. That first view of the vibrant blue lake will take your breath away, and our hike this afternoon will be along the rim of the steep bank of the crater. Our home for the first 2 nights is at the famed Crater Lake Lodge, overlooking the lake.
Day 2 we will climb the highest point in the National Park – Mt. Scott. Named for an Oregon pioneer, this mountain is a relatively gradual climb to the top, but offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding scenery. On the way to and from the climb, we will drive the entirety of the Rim Drive, with views of the lake from every side.
On Day 3 we have time for one more hike in the area. We will explore the Annie Spring Canyon and view Upper Annie Falls on this loop trail around a small canyon. From there, we will shuttle in the van through Grants Pass and south to Oregon Caves National Monument. We’ll hike the Big Tree Loop, a good introduction to the pine and fir forests of the area. There is currently no lodging available within the National Monument, so we will return to Grants Pass to our beautiful lodge right on the Rogue River.
Our hike on Day 4 will take us to another summit looking over the Oregon Caves area and the entire Siskiyou Forest. Mt. Elijah is an unassuming peak with fabulous views, and our route takes us on a loop along meadows, past lakes, and along ridges.
We have saved the cave tour for the last on Day 5 – a time to explore underground and learn about the history and geology of the area. After the tour, we exit near the Cliff Nature Trail where we can soak up the sun and learn more about the unique flora and fauna in the area. The Timberline van will return us to Medford in the afternoon for the conclusion of the tour.
